The softer side of Versailles

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNuXdFa-Rc3Zdwz7IG1heuwSNjhl0JswyBxmmVX-jBlo5U1OJS6IUEHVQ1S-Wyikum77apHzK2A21E64wVa-ns24SKM3AKpjFX3FLhlt4cVdb_AhOhYUicIaZOnkOXvBrpwdMLwSRYZlI/s1600/softer.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098722324722818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNuXdFa-Rc3Zdwz7IG1heuwSNjhl0JswyBxmmVX-jBlo5U1OJS6IUEHVQ1S-Wyikum77apHzK2A21E64wVa-ns24SKM3AKpjFX3FLhlt4cVdb_AhOhYUicIaZOnkOXvBrpwdMLwSRYZlI/s400/softer.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Not every room at Versailles is gilding, glitz and glamour (the 3 G's). A set of rooms on the first floor enfilade feature some very pretty boiseries with colorful details.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8dkZjTP1JhJlOxI0B_WoxgDV4TmbjBxI7P924HK_HYEokQkPVHvi6m0sdmfzaaY7ibsI4HbsfglgrreWhsOmgqG0SXad6CuT_gj6vICHjRPX9VqN5XgDENfDrbXBkjfbI1QdBnHEkhac/s1600/painting.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098718755897346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8dkZjTP1JhJlOxI0B_WoxgDV4TmbjBxI7P924HK_HYEokQkPVHvi6m0sdmfzaaY7ibsI4HbsfglgrreWhsOmgqG0SXad6CuT_gj6vICHjRPX9VqN5XgDENfDrbXBkjfbI1QdBnHEkhac/s400/painting.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I think they're the prettiest rooms in the palace and are a very cozy size of approx 15' square.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098712863305170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3I2Oj_6JeefcKDEbKOmmAT1ICmL4IntI4yULm92ntQQwgk49uS8Uv4oU3uBNICjfMhY2740U76ICeViZBsSVdQUmwqoaAd7lcm5jGOUZHPW7U8pJBiLYZL_O3E-mp6DKLqxGit8JMoyu/s400/painted+white.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The chamber adjacent is painted all white, I doubt this is original but I really love the look of this. It's as if you bought an old victorian or tudor house with dark paneling and wanted to brighten it up a bit. All that dark wood can get so depressing.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFnKEWdYko8cDIoBgOgFRRaeZQU3gZ8RiSZd2gKu8H_t4UAYZCgXC8ZyP6XBsZyVOnQn2W2J4kJFNoPKX_Wkqu_HfCWCI6E9b89I-mASh9F5Zf2kld1WLM8YtqUqPsblDa3gZVSQ5qIuh/s1600/painted+paneling.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098707783624578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFnKEWdYko8cDIoBgOgFRRaeZQU3gZ8RiSZd2gKu8H_t4UAYZCgXC8ZyP6XBsZyVOnQn2W2J4kJFNoPKX_Wkqu_HfCWCI6E9b89I-mASh9F5Zf2kld1WLM8YtqUqPsblDa3gZVSQ5qIuh/s400/painted+paneling.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I just loved the way the sun streamed in across the face, picking out the brightness of the colors.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3V0yc3rMqGxQ8ohVI4XLbb0n5D6pkQhUQQsO5cHOsEEMDoG2lYMNHLTPljrrXfdTpAH2lcS-vbAuRvTO199HehyphenhyphenqEKbyVVmLGP4xzolqSn8ch-lMxW-uNdEfPqdYv5sh30h9BNvJ0-KD/s1600/crystal.