One of the things we noticed right away were some very strange structures. Versailles hosts artists exhibits, and currently the artist they have with pieces sprinkled around is Anish Kapoor. They are pretty much an eye sore and do not enhance the beauty and grace of Versailles. The people of France are upset by this exhibit and some of it was over the top disturbing...luckily it will only be there for a short time.
 |
| Kraig, the King of the Castle! Kraig in front of one of the Water Parterres. |
 |
| Arial view of the two Water Parterres in 2015 before the Latone Fountain was completed. (pic from website) |
The two large rectangular pools were built to reflect the sunlight and light up the facade of the Hall of Mirrors. The sculptures along the pools were built by Charles Le Brun. Each pool is decorated with four reclining statues symbolizing the rivers of France: the Loire and the Loiret, the Rhone and the Saone, the Seine and the Marne, the Garonne and the Dordogne; there are also four nymphs and four groups of children to each pool.
 |
| The Loire |
 |
| The Loiret |
 |
| The Rhone |
 |
| The Saone (pic from website) |
 |
| The Nymphs of the Midi |
 |
| The Children of the Midi (pic from website) |
 |
| The Seine |
 |
| The Marne |
 |
| The Garonne |
 |
| The Dordogne |
 |
| The Nymphs of the Nord |
 |
| The Children of the Nord |
After checking out the Parterres, we took our little golf cart and moved along the the Walks. The Walks are gardens that are criss-crossed by pathways laid out in a very complicated plan. There are main ones like the Royal Walk or Green Carpet, the Water Walk, Flora and Ceres Walk, and the Bacchus and Saturn Walk.
We did a bit of a drive-by at some of the Grove's since there is only so much you can see in one day. Most of the fountains were off when we visited also, so it was really too bad. I would recommend two days to see everything. Preferably on a Tuesday/Wednesday or a Wednesday/Thursday to miss the massive crowds.
The Neptune Fountain:
 |
| Neptune Fountain (pic from website) |
The Neptune Fountain as it is today took about a hundred years to complete. The sculptures represent Neptune, who is the god of the sea, his wife, dragons, and Cupids.
The Triumphal Arch Grove:
France is represented triumphant, dressed in Roman attire and sitting in her chariot. She wields a spear in her right hand and the left uses a shield representing the sun and lilies. At the foot of the chariot are military trophies and two captive men who turn away from France representing the defeated powers. At left is Spain, represented as a lion that a man is sitting on, and on the right is the Holy Empire, recognizable by the eagle, the imperial symbol. On the bottom of the step, a three-headed dragon is dying, symbolizing the failure of the League of United Provinces of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire.
Three Fountains Grove:
 |
| The three fountains |
 |
| The top fountain |
 |
| The bottom fountain |
The Three Fountains Grove was designed in 1977 by Le Notre but it was destroyed in the time of Louis XVI and was rebuilt in 2005. The grove was purposely hidden by an extensive series of trellises. King Louis the Great had gout and could discreetly approach it while seated in a chair on wheels that was easily pushed up the grassy ramps.
Water Theater Grove:
 |
| Arial view of Water Theater Grove (pic from website) |
The Water Theater Grove was an open green area that was used for concerts and gatherings. In recent years, it has been re-designed and been given new water features.
Apollos Baths Grove:
 |
| Apollos Baths Grove |
 |
| Apollos horses being groomed |
 |
| Apollo being attended by nymphs |
 |
| Apollo being attended by nymphs |
The middle sculpture represents Apollo resting after driving his chariot to light the sky. The other two represent his horses being groomed by attendants of Thetis.
Latone Fountain:
 |
| Latone Fountain |
 |
| Latone and her twins (Apollo and Diana) |
 |
| A peasant turning into a frog |
 |
| A peasant turning into a frog |
This fountain is inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses. It illustrates the legend of Apollo's mother and Diana protecting her children against the insults of the peasants of Lycia, and calling on Jupiter to avenge them. He heard their plea and transformed them into frogs and lizards.
