Versailles

We left Normandy Sunday morning, stopping for fresh chocolate croissants. They are good everywhere but in France - wow - they are something really special! These were still warm!


We headed east on the toll road toward Paris. Our goal was Versailles, King Louis XIII's former hunting lodge that was transformed and enlarged by his son Louis XIV. Louis XIV installed his court and government there. Perhaps Versailles' most famous resident was Marie-Antoinette.



The weather was not very nice - cold and rainy - which was fine for visiting the palace but not good for the gardens.




The palace was amazing. I really can't describe it and my photos don't even come close to doing it justice. It is filled - every inch - with magnificent artwork. And it is huge! Mom and Dad - take Ludwigsburg times 20. Ann - take Schwetzingen times 50! I'll post a few pictures but if you really want to see Versailles you should visit yourself or look at the book we bought which is filled with professional photos.

Highlights for everyone included the Hall of Mirrors, the Theater and the Chapel.

We tried to visit some of the gardens but it was out of season - nothing was blooming, the trees were leaf-less, the statues were covered. More importantly it was cold, very windy and it really started to rain hard!

We drove home in pouring rain (and saw two car accidents - ugh!). We were glad to be home after a wonderful weekend!