Did you know that the Palace and Park of Versailles is on the UNESCO World Heritage List? I didn't. So it turns out I've been to one more UNESCO site than I'd thought, then. Magnifique! Just like Versailles.
I went for the first time this spring, and spent an entire day there. Arriving early, around 9AM, I was able to wander the park and gardens for hours with hardly a soul in site. It seems everyone begins with the palace and ends in the gardens. Going at it the other way around pays off in peace, if you ask me. After exploring the ample green grounds, I found my way to the Trianons - the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon - and then back to the palace for the finale.
I must say that by the time I reached the palace I was truly wiped out. While I expected Versailles to be grand and grandiose, it was about a million times more majestic and freakishly expansive than I'd anticipated. The palace is big and beautiful, yes. But it was the recently renovated Hall of Mirrors that took my breath away. Perhaps it was the time of day and the light in which I saw it. Whatever it was, it moved me to a few fleeting tears. I tried to capture it with my camera, but unhappy with the results, all said photos were deleted.
Of my remaining snaps, I've selected two to share here with you today. A view through one of the palace's beveled glass windows to a portion of the grounds outside (above), and one of the many lavish painted panels that adorn the palace ceilings (below).
Alas, I didn't get to Versailles on one of the days when all the fountains are turned on. Next time. And I'll have to make a point of staying all day so that I can experience the waters in the setting sun, hopefully half as beautiful as the day that FrankBa made this amazing image of a similar scene.
Read more about the Palace and Park of Versailles here.
Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - FrankBa - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!
Location: Versailles, France ★
Photo courtesy of FrankBa
Many thanks to have blog me !!
ReplyDeleteAnything special about this moment !!!
If you really wan to understand a little bit more Versailles you will have to spend a complete day there (might be not enough)
At summer time
Starting @ 9AM, you can discover the garden and the fountains with water
It's called Les Grandes Eaux Musicales
Don't forget to watch the Grand Final on the Neptune Pound at about 5PM
In the late afternoon, you can visit the casstle during the serenade. you may have the chance to see the Gallerie des Glaces during Sunset
The last thing is the night !!!
you can discover the garden (again ;-)) during the night, it will finish with a fireworks
OK OK Calm down, it only happens on Saturday !
So if you plan a trip to versailles, plan it on saturday !!!
Want to see more picture of versailles
no issue !!!
My set about Versailles on flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankba/sets/72157623676561144/
still not fed up of Versailles
No issue
A wonderfull group about Versailles
http://www.flickr.com/groups/chateaudeversailles/
They have F I R E W O R K S at night on Saturdays? Mon dieu! I am so there on a Saturday - day through to the night - on my next trip to Paris (and day trip to Versailles). Thank you for the information!
ReplyDelete@ Risamay
ReplyDeletethe best thing is to book through internet
for the "Grandes Eaux Nocturnes" here :
http://www.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
You will have the night fountain display and fireworks
quite romantic !!!!!