The Ballroom Grove:
 |
| Arial view of the Ballroom Grove (pic from website) |
 |
| On one side there are the fountains |
 |
| On either sides of the fountains, there are grassy seats for guests to sit |
The Ballroom was used for dances and ballets. King Louis was an accomplished dancer in ballet and performed there often.
The Queen's Grove:
 |
| Arial view of the Queen's Grove (pic from website) |
 |
| Inside the Queen's Grove |
This was once a labyrinth but is now a lovely garden.
Ceres or Summer Fountain:
Ceres, the Roman goddess of harvests and corn, is seated on a bed of corn stalks, accompanied by cornflowers and roses. This fountain symbolizes summer.
Bacchus or Fall Fountain:
The Bacchus Fountain is also called the Autumn Fountain. Bacchus, a figure of Roman mythology, teaches the cultivation of the vine throughout the world. The god of wine and drunkenness, he symbolizes the harvest and is surrounded by small satyrs, half child and half goat.
Star Grove:
 |
| Sectional Body Preparing for Monadic Singularity by Anish Kapoor...who knows what the heck this is supposed to signify... |
 |
| Closer up of Sectional Body Preparing for Monadic Singularity |
This grove was one of the first to be created by Andre Le Notre in 1666. The original design no longer exists.
Flora or Spring Fountain:
Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, gardens and spring is what this fountain was fashioned after. It symbolizes the first season of the year. She is represented with a crown of flowers in the center of the fountain.
Saturn Fountain:
This fountain symbolizes winter. Saturn is seated on a throne in the center, surrounded by small cupids on an island studded with shellfish.
Colonnade Grove:
The Colonnade Grove was created in 1685 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The statues was made by Francois Girardon and is called Proserpine Ravished by Pluto.
Enceladus Grove:
 |
| Just outside the Enceladus Grove |
 |
| Had to get a quick picture of all of us! |
 |
| The Enceladus Grove |
 |
| Titan in his death throes |
 |
| Close up of the Titan |
This grove depicts the myth of the fall of the Titans, who were buried under the rocks of Mount Olympus, which they had tried to climb in defiance of the prohibition of Jupiter. The sculptor depicts a giant half-buried under the rocks and in the throes of death.
The Apollo Fountain:
 |
| Arial view of the Apollo Fountain (pic from website) |
 |
| Kraig & Kiylei in front of the Apollo Fountain |
There was once a fountain here called the Swans Fountain in 1636. When Louis XIV was in power, he extended the fountain and decorated it with the impressive and celebrated figure above in gilded lead. This fountain represents Apollo on his chariot and is inspired by the legend of Apollo, god of the Sun and emblem of the King.
Marie Antoinette's Hamlet & the Petite Trianon:
When we felt like we had seen most of the Groves and Fountains, we parked our golf cart at the Petite Trianon and walked through the hamlet to get to Marie Antoinette's "little" chalet. For me, this was by far my favorite area...there is something truly magical about this place.
Marie-Antoinette had her architect Richard Mique and painter Hubert Robert create a picturesque garden. At the time, English gardens were all the fashion, with their artificial succession of "natural" landscapes scenes. The Queen dreamed of a living nature that was not imprisoned in greenhouses or flowerbeds as in the French gardens. I for one think they nailed it. This place was spectacular and I will never forget it.
 |
| On our way to Marie Antoinette's Hamlet in our golf cart |
 |
| Truly beautiful |
 |
| The serpentine river |
 |
| Strolling along this river was so peaceful |
 |
| A little waterfall along the river |
 |
| Kraig taking a break on a stone bridge in the hamlet |
 |
| Rolls of hay in the fields |
The Temple of Love was created by Richard Mique in 1778. The Queen could see it from her room in Petite Tranon.
