Versailles, the home of kings and queens is something
that one should make the effort to see.
First though, we had to have our favorite breakfast
waffles smothered in Nutella and whipped cream
just at the Champs Elysees end of the Tuileries. We
had these waffles when we were in Paris before and
were delighted that the stand was still there.
Truly the moistest, most amazing waffle I have ever tasted.
Nothing I have ever had or made compared to this.
We took the
train out to Versailles. It was just two blocks from our
hotel and very easy to reach, then we walked a few blocks.
You are greeted by gold gates and fences that speak
of the wealth of France.
Through the gates you glimpse the gorgeous palace
which has been so beautifully preserved.
Whether you are a lover of painting, architecture, interior design
or gardens, Versailles is absolutely exquisite.
This is a beautiful royal bedroom. Behind the rails is the private
area.
In front of the rails is where the courtiers would gather in the
morning.
We have a truly different view of the privacy of a bedroom. I don't
think I would want crowds of people in my bedroom each morning!
I had to include this beautiful purple room and rug. So much of the public spaces were
set aside for games and gathering as that was major form of entertainment.
This is another royal bedroom, I love the ostrich feathers
at the top of the bed.
The famous Hall of Mirrors can't be captured in film. It is exquisite
and mammoth. Courtiers would gather here each morning in hopes
of capturing the eye of the king on his way to chapel.
One of my favorite parts of the palace
are the gorgeous grounds.
When we went to Versailles previously it was
during February so all of the fountains
were empty and nothing was green.
It was gorgeous to see it beautiful and lush.
You could wander here all day and still not see it all.
There are so many beautiful parts of the gardens, enchanting
beyond belief.
The flowers are just becoming lush.
The Grand Trianon, another gorgeous part of Versailles
is away from the press of the Palace crowds where
military plans were made.
I loved this beautiful marble flooring between
the two wings of the Grand Trianon.
The Petit Trianon was given to Marie Antoinette
by her husband Kind Louis XVI. My favorite
part of it was seeing the vast kitchens down
below.
Now here is an amazing oven and cooktop!
As a foodie, it was so fun to get to peek at behind
the scenes. I can just imagine the cooking staff in
these vast kitchens spaces.
I could cook on this!
Despite all of the grandeur, my favorite part of Versailles
is Marie Antoinette's Hamlet which she had built as
a getaway from the crowds for her children.
It is built on a man made lake with man made streams
and is so charming. What child wouldn't love to
tromp around here during the summers.
Rustic charm was "in" at the time and was a nice
contrast to the formality and crowds of the Palace.
They even have a working farm now. We saw all kinds of animals and
people working the farm.
The Hamlet is something I have dreamed of
seeing another time and to see it beautiful and
green and filled with pots of blooms was just
a highlight, not to mention the animals, all of
which we didn't get to see last time.
Marie Antoinette, the name made most
famous from Versailles, also loved the theater
and had this gorgeous theater built where she participated in plays
and directed plays.
I know she has been condemned by the world because
of the famous words, "Let them eat cake." I have to
wonder as I watch politics today, if she really even said
that or was that just a political rally to call for the
revolution. I guess we will never know, but
these fabulous cakes filled with cream and
meringue are served here at Versailles and they
reminded me of that infamous saying.
We also sampled some of their chocolate
mousse cake with touches of real gold
and macarons. This was all served at the
grounds of Versailles.
I am so glad my good friend Rachel told me
that we could do Versailles despite our limited
time here.
Thanks Rachel!
Hope you enjoyed a peek at a little bit of
Versailles.
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