TRAVELOG: Versailles

My DH has been to Versailles about a decade ago *teehee does that show his age or what hahaha*, but unfortunate for him, the Palace was closed! So this was his first time to go in with the rest of us. Only my DM has been to Versailles, some 20 years ago, so this is her 2nd time. The trip to the Palace of Versailles (Ile de France) is my first 🙂

Versailles is about 40 minutes away from Paris, so the drive with our chauffeur, Laurent, was very pleasant. Our chauffeur who happens to be our guide as well, was really funny. He reminds me of an old English chap (though he is French!). He wears a tweed hat, and likes tipping it off 🙂 He’s a pretty funny driver too, because he kept “bumping” into the bumpers of other cars each time he parks hahaha. And he does it so nonchalantly– meanwhile we were all freaking out in the car coz we had “kissed” someone else’s car (and probably got it scratched too hahaha). *More about Paris and cars soon– this post will be interesting, because it clearly shows the difference in car culture between Manila and well, Paris!*

We were welcomed by gold gilt gates and behind, was a spectacular non-“working” Palace. In my life, I’ve been to 3 non-working, historic palaces– The Dolmabahce Palace and Topkapi Palace at Istanbul, and this one. I shall never forget images of all these palaces because the very people who once occupied these halls take the words “living luxe” to a unique level, something that we’d probably never ever again see (the nouveau royals live frugal lives within palace walls, or so I’ve read. They no longer commission painters to decorate their ceilings so ornately as these ceilings at Versailles show).

Versailles Chapel (soooo beautiful)
Another example of a most exquisitely painted ceiling complete with gold gilt framework.

Somehow I had always thought that the Palace of Versailles was made by Louis XVI for her queen, Marie Antoinette. I was obviously dead wrong (which just goes to show I know absolutely nothing about French history, which is really shameful to even admit! Tsk..). Versailles was actually built by King Louis XIII– originally meant as a hunting lodge and not a chateau as later realized by King Louis XIV. To most, Versailles remains most associated with Marie Antoinette. She lived in Petit Trianon (and was given free reign to decorate it) to escape the “city” and would often throw fantastically extravagant parties there. Ahh the life of a Royal Socialite back then 😀

This was Marie Antoinette’s bed (at the main palace). It is said too that she had given birth on this very bed, in front of all courtiers to see, to “legitimize” that the baby is indeed hers and the Dauphin’s (King Louis XVI). (Don’t pelt me with rocks if this “history” lesson of mine is inaccurate, but please, feel free to contribute!)

Check out the beautiful tapestry and woodwork in her room. I would’ve loved to have something so ornate on my bare walls!

The majestic gardens of Versailles, which culminated in a Grand canal *you can probably park a luxury cruise liner in that grand Canal!* (the whole palace and garden was just HUGE HUGE HUGE)

Le Galerie de Glaces is perhaps the most spectacular hall in the whole of Versailles. There were 17 mirrors (I hope I counted it right haha) facing the 17 arched windows that overlooked the gardens. The signing of the treaty of Versailles in 1919 took place here in the Hall of Mirrors. Wow. We were in the very hall that marked the formal end of World War One. This was monumental.

Oh and before I forget, one of the most important neo-classical paintings (huuuuuge painting) is the coronation of Napoleon I as Emperor (Napoleon is shown here crowning Empress Josephine), painted by Jacques- Louis David, is housed in Versailles. This is most impressive. It was as if you can feel the softness of the robe (trimmed with fur) of the Empress! Her tiara likewise was literally glistening with diamonds.

A look back at the Palace of Versailles before we left. The central part of the palace is being restored (the pink section in between the 2 edifices). That central part is also where the King’s bedroom (Louis XIV) was situated.Whee, this can be all too confusing, can’t it? Louis XVI, Louis XIV, Louis XIII…. I wouldn’t be surprised if I messed up somewhere up there. So again, feel free to correct me.

We ended up having lunch at almost 3pm at a brasserie (kinda like a “warm” little tavern) in L’Hotel de France just off the Palace.

I had the prawn- guacamole salad (which was strangely delicious) with citrons.
My other DB ordered the magret de canard (duck breast) with asperge.
And I had this rather confusing concoction of canard with pommes frittes (french fries!) the gizzards, the foie gras, and breast meat. Again, another reason why I felt lightheaded immediately after lunch. Hello cholesterol overload!!! 😀

For dessert, DSIL ordered Le Pyramide Chocolat (oh Gawd I hope I am not murdering the name of this wonderful confection!) And it is served with a generous dollop of creme Chantilly (aka whipped cream) :).

Hope this post was somehow educational and *gulp* accurate (or at least almost accurate)!

Up next: Notre Dame, Place De la Concorde, and woohoo a glimpse of Saint Honore (Rue du Faubourg)

x
Mrs.T