We would wager that when you think of Marie-Antoinette, simplicity is not the first word that comes to mind. But just how well do you know Antonia, the young Austrian archduchess who became Queen of France?

Did you know that she abhorred the rigid etiquette of the French Court and that she preferred a simpler life? She went so far as to create a bubble for herself at Trianon (across the park from the Château of Versailles) where she set the rules. There she and her guests could dress as they liked and enjoy a more informal and personal environment.

It was in the hamlet at Trianon (pictured above) where she would organise picnics with friends that would include fresh fruit and vegetables from her kitchen gardens.

At Vendôme Circle we invite you to pull back the curtain and discover something of the real Marie-Antoinette on one of our unique picnic experiences.