Versailles

Day 8

August 10

Versailles was our destination this day. We took a train out of the city. The approach to the royal palace is quite impressive.

The crowd was impressive as well. We had to zig-zag back and forth several times before we got to the inspection spot. Once inside we found out the stroller had to be left behind. Tim checked it in.

The front gate was very radiant.

The decor was very lavish.

It amazes me that royalty would have their own private chapel in their home. The organ has so much gold ornamentation.

This is a lovely stairway.

Here is the chapel again on a lower level of the palace.

I think all of us were blown away by this hall of mirrors. The mirrors made it look twice as big as it was and it was big. This picture also shows you an example of the crowds we were up against.

At one time there were about 20,000 people living here. Most of them probably took care of the gardens, the palaces and the king and queens' demands.

This view of the gardens is just a small section. There are many different gardens. I think it would take years to walk through and explore all the gardens.

There was also this garden.

And this garden view.

I couldn't even begin to count all the statues.

In the background you can see the grand canal. It is in the shape of a T. Many people were boating.

This cute little palace is called the Petit Trianon. It was Marie Antoinette's palace.

The Petit Trianon had its own garden.

Can you spot Wayne relaxing while I take pictures?

This is the king's summer home. Remember I just walked here from the big castle. This is huge. It is really close to the Petit Trianon.

We were able to get the stroller back to walk around the gardens. It was a good thing because this place is gigantic. I can see why the people of France rebelled against their royalty.

We went back to Paris for dinner. Up to this point we had not had dinner outside. The main reason is that many people smoke in the outside eating area. We found this little place right across the street from St. Chapelle.

After dinner we went looking for ice cream. Both Tanya and I had heard that the best ice cream in Paris is found on the Island of St. Louis. On the walk I took several pictures of Paris' beaches. Sand has been trucked in the last 10 years. I guess if you can't make it to the real beach this would work.

Yes, we found the ice cream. I think the next few pictures tell you how delicious the ice cream was.

The cone was very artisticly presented.

I think you could say it was yummy.