 |
| Heading towards the Temple of Love |
 |
| One of my favorite pictures of the day |
 |
| The Temple of Love |
 |
| Little gate to the Temple of Love |
 |
| Another one of my favorite pictures of the day |
 |
| The Temple of Love |
 |
| Gotta love Cupid |
 |
| Even the ceiling was beautiful |
 |
| Keenan striking a pose in the Temple of Love |
 |
| Kiylei & Kraig kissing in the Temple of Love |
 |
| Ta-da! |
Marie-Antoinette didn't really like being a part of the Court of Versailles, in an attempt to get away, she had her hamlet built in 1783. There she was surrounded by the charms of country life and could spend time with her closest companions. It became a farm, whose products supplied the kitchens of the Palace. This "farm" was a part of the Petite Trianon but she quickly wanted to have an even more rustic place. Between 1783 and 1787, the Hamlet was created and modeled after a true Norman village, with eleven houses spread out around the Big lake. Five of them were reserved for the use of the Queen and her guests: the Queen's House, Billiard room, Boudoir, Mill and Refreshments Dairy. The other four houses were reserved for the occupancy of the peasants: the Farm and its annexes, the Barn, the Dovecote and Preparation Dairy. The Farm was located outside the village and housed different livestock: a small herd of eight cows and a bull, ten goats and pigeons. One house was reserved for domestic use: the Warming Room, where the dishes were prepared for the dinners given at the Queen's House or at the Mill.
Each house had its own little garden, planted with firm and round Savoy cabbage, cauliflower and artichokes, surrounded by hedges and enclosed by a fence of chestnut trees.
 |
| Walking up on the houses (pic from the website) |
 |
| The Boudoir |
 |
| The Boudoir with it's garden |
 |
| The Boudoir with the serpentine river flowing through |
With its roof of reeds, dormer window, its lean-to and old stone staircase, the Queen's Small House, known as the Boudoir, is made up of a living room and a wardrobe and is surrounded by a closed garden.
 |
| Walking towards the Queen's House |
 |
| Getting closer... |
 |
| The Queen's House and Billiards House |
 |
| This is what the Queen's House looks like when it is not under construction (pic from website) |
The Queen's House, of course, is the most important building in Marie's Hamlet. It is attached to the Billiard Room by a wooden gallery. It is decorated with white and blue earthenware flowerpots with Marie-Antoinette's monogram. On the right, the Queen's House itself, the ground floor comprised of a dining room and a games room, while the first floor was made up of a large living room, a small living room and a Chinese room; on the left, the Billiard Room, the ground floor has the billiard room, and a private apartment on the first floor. From the top of the gallery, Marie Antoinette, or the lady of Trianon, wearing a simple white muslin dress and a straw hat, could oversee the work being done in the fields.
 |
| The Warming House |
The Warming Room had a large kitchen, a pantry and small offices.
The Rock, located near the Belvedere, was very difficult to create. Its construction lasted from 1778 to 1782. A tank was placed behind it that makes it possible for the water to pour in torrents into the lake. The Grotto, whose entrance is difficult to spot, "was so dark that initially dazzled eyes needed a certain amount of time to see the objects" ( Count of Hezecques). Sitting on a moss-covered bench the Queen could see who was coming through an opening in the rock. A narrow interior staircase allowed her to avoid unwelcome visitors.
The Belvedere overlooks the lake, this charming eight-sided bandstand was built by Richard Mique in 1777. Inside, the circular living room is paved with a marble mosaic and its walls are adorned with fine ornaments.
 |
| Petite Trianon |
 |
| The Petite Trianon |
Petit Trianon was thought up by Madame de Pompadour who was trying to "relieve the king's boredom" and built in 1760's. In 1774, Louis XVI offered the Trianon estate to the Queen in order to live away from Court...honestly, if I had someone building me a new palace every time I got bored, I'd probably get bored of new Palaces... ;)
When we got back to the Petite Trianon, we jumped into our golf cart and went to Grand Trianon.