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098703235925042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3V0yc3rMqGxQ8ohVI4XLbb0n5D6pkQhUQQsO5cHOsEEMDoG2lYMNHLTPljrrXfdTpAH2lcS-vbAuRvTO199HehyphenhyphenqEKbyVVmLGP4xzolqSn8ch-lMxW-uNdEfPqdYv5sh30h9BNvJ0-KD/s400/crystal.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The room which was set up as a private library had beautiful red leather journals behind glass and a sparkling crystal chandelier.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098552671114546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9BOL5861eukl8Ql_HvBceNLtKyPe_ImymMw8mWRyCAXmuiSkkA6yhcj8oS64eKMgVE1XH3FFzsUXz3oZTMRSJLZR9vgjwQMzIJA2_d3qt1ao78QJ2h49po-r9Wl0kZ1fY0b5QZkujxqM/s400/chandelier.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />While the bed chamber of the apartment had a more delicate porcelain chandelier. Definitely a girls room.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098563620357378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuUyRNt1kgYUU8sj-7AuczXxiMfm5N-wl51xJOST9cfSIaCJaMTmZJ5fxjBhmz1w71S_u6bzCo-3iOuXz73F7HeBbl_4iWfsGHMv-BuGyxnYXIjFNM9cm4LXlvOo-i261Yy8FOklA4MSE/s400/clock.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>This amazing turquoise rococo clock floating on mirror above a fireplace was just spectacular.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098564756289506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc42rRTQZUl5gu4S9UTVvzqJyuuvS-GYM_mMiRLMu3pl89l0jdziGfpqjjfJGkQz1HAoS5dh8sUq3EDL4yU4XvImuMWjmXcp43VwdYRjADcvLP1bLyW5mW_toqSKfhcTkoYcZE6D_Fz4f8/s400/colorful.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Don't you think these are the prettiest rooms you've seen in a long time?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098554732613634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wwXKFLQPFBwkJehaI3gdRp5yNqxA54VdxAUstwB9hqocCjE_JHN85hFPdVA7pgw4j7CS_1cKW65cOoE7Bk-skJbrytl17FuOT1k7POA0V56a5fM-NYXWZdTz20OKli7L2RAnwl7VuXy6/s400/chairs.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I loved the subtle turquoise theme in these rooms - these chairs would have only been enhanced by footstools in red leather and maybe a sisal rug and a mirrored sidetable to hold a drink (but thats if this was my own house and not a historically accurate museum!).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410098550052044514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSxGAqLOeBc4kvP-a55kTmv3YchXuj5cFU0HsfWjcOqvtv2iAjdalimkFKXydEWHQyHF1nJnIcJblQngXRXI7vOLFVHtcIT6xblcFnwuz1TxVBcE2qnu-O7TemHvgt1nmhk-cQ6kk_P_A/s400/books.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />You just can't take a bad picture in these rooms!</div></div></div></div></div>

