by Emma McCrow
April 19 1770
Dear Diary;
I, Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, Archduchess of Austria, embark on this day to be claimed in marriage by one Louis Auguste, Dauphine and future king of France. I have been educated in all mannerisms eloquent and befitting of a Dauphine. Though to some I may look composed, the personification of decorum and grace, I am in fact screaming clandestinely within. At four and ten I fear I am much too young to concede to this life proffered upon me. It is my duty I know to accept it, I must be willing in order to solidify the alliance between our two countries, but in the stillness of my ever beating heart, I am reluctant. I have left all I have ever known behind me, and have been obliged to espouse a culture, a way of life that is not my own.
Only yesterday did I meet the five and ten young Dauphine. We two strangers beheld each other with a hastened glance and a concealed smile as he bowed and I curtsied, both of us in full knowledge that this was the inauguration of the rest of our lives, ever to be bound in marriage solely based on another’s idea of common mutuality between our two great nations in the ever dwindling hope of maintaining prospective peace.
Here the day has arrived, as I take my consigned position at the side of my future husband, forging history in each stride we take towards one another and my heart beating ever so alacriously with each step. For the sake of my beloved Austria, in respect and duty to my country, I accept my fate.
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A fictional diary entry it may be, but the thoughts
and feelings of one Marie Antoinette on the day of her marriage to the then Dauphine of France, Louis, you can only imagine, would be one of reluctant servitude towards her Austrian roots. In the early months of May 1770 before the official marriage ceremony, Marie moved into what would be her future home, the Palace of Versailles. This illustrious palace decked out with over 700 rooms, 2000 windows, 67 staircases and almost 2000 acres of park was intricately designed by the best French and Italian artists of the time to impress dignitaries, visitors and the general populace. In addition the palace harbours its very own opera, chapel and additional varied apartments. In essence the Palace of Versailles is one example of a statement through which the French stamped their place on the map in being recognised by the world.
Starting out as a humble hunting lodge, three kings ruled from the walls of the palace during varied turbulent times throughout French history where the rich were rich and the poor were extremely, well…poor! Assigned a position on the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites, the Palace of Versailles has been restored to its former glory through several refurbishment and restoration programmes. Nowadays the palace serves as a museum where tourists from all over the world have the unique opportunity to marvel at its grandeur, gargantuan size, ostentatious design and beauteous splendour. You too can walk in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette as you tour through rooms such as Marie Antoinette’s bedroom, the reflective Hall of Mirrors and the extensive palace gardens featuring multiple large water fountains and carefully crafted patterned hedges.
There are several experiences on offer when
visiting the Palace of Versailles depending on how much time you have. I say this because you have no idea of the sheer size of the Palace until you yourself are standing at the front gates over a kilometre from the main entrance. The best advice I can offer you is to plan ahead and research which particular areas you wish to see as well as to make your booking as most tickets are not offered at the gate. Furthermore be prepared that you yourself will be doing the walking as you will be without the added advantage of a 16th century horse drawn carriage. Now we’ve got that out of the way, without further ado here are your ticket options:
- The Passport: Cost from €25
With the choice of a one of two day passport, this ticket will allow you entry to all the palace tours including the Trianon Palaces, grounds and Marie Antoinette’s Estates. You also have the additional option of exploring the sites at your own leisure or with a tour guide. In a way this may be a good idea because it is possible you will get lost without one.
- The Palace: Cost €15
This ticket allows you entry into the main 
palace where you will visit the Hall of Mirrors and the grand apartments of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. I personally went on this tour with a tour guide and there was so much to see that we ran out of time even though we were there for 5 hours.
- Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s Estates: Cost €10
As stated in the title, that’s where this ticket allows you entry. You will see areas such as the Grand Trianon and gardens, the Queen’s Hamlet, French Pavilion and the Temple of Love.
- Discover the Hidden Versailles: Cost from €16
On this tour you will be guided by a lecturer visiting the private apartments of Louis XV and Louis XVI, the Opera and the Chapel. Make note that these particular areas are only open to accompanied groups.
It is important to note that persons under 18, people under 26 who are residents of the European Union, teachers assigned to a French establishment, schoolchildren and disabled persons are allowed free entry. In addition, the first Sunday of the months from November to March is also free for specific tours. If you plan to visit more than one French museum, it may be beneficial to invest in a ‘Paris Museum Pass’ which will allow you entry into the Palace of Versailles as well as over 60 other museums and monuments in and around Paris. Lastly you have the option of obtaining ‘A Year in Versailles’ card which will allow you entry into the Palace as many times as you wish within a year costing €50.
For information and dates of specific events hosted by the Palace of Versailles visit this site.
Author’s Bio: Emma McCrow is an International Development, Photomedia and Journalism student from Brisbane, Queensland and Ytravler’s Adventure Columnist. As a travel junkie, Emma has been to over 19 countries travelling extensively through Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and parts of the Pacific. Emma loves exotic foods, unique travelling (go figure), and bundles of adventure.