On Location with Marie Antoinette

With the new season of Marie Antoinette hitting our screens, we reveal just a few of the iconic locations featured in the series – and what you can discover if you visit.

Château de Versailles 

As the famously flamboyant home of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles – found some 12 miles to the southwest of Paris – naturally plays a starring role in the show. While the glittering Hall of Mirrors is its most iconic spot, and features several times, many of the exterior shots were also filmed on location here. Today, the queen’s legacy lives on in several parts of the palace, most of which were recreated for the series either elsewhere or back in the studio. If you visit just one, be sure to see the Petit Trianon – a gift from Louis to his wife in 1774 – and which became her own private retreat. Just next to this, there’s also the Queen’s Hamlet, designed for her in 1783, with its rustic-style buildings around a lake. Alternatively, look out for the themed guided tours linked to Marie Antoinette, some of which take in areas of the palace that are not otherwise accessible.  

TOP TIP: It’s worth allowing enough time to wander through the celebrated gardens and wider park – spanning 800 hectares in all – and, if timing permits, attending one of the Musical Fountains Shows that are a special highlight here.

The Palais-Royal

A peaceful haven in the heart of the capital, hidden away just around the corner from the Louvre, the formal gardens of the Palais-Royal have long been a popular meeting spot for Parisians. Originally built for Cardinal de Richelieu in 1633, and then a home of the royals, the site would later become a focal point for opposition to the monarchy – the story of which unfolds in the second season of Marie Antoinette. Today, the buildings here provide the setting for several French institutions, two famed theatres and a fair few fancy shops, while the grounds are adorned with a large central fountain, tree-lined walkways and elegant flowerbeds. Look out, also, for the black-and-white-striped columns of Daniel Buren’s chessboard-style art installation. 

TOP TIP: Beautiful at any time of the year, the gardens are particularly lovely when they are sprinkled with lush roses. They also make for a perfect photo opportunity against the backdrop of the statues, fountain and elegant architecture.

Château de Fontainebleau

One of those fairytale châteaux that France does so beautifully, Fontainebleau was another home of the royal family (are you spotting a theme here?) from medieval times to the 19th century. Located around an hour’s drive to the southeast of Paris, and set in 130 hectares of magnificent parkland and gardens, this regal residence would become a much-needed escape for Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette – as we see in episode three of the first season. Spanning 900 years of history, the castle has gone through a fair few changes down the centuries, but its origins can still be seen in the former keep. For the purposes of our tour, following in the footsteps of the television series, this splendid château – and particularly its two chapels – can also be spotted in the show doubling for other locations. 

TOP TIP: While some parts of the château can be enjoyed on a leisurely self-guided wander, it’s worth joining one of the official tours in order to visit Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir – another gift from Louis XVI to his wife. 

Château de Champs-sur-Marne

Found around 12 miles to the east of Paris, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne has long been a favorite with filmmakers. Indeed, it has hosted more than 80 productions in all, and now it can add both seasons of Marie Antoinette to the list. Set in 85 hectares of stunning parkland, this imposing mansion was built in the early 18th century and bequeathed to the state in 1935. Highlights include the sumptuous Chinese salon, the room that was once Madame de Pompadour’s bathroom, the lavish bed-chambers, and the beautiful music room with its striking view over the landscaped gardens. On that note, be sure to allow some time to wander the gorgeous grounds with their flowerbeds, ponds, statues, meadows, woods and boxwood “embroidery.” For Marie Antoinette, the château was used to double for a couple of locations at Versailles, but it’s mainly the gardens that are featured.

TOP TIP: Why not make a day of it with a hamper of food and a bottle of wine? There are dedicated picnic spots next to the orangery and in the small and large meadows.

Château de Champlâtreux

While only open on selected dates over the summer, the Château de Champlâtreux is well worth a visit for those who can make the timing work. Dating from the middle of the 18th century, this elegant château – less than an hour’s drive north of Paris – is home today to the Duc de Noailles. However, it is also used for the filming of movies and period dramas, such as Marie Antoinette, as well as weddings and other events. The two great halls, both featuring beautiful black and white marble floors, are particularly striking. Surrounded by landscaped parkland, which gives way to 50 hectares of lush woodland, the château overlooks greenery in every direction. For Marie Antoinette, several scenes from the Petit Trianon were shot here. Also, look out for the episodes featuring the apartment of Jeanne de Valois and the Paris painting salon. 

TOP TIP: Fancy extending your stay here? Why not hire the charming cottage in the grounds, La Closerie, which can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Located around 30 miles southeast of Paris, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of the most spectacular in the region – and the largest private estate in France to be listed as a Historical Monument. Created from the 17th century onwards, it was also the first project to bring together the dream team of the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter Charles Le Brun and the landscape gardener André Le Notre, making it a prototype of sorts for Versailles. Today, the château is inhabited by the de Vogüé family who also welcome guests into their home. Outside, the garden design is considered a masterpiece of the jardin à la française style. The château is used regularly for film and photo shoots, as well as other private and corporate events, and has a star turn in Marie Antoinette early in season one. The scene where Louis and his new wife are up on the roof with the doves was shot here. The grounds are also featured in the series.

TOP TIP: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte was the first one to offer evening visits by candlelight. Every Saturday evening from May 24 to September 27, and on Fridays in July and August, the château and its gardens are lit up by 2,000 candles.

Château de Courson

Set on the side of a lake, which creates an almost mirror-like reflection, this dreamy château is situated less than 25 miles to the southwest of Paris. Dating mainly from the 17th century, and extended and restored at various times, it has lost none of its original charm. In Marie Antoinette, it doubles as the château that the queen buys from Chartres. The highlight inside is the jaw-dropping drawing room. Spanning two floors, it is adorned with a trompe-l’oeil balustrade and topped off with a painted ceiling depicting a spring sky dotted with birds. Outside, a number of renowned landscape designers have left their mark on the 40 hectares of glorious grounds. Over the years, the estate has hosted a wide variety of events, from filming and fashion shoots to commercials and weddings.

TOP TIP: While the gardens can be visited independently on specific dates, the château can only be visited by guided tour. Check out the website for more details. 

Marie Antoinette: The Diamond Necklace Affair airs on BBC Two from Thursday May 8 at 9pm. It will also be available to watch in full on BBC iPlayer along with season one. Viewers in France can watch on Canal+ and in the US on PBS