The softer side of Versailles

Not every room at Versailles is gilding, glitz and glamour (the 3 G's). A set of rooms on the first floor enfilade feature some very pr...

Read more »

Marie Antoinette at Versailles

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBUql2uv1m_gr4JG2UA6Slk1eWU0cRsAI0IZOOKCXyJgOz26k8bhs-_q6qJbmGxad3roBRVH_K8Dwl3e7DH4ooXvfZuA1EuZi69-cTwq2iIE8TWLNuZpZCiujD7DwV2G_cAVHfSmE0vNK/s1600/marie+antoinette.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407068728182295458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBUql2uv1m_gr4JG2UA6Slk1eWU0cRsAI0IZOOKCXyJgOz26k8bhs-_q6qJbmGxad3roBRVH_K8Dwl3e7DH4ooXvfZuA1EuZi69-cTwq2iIE8TWLNuZpZCiujD7DwV2G_cAVHfSmE0vNK/s400/marie+antoinette.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> One of the most popular rooms at Versailles is the queen's bedroom, most famous for its' last queenly occupent, Marie Antoinette. Her bust is seen on the mantlepiece.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407068664162267762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUH8nH63asET8Wnd9IzXUkYwZa2J1B-Wk_sofHEg-vlmR8hmVXnk7PGmknF00-J2puNBeC2tdgGZwn92J7PThU2XP-6JOzrB5O_qnzsQQTEGT0MYz3sld3ItP1iIOSgGw73FncYCJm_Bfu/s400/chandelier.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Meant to impress, the room is also very personal and displays her love of everything floral.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpYuMMSdQU-4ksFZ8GzN51wXle_1jDi7MTppZhwH9I3AOLQEA18lppS70nnuFnsnuBFpyMo3UosG3dtSHMWv3rljG26SdDqq0tLWEY4Qex9rtn5C5RnAd-ecqKczehCDrZhADrGkC2uSd/s1600/boudoir+entry.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407068665987641538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpYuMMSdQU-4ksFZ8GzN51wXle_1jDi7MTppZhwH9I3AOLQEA18lppS70nnuFnsnuBFpyMo3UosG3dtSHMWv3rljG26SdDqq0tLWEY4Qex9rtn5C5RnAd-ecqKczehCDrZhADrGkC2uSd/s400/boudoir+entry.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The beautiful tapestried walls hide a jib or hidden door that leads to her private boudoir.The room faces the gardens, as do most rooms in the palace, and the shutters feature exquisite gilding.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407068668641332050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffYx0O1oIZgjWomd5VINq0My9Z08-Ugo3KHd2g-nUKiZEh81mw2omXfOAcRAJ1GP5AcB3q1t2oWKA84kvAdP4Ne_NQTxzFkuu3q5XL84qgzJvcpDTnREDg5TfvQSq6_Oqb6AGzZx5CIR7/s400/door.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407068673405559506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzMS_E3yQZgWDRKHW_gG1UfLQCupg67JIxwGu4Ykvxq_ors0EsvvQPICbwqWTKZm-7qUWcZtbzWI27A88ADSIoWTxjChTQSP3sG2eGxNK7eaZlZBTQAFtlQiMJBgIhcabZqmo0VqTOrJE/s400/garden+view.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The palace is designed in enfilade style and there is a series of rooms devoted to her, all elegant (as seen below) but none as pretty as her bedroom.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407068672556132002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh539yceSIHFbHtB7h92heN_1JVlBXUP3_DlqJp1ANnXvY_LUsX-nTPjEdzgxZ88iXFAI6vBURcTnGLxxmrN5qsXHBc31MBc3mk5ZPZVClL1W4g6bGvI4CtjDxoLUjOXa6tNiSngXf3QgxX/s400/queen's+apartments.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />It was here where the angry mob descended looking to rape and kill her (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Women%27s_March_on_Versailles">The women's march on Versailles</a>) and finding her missing, due to her quick escape to the King's bedroom, destroyed the room instead. Marie and Louis of course left Versailles after that to live out the revolution in Paris at the mob's demand and Marie never used her bedroom at Versailles again.</div></div></div></div></div>

Marie Antoinette at Versailles

One of the most popular rooms at Versailles is the queen's bedroom, most famous for its' last queenly occupent, Marie Antoinette. H...

Read more »

