Let’s Go to Paris! Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette Turns 20
This Post Contains Affiliate Links
Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette is a scrumptious visual feast with all its “let them eat cake” grandeur. Marie Antoinette is aging nicely, not the historical figure, but the movie, which just turned twenty.
The film, with its Academy Award-winning costumes and exquisite sets, brought the tale of the glamorous Queen of France to screens far and wide, further cementing the tragic allure of the icon for a whole new generation. To celebrate the anniversary of this pop culture ode to historical excess, the Palace of Versailles will host a large retrospective honoring Coppola’s film.
“Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola” will be housed in the estate’s Petit Trianon, the Queen’s personal chateau. Coppola was fortunate enough to be given permission to shoot scenes at Petit Trianon, the first director to have the honor of filming at the Palace of Versailles. The exhibit will showcase the rooms featured in the film, as well as original costumes by designer Milena Canonero, various props, storyboards, annotated scripts, photographs, and set design sketches from the production.
“Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola” will run from September 22, 2026, until January 24, 2027, at the Palace of Versailles, Place d’Armes, France.
And you know what? Fall and winter really are exceptional times to visit France, with mild weather and less expensive flights and hotels. If the plan is to focus your trip on the new exhibit, it would awfully handy to sleep right near Versailles and there happens to be a few royal-worthy options nearby.
Airelles Château de Versailles – Le Grand Contrôle
Built in 1681, commissioned by King Louis XIV, Le Grand Contrôle is the only hotel located within the Palace of Versailles grounds. A big perk: guests have the opportunity to explore the Palace of Versailles and the Hall of Mirrors after it has closed to the general public. The hotel’s restaurant serves up 17th-century-inspired dishes as part of their feasts and banquets. Rooms start at 2 300 € a night and include breakfast, personal butler service, and private estate access. Personally, I have added a stay to my life goal list.
Trianon Palace Versailles, A Waldorf Astoria By Hilton Hotel
The Trianon Palace hugs the outskirts of the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. Overlooking the gardens, this grand traditional hotel offers convenience with the Palace being a short walk away. Perks include a Guerlain Spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, and heated indoor swimming pool. Rooms start at around $265 a night.
Hôtel Les Lumières, Versailles
This Relais & Chateaux resort consists of two 17th-century pavilions given by the Sun King to Edouard Colbert and Antoine de Gramont. The hotel embraces their rich history by naming each of the 30 rooms and suites after a luminary from the Age of Enlightenment. Perk: After a day exploring Versailles, relax in the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa. Rooms start at around $365.