Grand Trianon:
In 1687, Jules Hardouin Mansart built the Grand Trianon. It's the most refined group of buildings anywhere in the domain of Versailles, on the site of the "Porcelain Trianon", which Louis XIV had built in 1670 to escape the pomp and rigid formality of court life with his mistress Madame de Montespan.
Louis XIV lived in the Grand Trianon, he also housed his sister-in-law, the Princess Palatine, his son-in-law the duc de Chartres and his daughter the duchesse de Bourbon. It was beloved by Marie Leszczynska, who lived there in the summer. Marie-Antoinette gave several performances here but preferred the Petite Trianon, which Louis XVI had given her as a present.
Nopoleon Bonaparte had the palace restored before staying there on many occasions with his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise. In 1963 Charles de Gaulle had it restored as a guesthouse for presidents of France and the northern wing, known as "Trianon-sous-bois", was converted into an official presidential residence.
 |
| Kraig showing fear with Kiylei driving... :) |
 |
| Looking back at the gates when we went into the Palace area |
 |
| The Grand Trianon |
The Grand Apartment: This area leads to the first apartment, which Louis XIV stayed in for just three years, from 1688 to 1691. A wooden drum on the right side of the fireplace hides a staircase that musicians took to reach the gallery in the next room.
 |
| The Round Room |
This area leads to the first apartment, which Louis XIV stayed in for just three years, from 1688 to 1691. A wooden drum on the right side of the fireplace hides a staircase that musicians took to reach the gallery in the next room.
 |
| The Music Room |
 |
| The Music Room turned Billiard Room |
Louis XIV used this former antechamber as a music room. The paneling is some of the oldest in the palace. The shutters of the galleries where musicians sat and played during the kings supper can be seen above the doors.
Napoleon had this room turned into an "officers' room" which Louis-Philippe converted later into a billiard room.
 |
| The Louis-Philippe Family Room |
Louis-Philippe had this large space created by combining two existing rooms. In the evening, the kind and his family, gathered here.
 |
| The Malachite Room |
Napoleon put the malachite presents that Czar Alexander the First had given him when he visited, giving the room it's name.
 |
| The Cool Room |
The is called the Cool Room because it faces north. Napoleon used it as his council chamber. The paneling carved with cassolettes and garlands of flowers date from Louis XIV, as do the pictures: over the mantelpiece,
Flora and Zephyr by Jean Jouvenet, who also painted the scenes above the door depicting Spring and Winter; between the windows,
Vertumnus and Pomona by Nicolas Bertin; and on the side walls, four
Views of Versailles by Jean-Baptiste Martin.
 |
| The Cotelle Gallery |
 |
| Kraig & Kiylei cheesin it up in the Cotelle! |
This gallery, which was built to shelter the Trianon's flowerbeds from the rigors of winter, has 11 French doors on the south side and just five on the north.
 |
| The Garden Room |
At the end of the Cotelle Gallery is the Garden Room, which opens into the Chestnut Room and looks out onto the cross-arm of the Grand Canal beyond the upper flowerbed.
The Emperor's Small Apartment: This five-room apartment with French doors opening out onto the former king's garden was created by combining part of Madame de Maintenon's old apartment and the Small Apartment built for Louis XV in 1750. Napoleon occupied it for the first time in December 1809, just after his divorce from Josephine. Under Louis-Philippe it was used as the living quarters for the king's youngest daughters, Princesses Marie and Clementine.
 |
| The Emperor's Bedroom |
The emperor's bedroom, one of his small apartment's five rooms, was created in 1750 as Louis XV's bedchamber. The original decoration and panelling still exist but the room has been refurnished to appear as it did during the Empire. The silk furniture in lilac and silver brocade borders were made in Lyon for Josephine in 1807 and re-used here by Napoleon in 1809.