Versailles: Hall of Mirrors

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAalF-kwROSZmZDpHeV4zjZedPEiZSUGIoZg1arVWCgs_gnu24oeOKR6od7TqDb8JBJz8XQ_w0I4q-sjqukewrTncnxomjJ76ltWA7JehymKR3SFVEUr7PVtdF7M_PtRoVZi_7bnvF6x5g/s1600-h/hall+of+mirrors.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031968484067442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAalF-kwROSZmZDpHeV4zjZedPEiZSUGIoZg1arVWCgs_gnu24oeOKR6od7TqDb8JBJz8XQ_w0I4q-sjqukewrTncnxomjJ76ltWA7JehymKR3SFVEUr7PVtdF7M_PtRoVZi_7bnvF6x5g/s400/hall+of+mirrors.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Were you wondering when I would get to the good stuff from Versailles? I think I've kept you waiting long enough! The most famous room at Versailles is undoubtedly the Hall of Mirrors. I've enabled clicking on my photos so you can zoom into the details.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUFw-AA5E3dDCeGyN6cPYPrdpLt5hW5JSz5Mv99cFmmpfnqBSJt8a38g8SsJ87rfdnPMyz08jdM2tnvl-I5tOMZSPaxMUMcPT1k-W5_qcUM0tfCTAaHFNFZt-b4SIDG22SmzyNwXUFvXc/s1600-h/179-7925_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031965218990658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUFw-AA5E3dDCeGyN6cPYPrdpLt5hW5JSz5Mv99cFmmpfnqBSJt8a38g8SsJ87rfdnPMyz08jdM2tnvl-I5tOMZSPaxMUMcPT1k-W5_qcUM0tfCTAaHFNFZt-b4SIDG22SmzyNwXUFvXc/s400/179-7925_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I wasn't sure what to expect. I've seen photographs of it my entire life but I was totally blown away.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031956839649810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGQw-83Opog8SEMupbJm4S1ihpc_rnsH74X8VIU-A8rL3XPtcbhi7TaWQ9AOH8FJvnDCO3N0H9rgVmG-KwF9ydpwzd_yaozd0fR9LhWDy72_8lb6tsGa4sD92SlX2HlB4pAEylinqH9Lj/s400/179-7941_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Blown away not just by the sumptuousness of every detail: the gilding, the beautiful mirror, the huge crowds, but mainly by the beautiful light.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031951551338242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DQIGb2ALdlwY92gp7be4Olz8_CU92xHG3j6lL2qK1vWeiIml8mMXNKcMKEpAm2vqLlXeyd9_akd-_P6RqKxB3kvqHemnNP0YvPQrWfKAa49YpHLoa-1AvU8P1Z853-pXRQCDqz8XLvaT/s400/179-7942_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The room is immensely long, 239.5' to be exact, and that doesn't include the adjoining Salon of War and the Salon of Peace on either end.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Y91qPte9noI1QK9ouAKWXxLNjR2kQZB_a4XfhikAbKKNBj9m14RdhqksI6khoxVcfOGfamKylmk3A41GqdAWUXXFR1YObdvnRfzeRi1HgCxkErmDaabWV1zASWuPVf8OaoWf-qrSWrN/s1600-h/179-7943_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031803425539330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Y91qPte9noI1QK9ouAKWXxLNjR2kQZB_a4XfhikAbKKNBj9m14RdhqksI6khoxVcfOGfamKylmk3A41GqdAWUXXFR1YObdvnRfzeRi1HgCxkErmDaabWV1zASWuPVf8OaoWf-qrSWrN/s400/179-7943_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The light comes from the tall french doors facing the gardens and is reflected into the 17 mirror clad archways opposite. All of the crystal, highly polished marble and gilding don't hurt either!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbhlgVdQXOB4KfJH1IglOmNKcjoswrOQDn-X_kkA1wHsfMYUnvPUcDWXjLDjQYtIr24GWX3CRenjkkl_SauDcuCL0m2GPDveiJt5RRbpd3mDBkN5XTCfZ-8a4Gz-4j4UOCq1_R04RPV7L/s1600-h/179-7944_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031797697177426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbhlgVdQXOB4KfJH1IglOmNKcjoswrOQDn-X_kkA1wHsfMYUnvPUcDWXjLDjQYtIr24GWX3CRenjkkl_SauDcuCL0m2GPDveiJt5RRbpd3mDBkN5XTCfZ-8a4Gz-4j4UOCq1_R04RPV7L/s400/179-7944_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> At the time of the halls construction in 1678, mirrors were one of the most expensive items to own. Meant as a gathering place at the palace, the mirrors were not just a decorative item but also meant to impress all those waiting for a glimpse of the king.