Bienvenue au Versailles!

Today we spent the entire day at the Palace at Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles is among the most prestigious of the world's heritage sites and represents the finest and most accomplished achievement of the 17th century French art. King Louis XIII's former hunting lodge was transformed and enlarged by his son Louis XIV, who installed his court and government there. (per the brochure)

We roamed the Royal Courtyard, explored the Palace and crossed the gardens and groves to the Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate. In this photo we are actually on the grounds of the palace just inside the main gate. It is about 500 yards from the Royal Courtyard. The courtyard actually starts at the building that Tracy's right hand is on in the photo. You cannot even begin to comprehend the magnitude of this palace until you see it in real life. It is bigger and more grand than pictures can show.

When we arrived the line to go inside the palace was so long we decided to tour the grounds first. That turned out to be a really good decision.

As we walked toward the back of the palace the

gardens came into view and were stunning. This photo was actually taken from inside the palace. Can you see the tiny little people standing out there? This is just one of the many gardens and groves located near the palace and gives a good perspective of how big it actually is. While walking, we came across a tram that would take us on a mini-tour of sorts of the grounds. It was an additional 6 Euros but well worth it. (Amy, skip the audio tour on this tram. Wasn't worth the extra 1,20 Euros.) The tram took us to the middle half of the estate to the Grand Trianon. This was the private and personal quarters for the French kings away from the Chateau itself. Had we walked it would have taken us about 25 minutes to travel the 1.5 km.

Like the rest of Versailles, the Grand Trianon building itself is a work of art. This single story structure has its own grounds and gardens that are equally beautiful. This photo is of Louis XIV's bedchamber. This is only part of the room. To the left of the table is another area the same size with seating/tables for about 15-20 people. While touring this mini-palace we learned there was a guided visit of the private apartments of the Emperor. That is to say Napoleon Bonaparte. The tour lasts for about 35 minutes and is in groups of about 15 people. Did we go? Heck yes! One problem, the tour is in French! Oh well, who cares! I can now say I have seen Napoleon's personal toilet and bathtub with running water. Can you? We weren't permitted to take photos so I don't have any pictures to prove it, but I know someone who did sneak some pictures and will have to get her memory card so I can share them with you. In any language it was totally cool. I highly recommend it.

Next stop, the Petit Trianon: aka Marie-Antoinette's Estate. That's right... I walked through Marie-Antoinette's house today! The brochure describes it best:

"The Creation of 'Marie-Antoinette's Estate' is part of the 'Grand Versailles' project that aims most notably to show Versailles' contrasts: Classical and Baroque, destitution and extravagance, male inspiration from Louis XIV and female inspiration from Marie-Antoinette to Madame de Pompadour, to name just a few. The Petit Trianon and its gardens are inseparably linked from Marie-Antoinette: she was the only queen who

imposed her personal tastes on Versailles, scoffing at Court traditions. In the Trianon estate, which Louis XVI to her in 1774, she found a haven of privacy that allowed her to escape from the rigors of Court Etiquette. No one could enter without her personal invitation."

This palace has a very intimate feel despite the

fact that it is huge. It is simple, elegant and beautiful. I have a photo of her toilet if you want

to see it. It is made of wood and looks a lot like an airplane toilet. Beats an out house or using a chamber pot, right? This photo is of her game room - a socializing room for games and music.

After this we grabbed a quick bite to eat from the take-away counter of a baguette with spinach, pave de chevre (type of cheese) and honey. It was pretty good for a light snack.

It was raining when we left the Petit Trianon and grabbed the tram back to the Chateau. Since it was later in the day and had been raining many of the thousands that were there had already left and so were able to view the Chateau without throngs of people everywhere.

In contrast to the simplicity of Marie-Antoinette's estate, the Chateaux is all opulence and grandure. Everything is guilded and ornate. In other words, exactly what you expect a French palace to look like. Our tour included the State Apartments (Hall of Mirrors, and King's Chamber as well as the Queen's chambers and lots of other rooms) and the Chapel and 17th Century Galleries. This last photo is of the King's Bedchamber.

That's it for now. Tomorrow is Musee d'Orsay and shopping!