 |
| The Antechamber |
This room is the former Levant Study, which was used by Madame de Maintenon as a large drawing room. In 1812, it was reduced to house a staircase leading to another area.
 |
| The Breakfast Room |
This used to be a portion of the Buffet Room where Louis XIV ate. The present dimensions are from the reign of Louis XV, who used it as his study. The decor and furniture now see, were made for Napoleon, who had it turned into his breakfast room.
 |
| The Emperor's Topographical Study |
This room once opened out onto a small grove crossed by streams winding through the trees. In 1810, Napoleon made this his map room and started using the adjacent suite as his small apartment.
 |
| The Private Study |
At one point, this was Madame de Maintenon's bedchamber. The room was divided into several studies in the eighteenth century but the original dimensions were restored in 1813; it has looked the same since then.
The Empress's Apartment: The Trianon's original furniture was scattered during the French Revolution; most of the present pieces date from the First Empire, Napoleon had the palace entirely refurnished and sometimes came here with Marie-Louise.
 |
| The Empress's Bedroom |
 |
| Her bed was enclosed by large curtains |
This was originally Louis XIV's bedchamber, it still features the original decor of Corinthian columns and admirably sculpted mosaic paneling. Under the Empire it was divided into a smaller bedchamber and a sitting room (or antechamber) used by Empress Marie-Louise, who furnished the spaces as they appear today. The only exception is the bed, which comes from the Tuileries Palace: it belonged to Napoleon and his successor, Louis XVIII, Louis XVI's brother, who died in it in 1824.
 |
| The Room of Mirrors |
 |
| Love the Chandelier! |
Not only does this room have all these mirrors but it also has an amazing view of the Grand Canal which makes this the south wing's most beautiful room. It is the last one in the apartment Louis XIV occupied in this part of the chateau from 1691 to 1703, and served as his council room. Like most of the Trianon, it still has most of the original decor but the furniture was sold during the Revolution and replaced by Napoleon. The archduchess Marie-Louise, Marie-Antoinette's great-niece, whom the emperor married after divorcing Josephine, used this as her drawing room from 1810 to 1814.
 |
| The Chapel Room |
This room was created as a chapel and continued serving its original purpose after becoming an antechamber in 1691, when Louis XIV moved into this part of the palace.
The Peristyle: The Grand Trianon was originally called the Marble Trianon in reference to the pillasters. A colonnaded portico right in the middle of the palace, linked the courtyard and gardens, opening it up to the outdoors. It was wrongly called a peristyle - the name dates back to the Louis XIV period - the portico provides the Gran Trianon with the transparency that makes it so original: visitors can walk from the courtyard into the gardens without noticing.
 |
| The Peristyle |
 |
| Kiylei striking a pose in the Peristyle |
 |
| Kraing too! |
 |
| Looking at the Peristyle from the courtyard |
 |
| One of the ornate gates on the side of the Grand Trianon |
 |
| The courtyard |
 |
| In the courtyard looking out towards the gardens |
Once we checked out the Grand Trianon, we headed back to the Palace so we could go see the inside. The Orangerie was on the other side of the gardens as we got back to the main palace.
 |
| Arial view of the Oranerie (from website) |
 |
| Close up view so you can see the detail (from website) |
 |
| The Orangerie |
 |
| Arial view of the entrance to Versailles (from website) |
 |
| Closer up of the entrance to Versailles (from website) |
 |
| The detail on Versailles was just so amazing |
 |
| I think the gold trim makes the palace even more impressive |
 |
| Details on the Palac |
 |
| The kids walking into Versailles |
Once inside the main palace, we had to get some lunch. It was pretty expensive and it was like a cafeteria atmosphere but, then again, we WERE eating lunch in a palace...Kiylei bought some pretty amazing macaroons in the Laduree (gift shop) and luckily shared them with all of us. They were ultra delicate and had the most amazing flavors!