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveJhD1zC5w2mnKDDqxQrdaWC8fyRlVdQv82Xh4fqCPaLsRBgmQbY-oNacM3CaggGlvlD4uUMiH9_XHrJ1sW1pg_1JlAWStwIROiU8lycJGQYX8fvkKpIANvJ8U0Fxss5FD_LXAqAE-Fw_/s1600-h/179-7946_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031794186716994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveJhD1zC5w2mnKDDqxQrdaWC8fyRlVdQv82Xh4fqCPaLsRBgmQbY-oNacM3CaggGlvlD4uUMiH9_XHrJ1sW1pg_1JlAWStwIROiU8lycJGQYX8fvkKpIANvJ8U0Fxss5FD_LXAqAE-Fw_/s400/179-7946_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I was impressed.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031630900670626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yRvWYUqZj3XpM6mQDfhwgZS3QSzrMFVK8Viwx6HQbCSKuYXClNQFstxrkH7zEgkWyz67g1eCC-_v7m4_Ix2hRYbhg0E1sn-rIuYJi8_1_b1IODzii4F6AlXyZZx8THVI4gWK5FLPRKM6/s400/179-7952_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>As you can see, so was everyone else! Everyone was jockeying for elbow room to take pictures!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX_OMe8Vm5-BmdCjkAm9JqpiT7rYG4Qv_k9N0gC_5Vnbrk67LoivZ1lEYARbxGZplJxYe2YJ8tpYEWZZNbjDYwzgU20cdyonQLjUM37hpXrFhAKQ63PDSGRW1nLjg4BTj_53EJNa1j6uV/s1600-h/179-7949_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031778462087378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwX_OMe8Vm5-BmdCjkAm9JqpiT7rYG4Qv_k9N0gC_5Vnbrk67LoivZ1lEYARbxGZplJxYe2YJ8tpYEWZZNbjDYwzgU20cdyonQLjUM37hpXrFhAKQ63PDSGRW1nLjg4BTj_53EJNa1j6uV/s400/179-7949_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The hall was designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart for Louis XIV; would you expect anything less from either man?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk31LKyuVwjki_24JMRY1hZG8wKzRo8g1YNnbH0poUUm3w658ECNs3zipBoXXXQt3ePgM4fWeep-WSslC_CSkZ-7GorJefa21vGX8TYRYEQw5s5lPHBR6rtjsXlUy-8kq6b9ft9dG0ve0/s1600-h/179-7950_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031640545714002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk31LKyuVwjki_24JMRY1hZG8wKzRo8g1YNnbH0poUUm3w658ECNs3zipBoXXXQt3ePgM4fWeep-WSslC_CSkZ-7GorJefa21vGX8TYRYEQw5s5lPHBR6rtjsXlUy-8kq6b9ft9dG0ve0/s400/179-7950_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Beautiful candelabras and statues line the hallway, reflected ten fold by the mirror.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj-oZJVsKfX_8BJJRgYb7Tu1sIOkMhq3oqZhD0XYQl89u6Cq7obz7LPuDJm4YeUaOomE0Swe82fUXCmCLiDvAWQGBAN_7J_BUXNPqWqjDAQkKSL3LSg0FW3y4hNEQABaH8TjFHVpscaHS/s1600-h/179-7951_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031637408690786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj-oZJVsKfX_8BJJRgYb7Tu1sIOkMhq3oqZhD0XYQl89u6Cq7obz7LPuDJm4YeUaOomE0Swe82fUXCmCLiDvAWQGBAN_7J_BUXNPqWqjDAQkKSL3LSg0FW3y4hNEQABaH8TjFHVpscaHS/s400/179-7951_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The views over the gardens are spectacular: I could have spent all day long in this one room.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkb_mOUOYj0OO6eWVcYOKJ5HEeyC9b6xf1VfL5rxAmbC-GdeD0rgQdPN3xjVgC1EZn8JMGINyhg3Ga1Btja0dSAG1H0tP-IR1UpwW-Lnsgcf5uSboi6_vCmH9j3KaGCCp5OH73miVW6Zk/s1600-h/179-7954_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031616443400386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkb_mOUOYj0OO6eWVcYOKJ5HEeyC9b6xf1VfL5rxAmbC-GdeD0rgQdPN3xjVgC1EZn8JMGINyhg3Ga1Btja0dSAG1H0tP-IR1UpwW-Lnsgcf5uSboi6_vCmH9j3KaGCCp5OH73miVW6Zk/s400/179-7954_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I kept pinching myself: am I really here?