THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES
Versailles is by far, the most enchanting place and romantic place ever. Says me. Trumpeting angels, winged gods and goddesses, stunning artwork, and beautiful period furniture all conspire to envelop visitors in an unforgettable, ethereal experience. The beauty and magic of Greek mythology I learned about in school came flooding back as I made a mental note to study them more in depth when I returned to the US.
A natural treasure, and UNESCO world heritage site, this behemoth of a palace containing 2,300 rooms is drenched over-the-top opulence. If you remember your high school history, you’ll know this is the site where the famous “Treaty of Versailles” was signed, ending World World I. Hundreds if not thousands of pictures depicting the primary residence of the King of France (Louis Phillip XIV) aka the “Sun King,” Marie Antoinette, and his royal court abound, but photos pale compared to the experiencing this grandiose history of France in person. Created with a distinctive Italian architectural influence, the palace seems never ending; the domed walkways, tiled floors, and exquisitely curated lavish gardens are just the tip of the iceberg. Transitioned from a lavish country estate by Louis Philip XIV), the place became a major seat of political power.
Outside the palace is a huge cobblestone courtyard, complete with high golden gates, the highest being the entrance, which a regal looking crown on top. If you feel like you are entering heaven, you might not be far off. After just five minutes of touring this “larger-than-life” palace, I realized…”this is why they had a revolution.” To say this massive entity is ornate is an understatement. Room after room is inundated with exquisite ceiling paintings, distinctive french furniture, mesmerizing paintings (originals and copies from 16th to 19th centuries) that looked like they could easily take up a whole wall in my home; I’m guessing 5 feet by 8 feet. Plus there are a myriad of vases, marble columns, Greek-inspired statues, gold crusted clocks, and desks. FUN FACT: King Louis IV’s apartment contained depictions of the (then known) seven planets.
Some of my favorite experiences:
Hall of Mirrors – Sounding like an attraction in an amusement park, this is anything but. Connecting the West and East wings, there are 17 mirror-clad arches with 21 mirrors in each arch -you can do the math – yeah, it’s a bit dazzling!
Gardens – The day we were there was cold and windy so we only got small snapshots of the dazzling gardens. However, these geometric gardens are known for being heavily embellished with trees, orchards, canals, fountains, and even grotto’s. Hard to believe, but they gardens contain 1,400 fountains and 400 sculptures.
Coronation of Napoleon (1804) painting depicting Napoleon crowning his wife Josephine.
Kings and Queens State Apartments – each replete with paintings, sculptures and lavish furniture.
One day was not enough to thoroughly enjoy this majestic venue. I would not however, recommend touring it two days in a row, as the extreme decadence can be overwhelming. I look forward to returning and seeing the Royal Chapel, the Opera House and the Queens Estate, which is a recreated village of Normandy.