The King's Grand Apartment: These apartments were meant to be "parade apartments", or a venue for the Kings place for official acts. For this reason, it was decorated according to the model of former Italian palaces. During the day, it was open to all, French people and foreigners, who came to see the king when he traversed it on his way to the Chapel.
 |
| The Hercules Salon (pic from website without all the tourists) |
 |
| The Hercules salon with all the people |
 |
| The magnificent ceiling |
 |
| More breathtaking murals |
 |
| A MASSIVE fireplace |
 |
| Kraig & Kiylei posing in the Hercules Salon |
 |
| Keenan posing dramatically in the Hercules Salon |
 |
| Yep, he's a cheesy fellow |
The Hercules Salon: The first salon of the King's Grand Apartment, the Hercules salon was actually the last to be created, at the end of Louis XIV's reign. Francois Lemoyne finished the ceiling in 1736. The young painter who did the ceiling committed suicide shortly after ending his work on this room.
 |
| The Abundance Salon |
The Abundance Salon: In the evenings, the Abundance Salon was used for refreshments, where a buffet served coffee, wine, and liqueurs. The King also kept his Cabinet of Curiosities or the Rarities in this room and showed them off to his guests.
 |
| The Venus Salon |
The Venus Salon: This salon, as well as Diana's Salon, formed the main access to the Grand Apartment, since the grand staircase, known as the "Ambassadors' Staircase" (destroyed in 1752) ended here. On some evening events, tables were set up covered with baskets of flowers, pyramids of fresh, rare fruit such as oranges and lemons as well as crystallized fruit and marzipan. Like all the following rooms, this salon takes its name from a planet, the theme linked to the solar myth which inspired all the decor of Versailles in the 1670s.
 |
| The Diana Salon |
The Diana Salon: The Diana Salon was an entrance to the Grand Apartment and in Louis XIV's day, it was used as a billiards room. The King was well known for his ability to play and so this room was also called the "Chamber of Applause".
 |
| The Apollo Salon |
The Apollo Salon: The Apollo Salon, dedicated to the Sun God, god of the Arts and Peace, who Louis XIV identified with, was the most luxurious of all. This can still be perceived today in the ceiling decor where all the paintings, central composition, moldings and corner pieces, are all in color and where all the sculptures are circular embossed and completely gilded.
The Mars Salon: Mars is a planet but also the God of War. This room was originally meant to be a guard room for the parade apartment, which made the name of the room quite fitting. It was later used, sometimes, for music and dancing, so that it was commonly known as the "ballroom".The court ballets were strictly regulated and required many rehearsals; the princes took part in them, sometimes mixed in with professional dancers.
 |
| The Mercury Salon |
The Mercury Salon: Originally, the Mercury Salon was the parade chamber of the Grand Apartment, this is also why it has the name "bedchamber", even though this bed was quickly removed in winter in order to free up the space and install the gaming tables. Until 1689, when Louis XIV had to bring himself to have them melted down to finance the war of the League of Augsburg, tables, mirrors, andirons and chandeliers in solid silver, magnificently carved, decorated walls, ceilings and mantelpieces.
The King's Chamber: The Bull's Eye Salon and the King's Chamber make up the King's Chamber.
 |
| The Bulls Eye Salon |
 |
| The King's Chamber |
The Queen's Grand Apartment: The Queen's Grand Apartment is symmetrical with the King's Grand Apartment. But unlike the sovereign who, from the reign of Louis XIV, gave up his Grand Apartment, the Queen continued to occupy hers, which explains why the decor was changed several times during the 18th century. After the death of Queen Marie-Therese in 1683, it was used by two dauphines, Marie-Christine of Bavaria and Marie-Adelaide of Savoy, then by the two queens Marie Lesz.
 |
| The Queen's Chamber |
 |
| The Queen's Chamber |
The Queen's Chamber: This is the main room of the apartment, where the Queen spent most of her time. There were nineteen "Children of France" born in this room. The decor was basically the same through three queens and date back to Queen Marie-Therese. All elements were preserved in the time of Marie-Antoinette. Only the furniture and the fireplace were new during her time.