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGxCxb6SWXI31kycZ3UUVGOAXcaG0h0A65dZlQMomkkO6NbKJSxB-L17EkouTYkrWSHO9GUR7QINt3WK017-cYUTZ5e24TEM_2tM8kNNW3sBS4bsNe_kbK37rtq3tOOX3GAHZgccru3CH/s1600-h/179-7955_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031391571489474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGxCxb6SWXI31kycZ3UUVGOAXcaG0h0A65dZlQMomkkO6NbKJSxB-L17EkouTYkrWSHO9GUR7QINt3WK017-cYUTZ5e24TEM_2tM8kNNW3sBS4bsNe_kbK37rtq3tOOX3GAHZgccru3CH/s400/179-7955_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Towards the end of my visit in this great room, I started to pay closer attention to the mirror.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGor5g5JsEMU3QFI01d9oa_jsYX6bIHhAojlLVDOltM6gUJJLbQhSq0AcMkfjekPtMIH0nfmHC5h_sR-wrhkpuK0eGpowl_nkvyf_UwOQepgnXiseSZR3A_Tcn96HL-c-4gspHEO3oHA0/s1600-h/179-7956_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031388247140578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGor5g5JsEMU3QFI01d9oa_jsYX6bIHhAojlLVDOltM6gUJJLbQhSq0AcMkfjekPtMIH0nfmHC5h_sR-wrhkpuK0eGpowl_nkvyf_UwOQepgnXiseSZR3A_Tcn96HL-c-4gspHEO3oHA0/s400/179-7956_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Does it look ok to you? Hazy maybe?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw-WGVljc68DMr_Ln89e_VNEAyoyJiua_VVDDmXEvljhsU6-yYRflrvn_MGzzLBo8wsj5PMlys62zmtN5QlglQDpf-QeCabpBscIBf0ckWMHPWZ5E_J_UVJH3BEc9mOn8FIp399JwhjgL/s1600-h/179-7977_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031379589024258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw-WGVljc68DMr_Ln89e_VNEAyoyJiua_VVDDmXEvljhsU6-yYRflrvn_MGzzLBo8wsj5PMlys62zmtN5QlglQDpf-QeCabpBscIBf0ckWMHPWZ5E_J_UVJH3BEc9mOn8FIp399JwhjgL/s400/179-7977_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Not just old, but there is GRAFFITI on the mirror! At first I was outraged!!!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IOZaFvSqOC4yllaj5BOvbzzvx_iHf9twlpUY9WCDJt2yDW46SmCvpYhlPhJgY49m4TaevW1T6TdEIvNzeJO9gXm0L8JsrXyRmTTiQh4NNHSUs-Al17-yHyHSaKm-r58v5ezbLQuD-d0o/s1600-h/179-7978_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031375455646034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IOZaFvSqOC4yllaj5BOvbzzvx_iHf9twlpUY9WCDJt2yDW46SmCvpYhlPhJgY49m4TaevW1T6TdEIvNzeJO9gXm0L8JsrXyRmTTiQh4NNHSUs-Al17-yHyHSaKm-r58v5ezbLQuD-d0o/s400/179-7978_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Then I started to read what was scratched onto the glass. Most of the inscriptions left behind are from 100-200 years ago. Historical graffiti!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU9Uggal-YdFOOGlf4ASzI27PHITlYvuX5RuPYDRtErXDYOXIw9VgU5r4ulgPuBFMWHXJvh9zayUkD_Xb06Hkbr3eQPQxgfJIT1ld5vf6jIPIc1aD6R0WJPKsxnP9UDO4xPP23vfEpCd9/s1600-h/179-7979_IMG.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393031366072269906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvU9Uggal-YdFOOGlf4ASzI27PHITlYvuX5RuPYDRtErXDYOXIw9VgU5r4ulgPuBFMWHXJvh9zayUkD_Xb06Hkbr3eQPQxgfJIT1ld5vf6jIPIc1aD6R0WJPKsxnP9UDO4xPP23vfEpCd9/s400/179-7979_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Somehow that made it much more acceptable to me, is that wrong? This last image has been the screensaver on my home computer since I came back. History refleccts history!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Versailles: Hall of Mirrors

