To get to the palace we travelled the Metro which was relatively painless once you knew which tickets to purchase. (Also Melissa seems to be a natural at understanding the French Metro which is lucky because Cos is lost.)
The area around Versailles is quiet lovely with tree lined cobblestone roads with grand old homes pleasingly arranged impressing the humble tourist.
We found the Palace after 2 minutes walk, smiling at the long line of people waiting to enter. We were happy because we had ‘skip the line’ tickets until approached the entrance to discover the long line also had online tickets. Wondering actually if all tickets had to be bought prior, on line. Fortunately the line moved quickly and 15 minutes later we were in the Sun King’s palace.
The palace is simply huge, designed to house the King, his court, Ministers, notables of land and servants. About 10000 people lived in the palace prior to revolution of 1789. During revolution and early Republic much of decorations and furniture was looted, sold off or sent to the Louvre. Since Napoleon the third and later Republics, the French government has sought to restore the Palace. Some art and furniture has been since returned to the palace.
The palace also hosted the peace negotiations after World War One in the Hall of Mirrors in 1919. These negotiations, unintentionally, set the conditions for fascism to flourish, ultimately resulting in World War Two. 
A camea cannot do justice to The Hall of Mirrors. It a beautiful, ornate and vast long room.
The King’s and Queen’s suites are equally impressive.
Finally there is a room celebrating post Monarchy and the rise of Napoleon.
Of course there is a mandatory gift shop you pass through (along with several others at sorties or exits along the way) if you want to escape the Palace.
The gardens are free and expansive. Obviously winter chills have had their effect on the gardens. View of gardens from the palace shows the potential beauty.
Gardens on the ground really make you realise the size of the property.
Views of the palace from the gardens also show the size of the place. Please understand the pictures show a very small fraction of the buildings and grounds. In many ways, the palace was a small town.
The cold had its effect on us as well so we headed into town to find a warming lunch.
We passed back through the Royal courtyard into the town. We found a small cafe near the train station for a easy return to Paris.
The return train trip went smoothly. We now understand the Metro system. (We hope)
Once back on the street we sourced dinner and dessert and had a “French Coffee”. The French Coffee (at the Royal Cadet) probably could power the metro train we rode on today given the volume of alcohol in it.
Collecting our purchases we headed home for the night.
Tomorrow we to tackle the Lourve with a visit. (Hopefully)
A camea cannot do justice to The Hall of Mirrors. It a beautiful, ornate and vast long room.
The King’s and Queen’s suites are equally impressive.
Finally there is a room celebrating post Monarchy and the rise of Napoleon.
Of course there is a mandatory gift shop you pass through (along with several others at sorties or exits along the way) if you want to escape the Palace.
The gardens are free and expansive. Obviously winter chills have had their effect on the gardens. View of gardens from the palace shows the potential beauty.
Gardens on the ground really make you realise the size of the property.
Views of the palace from the gardens also show the size of the place. Please understand the pictures show a very small fraction of the buildings and grounds. In many ways, the palace was a small town.
The cold had its effect on us as well so we headed into town to find a warming lunch.
We passed back through the Royal courtyard into the town. We found a small cafe near the train station for a easy return to Paris.
The return train trip went smoothly. We now understand the Metro system. (We hope)
Once back on the street we sourced dinner and dessert and had a “French Coffee”. The French Coffee (at the Royal Cadet) probably could power the metro train we rode on today given the volume of alcohol in it.
Collecting our purchases we headed home for the night.
Tomorrow we to tackle the Lourve with a visit. (Hopefully)
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