Today we had a fun day by taking the 35-minute trip from Paris to visit Versailles. This place is typically very crowded during the summer, but this time of year it is perfect for walking around without so many people blocking your view.
The Palace of Versailles was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682-1790. It was originally a hunting lodge, built in 1624 by Louis XIII. Louis XIV, had a great interest in Versailles and later expanded it to one of the largest palaces in the world. It took 40,000 workers 50 years to convert the huting lode into this extravagant palace. Work started in 1661, and before it was finished, entire forests had to be moved to make way for the extensive gardens. French royalty lived a decadent lifestyle here and it is a symbol of absolute monarchy.
Palace of Versailles
The Hall of Mirrors
The Latona Basin at Versailles - one of many fountains here
Apollo Fountain at Versailles - Depicts Apollo's chariot being pulled from the water by four hourses.
The long narrow body of water way in the background is called the Grand Canal and is one mile long. It is surrounded by lush planted forests. This is a perfect design by Le Notres that when the sun sets it is in perfect alignment with the Grand Canal.
The gardens of Versailles are vast and created by landscape artist Le Notre who used lakes, canals, geometric flower beds, long avenues, fountains, and statuary to create a French Eden.
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette longed for a simple life. She built the comples of 12 thatched-roof buildings by a lake as her private "Normand" village built in 1783. See the rest of Hameau de la Reine below.
Hameau de la Reine
Hameau de la Reine village - Marie Antoinette's farm area she liked to live in
Hameau de la Reine village where Marie Antotinette lived
Hameau de la Reine village where Marie Antoinette liked to live
Hameau de la Reine village vineyard
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