Were you wondering when I would get to the good stuff from Versailles? I think I've kept you waiting long enough! The most famous room ...

Read more »

Chapel at Versailles

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lEF-8M6bE4PLMe5tAFt8xUth6w5A390ILalJiH_dnAkz3eNfQtED5qNPVSTOs36EZVyz31QPwn2cqFxUe2Ag7qGbFTw1EjnANrrq0WWitFHjg-fzgqo_7VtFgnV22801pNCRj4Hkd4p_/s1600-h/window.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674917080295106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lEF-8M6bE4PLMe5tAFt8xUth6w5A390ILalJiH_dnAkz3eNfQtED5qNPVSTOs36EZVyz31QPwn2cqFxUe2Ag7qGbFTw1EjnANrrq0WWitFHjg-fzgqo_7VtFgnV22801pNCRj4Hkd4p_/s400/window.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> My favorite space in Versailles was the Chapel. Completed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1710 under king Louis XIV, this was the last of 5 chapels built.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMoTeOnT1CT5BTWSH-6CbNEzazna6kavsARZQAqyDmUxmwmjUT8onzAXdTKp1MkGi2z-9SbbFVhzzLrAsONbTvkoYduQSgyycZgJ6RHLUFJhLm4Ar5tQfEyQYLQSmjHqDOxBfv1z2pdAs/s1600-h/Versailles.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674915780639442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMoTeOnT1CT5BTWSH-6CbNEzazna6kavsARZQAqyDmUxmwmjUT8onzAXdTKp1MkGi2z-9SbbFVhzzLrAsONbTvkoYduQSgyycZgJ6RHLUFJhLm4Ar5tQfEyQYLQSmjHqDOxBfv1z2pdAs/s400/Versailles.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> As the chapel was built later than much of the palace, it is bordering on the Neoclassical design that was becoming popular in the 18th century. It proved to not be popular with many of the courtiers of the time because it towered over the very horizontal lines of Versailles as you see above.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674910320022626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAKBvCmVqrNl-aJRJRe2MnmZ6r-qW337Po3Ur1wYmxsC0Ik3ASIuFvXqVoU-1qOvtw7EQkRO0kaFNbZZp695uuCNyvYzQJlL_4a8kL3Gt-ZDvuYMVb0_Hb8LEe3NFvdROuPXehA2NKNGU/s400/the+space.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />If you take the tour of private Versailles, this will be your final stop. Other visitors only get to admire the chapel from the doorway. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674901748667682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uowzqWofRk2TeC0ZN0DYgpplH9NRmQeJtW2MjS3uh9Lb-3V3ME1lym0pEd7MXiujLuSpox2dOwwTA3Z3oe2Au-fwxDatolGcDgyT4mTELLC94_snqeXiIgCEDRKRnqoDO7XD1t4BwdJq/s400/kings+balcony.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The balcony above the door was where the highest royals and the King would attend services.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674899432332450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLtZH3xn4FNI9hZHRhyphenhyphennvUyCDrJGHJ4LDfy6NMI11jXXIYzC2ypZaD9MpW7Fcc2culIwcesHT4hHWlV23-2HY8EXAR64ofhHQDq46V2WDE1wpL7HQjPytUMUGcfuNalD5qsP-BL3E3iXY/s400/ceiling.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The ceiling mural was recently restored and is truly breathtaking (and not just because you're staring straight above you!).