When the palace was invaded by the rioters on October 6, 1789, Marie-Antoinette managed to escape from them through the little door on the left of the alcove, giving onto a corridor which gave access to the Queen's internal apartments.
 |
| The Nobles Salon |
The Nobles Salon: An antechamber during the reign of Queen Marie-Thérèse, it was in this room that Marie Leszczinska granted her solemn audiences, seated under a canopy. She also had her circle here, as the regulated conversation with the ladies of the Court was called at that time. Marie-Antoinette had it entirely redecorated, only keeping the paintings on the ceiling, and had the walls covered with apple green damask edged with a wide gold stripe. New furniture was delivered, extremely modern and sophisticated
 |
| The Antechamber of the Grand Couvert |
The Antechamber of the Grand Couvert: It was in the Queen’s antechamber that the public meals were held, whose sumptuous ritual attracted a large crowd. Only the royal family could take their places at the table and before them, seated, the duchesses, princesses or high-ranking persons who had the privilege to sit on a stool, then, standing, the other ladies and persons who, due to their rank or with the authorisation of the usher, had been allowed to enter. Louis XIV subjected himself to this performance almost every evening; Louis XV often preferred intimate suppers; as for Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, a testimony from that time reports that: "The Queen sat on the King’s left. They had their backs turned to the fireplace […] The King ate with a good appetite, but the Queen did not remove her gloves and did not use her serviette, which was very wrong of her". To counter this boredom, Marie-Antoinette asked for there always to be music in the Grand Couvert and for that purpose a platform was set up for the musicians in this room.
The Guard Room: At the start of the Queen’s staircase, also known as the "marble staircase", one penetrated the Queen’s Grand Apartment through this Guard room where, day and night, twelve bodyguards accomplished their service to their sovereign. At Versailles, only the King, the Queen and the Dauphin could have a personal guard composed of soldiers belonging to these elite units, the four companies of the king’s bodyguards. The next grande salle, now called the Salle du Sacre [Coronation Room] was assigned to them, serving as the guard room.
 |
| The Royal Chapel |
 |
| The floor of the Royal Chapel |
 |
| The ceiling of the Royal Chapel |
 |
| Kraig & Kiylei in the Royal Chapel |
The Royal Chapel: In French monarchy, the king was chosen by God and through his coronation became his “lieutenant” on earth. The paintings and sculptures in the chapel at Versailles evoke that idea in a series which starts at the nave and ends at the gallery where the king would sit.
There were other rooms at the palace but by this point, we were pretty exhausted and knew we had a whole day of Paris the next day so we went back to our place and called it a night. Here are a few more pics from that day, around the palace:
 |
| Looking out from inside the palace |
 |
| The back of Versailles from inside the palace |
 |
| One of many grand staircases |
 |
| Showing the throwns |
 |
| Solid gold etching in the doors |
 |
| Marie Antoinette |
 |
| Marie Antoinette and her children |
06/11/15
Day 4: Paris, France
As I have said before, I had been to
Paris in 2005. It was not a positive experience but back then, the political atmosphere was pretty tense and American's were not loved at that time. Up to this point, I had loved every moment we had in France on this trip and Paris would be the tipping point for me.
When we woke up and got ourselves ready, we drove to Pont de Sevres and parked in public parking, went to fuel up with breakfast and take the metro into Paris. Our first stop was the Statue of Liberty. She is much smaller than our pretty lady but is the little sister to her. She was built a few years after the one in New York.
