Versailles! I was excited to visit. I love symmetrical and clean gardens, grass, trees. Took the RER C from St Michel, and the timing was perfect. Right as I got to the platform, the train arrived.
It was the last stop, and everyone on board seemed to be from elsewhere. As I was approaching the chateaux, you could see it so large and grand even from afar. Huge tour groups were arriving as well.
I did a route opposite of what most do, because I knew I would like to spend more time in the massive gardens than the palace. So, gardens first! And wow. It would take an entire day to even get through all of it. I started with the gardens on the right, and eventually made it to Marie Antoinette's estate around 12:30pm. All the hedges and patterns were so great. Made me wish I had a better camera.
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| Beautiful gardens at Versailles |
Marie Antoinette's estate was great. I loved comparing to the movie, which probably only had some truth to it anyways. The grounds were great, especially the queen's area. Cottages that were so unique! And I especially loved the farm area. Bunnies and chickens are friends and live together. I saw Midas-bunny here. There was also a bridge I walked across that had giant, fat fish. I don't know if they were koi or carp or what. They would crowd around wherever you pretended to throw food away. All those open fish mouths was actually a litttle weird.
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| View from inside the Chateaux |
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| Too many fish... |
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| Midas' long-lost Bunny cousin! |
I spent so much time around this estate that I was running out of time to see the rest of the gardens and the chateaux. Trolley shuttle took me to the Grand Canal. I really considered renting a bike to go around this large area, but also wanted to just sit and relax...so I did that instead. Ice cream + relaxing + people watching.
By the time I got to the chateaux, I only had an hour before it closed. I rushed through it so quickly..unfortunately there were hundreds of Asian tourists groups doing the same. I wish I had more time to see the paintings in detail. There was also a free concert, wish I could have seen that too!
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| Marie Antoinette's Estate |
After leaving the palace, I was looking forward to trying the nearby Monument Cafe, which had great reviews. It was closed though... Website gave me the impression it was open...aw..I ended up walking nearby and finding someplace that would be quick. There was a concert at St Chapelle's at 8:40 I wanted to see. Decided on a corner cafe called St Claire (or something like that). Was disappointed. Service was slow, salad was not good. Price was too much for the quality. Oh well.
I made it on time for the concert. On the program was Ave Maria, some Mozart, and more. It was such a good experience. The performance was under a dome of stained glass. The panels were all lined up along the walls as well. Great singer. With a quartet. Perfect last night in Paris. I strolled back to the hotel, it was warm and clear and not at all dark for 10pm.
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| Concert at Sainte-Chapelle |
Great long day, fit so much in. Tomorrow morning I'll have a few hours before heading out to the airport.
Gorgeous pics of MA's estate and concert.
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