Palace & Park of Versailles

Chateau de Versailles, residence of the French monarchy for one hundred years, was created by Louis XIV, the Sun King. When revolution broke out in 1789, the court departed for the capital. This magnificent palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy day trip from Paris.

Versailles Palace Gates

The lineups formed early on a clear morning that surely would've pleased the Sun King himself.

Early Morning Queue

Royal Courtyard

Marble Courtyard Clock

The King's Bedchamber

The Queen's Bedchamber

My favourite room in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors with its mirrors, candelabra and gleaming chandeliers. This gallery is where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, formally ending World War I.

Hall of Mirrors

Gilded Candelabra

The park is vast and doesn't offer a lot of shade but we didn't have to go far to enjoy the spectacular view across the Latona Basin.

Garden Parterre

Latona Basin, Royal Drive and Grand Canal

Latona Fountain

While the grounds were beautiful, I was a little disappointed with the floral displays. I think we arrived between seasonal plantings so there wasn't much to see. The gardens on my September visit many years ago were much more colourful.

Pyramid Fountain

Palace Gardens in September (1981)

By noon I was happy to escape the heat in the much smaller, but tranquil courtyard of our hotel but a full day at Versailles would've allowed a more thorough exploration of the park.

Courtyard of Les Jardins du Marais, Paris

For more information on the palace and gardens visit the Chateau de Versailles website.