The kids went to the little island to take pictures but I knew I wanted to get her from a distance so I could get all of her. I got a couple pictures of the kids on the island too!
 |
| Looking at the Statue of Liberty from the island |
 |
| Keenan and Kiylei on the little island |
 |
| Kraig & Kiylei under the Statue of Liberty |
 |
| The kids on the island |
 |
| Lovely Lady Liberty |
We actually decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower rather than take public transportation so we could take more of Paris in.
 |
| Our first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as we cross the Seine |
 |
| Keenan, Kiylei & Kraig with the Eiffel Tower in the background |
 |
| The Eiffel Tower and the Pedestrian Bridge |
 |
| The city as we walk through it |
 |
| Very impressive buildings on a random street |
 |
| I really loved the buildings in Paris |
We walked a fairly long way to the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. It was absolutely worth the walk. We saw so much, stopped at a cafe and had a beer and just took in the city for awhile.
 |
| Arial view of Champs de Mars (pic from website) |
 |
| The Eiffel Tower with Kraig's cool camera |
 |
| The kids under the Eiffel Tower |
When we had enough of the Eiffel Tower, we started towards Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. On our way though we stopped by the Pantheon and the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church.
 |
| The Pantheon in Paris |
 |
| Details on the Pantheon |
 |
| Saint-Étienne-du-Mont |
 |
| Statue of Corneille |
 |
| Notre Dame Cathedral |
 |
| The kids in front of Notre Dame |
 |
| The Louvre on this lovely day! |
 |
| The kids in front of the Louvre |
 |
| Walking towards the Arc du Carrousel |
 |
| Arc du Carrousel |
After our trip to the Louvre we felt it was time to go get some food, so we made our way to the Arch de Triumph and ate down the street. We even tried escargot for the first time...and loved it! I did however fall up the stairs in the metro trying to get there and then got stuck in the tube station doors when we tried to jump on at the last minute...I actually got pretty injured so we felt our time in Paris was winding itself down.
 |
| Sitting down for lunch |
 |
| Kiylei with escargot |
 |
| Keenan with escalope |
 |
| Kraig with steak |
Finally when we were full and happy, we went to the Arch de Triumph!
 |
| Champs Elysees |
 |
| Arch de Triumph |
 |
| Close up of the Arch de Triumph |
 |
| Under the Arch de Triumph |
 |
| Detail on the Arch de Triumph |
After a very full day of Paris we went back to our place and got some sleep in preparation of a very long drive home. Jack had asked us to come straight home rather than drive to Brussels and stay the night. I felt we should stay a night on the road since we planned on going to Bruges first thing in the morning before heading back to Germany. I know he wanted to spend some time with our daughter and Kraig before they had to fly back to the states so I knew it was the right thing to do.
06/12/15
Day 5: Bruges, Belgium
The drive to Bruges was only about 2 hours away from where we were in Marnes-la-Coquette. The boys really wanted to go to Bruges after watching the movie In Bruges with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. It was just as beautiful and amazing as it is in the movie!
 |
| Walking down the streets of Bruges |
 |
| A random canal |
 |
| Oh the beauty of Bruges! |
 |
| I thought the horse drawn carriages were cool |
 |
| Getting Belgium waffles! |
 |
| Oh ya! |
 |
| They were so crunchy with caramel and then topped with bananas! |
 |
| One of the city squares |
 |
| Me & Kiylei drinking tea and water |
 |
| The boys drinking beer |
 |
| The famous bell tower |
 |
| From the top of the Bell Tower |
 |
| Kiylei at the top! |
It ended up taking us about 11 hours to drive from Bruges, Belgium to Graffenwohr, Germany due to all the construction and accidents but with Kiylei creating a play list from all the old songs we used to listen to together, it was a lot of fun! I found out the next day that the real reason Jack wanted us to come home early was because my friend, Orienna, had actually planned a surprise birthday party for me. It was the best birthday present ever and such an amazingly thoughtful thing to do! It was amazing and it was only the beginning of the summer!
No comments:
Post a Comment
I hope you enjoy this blog and find it helpful to your own future travels. I also welcome those that just like to live vicariously through my wanderlust.
I encourage comments that will add to everyone's enjoyment and knowledge.