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674679450055314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhtbBK09bpOEtYf72VIWN8s-N_WaWia4TE2AgGKvRmUwEg_dglSE6kJxvXIWqDYl2JXk2ESaXce2i4T-YZnBSyva2dUPW3HaGiN1zzT1yPWAAaej-p1xaZpL3H4bP1ds5tFrp8egE6sX6/s400/corner.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoeYBWta9ONZNOpA0qz-7zShJ6UsvxJwj45MBfGE8eEjI1hWkOpJKJvW_G_IYp9OSzcsrc1XQ6xEHb-olVSml_YuRNfL-G7274mkmOzhIKVUeHszOrKG08o5tiF0oK3ChmjAqPeM5xn0d/s1600-h/kings+balcony.JPG"></a>The stonework was left ungilded as France was beginning to experience financial problems. If this is cheap construction, sign me up: Still totally amazing! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674673577387138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRAZkyELSBZIL5VS11_xUtLRrgjtXp4Y3XANYiyvgReGUj2k2PvehCH1-YpyO9-n5BaZGJXt55GOGZ8txKgeyqNSSPzlQyyeYecqblg6Sw27T_nPeZ7lyfWXbefF3Bg27qZszAjei99bn/s400/looking+up.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />If you've seen the movie <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Antoinette-Kirsten-Dunst/dp/B000M06KJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1254876136&sr=8-1">'Marie Antoinette'</a> (one of my favorites), you're familiar with the space and how large it is! Left empty; it almost feels intimate without items for scale.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvtVj6BOySBO-oKj6po-smYbGRkINIzQyEz2nRAUgoTH1zF4edP_HxvbmdZ3VaaGxADG0lnMNTn8FilxrBb-omWzV181bIy3fWkjplAczXdYG73OQ9MJ6jMAxpbR2D74XCx4vUpf4-ytz/s1600-h/side.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389674664698152258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvtVj6BOySBO-oKj6po-smYbGRkINIzQyEz2nRAUgoTH1zF4edP_HxvbmdZ3VaaGxADG0lnMNTn8FilxrBb-omWzV181bIy3fWkjplAczXdYG73OQ9MJ6jMAxpbR2D74XCx4vUpf4-ytz/s400/side.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>If lucky, you'll catch one of the concerts held weekly as the space has excellent acoustics!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Chapel at Versailles

My favorite space in Versailles was the Chapel. Completed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1710 under king Louis XIV, this was th...

Read more »

Private Versailles

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874989321517618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJZvI0qWUqysTBuORGZElcqvyXjdKHXCBJTUkEuqh5629t-fgUJQoAOhXUiCvvsLjQn6kjiqUmiH6H7_j91OcnvgRh8K-MgGSXGxGPhFdrY6hEPyHHcbUMety0MAaCvXa67Ej1ilw3TXx/s400/gate.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Versailles, both in the age of Louis XIV and now, is a very public place. Tens of thousands of people called it home back in the age of kings and today thousands of visitors come daily. We got to witness this on a VERY crowded Sunday when we visited during Heather's and my trip to Paris as you can see below.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874838180398466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiQEWg3xk_1pM33gr65QyG94S9ncxniOZtyt-jtKoyJ1ZLi264gKcnpKu-HWzg2M-GD41-YeoqOe_3roZu5uq3VEJPF9U3DwgaPl11z5_6KBNlveTWqUseTBTSHLFEb-P4jUI9qIIGlHa/s400/177-7761_IMG.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Levels of security exist even outside of the Palace walls. I particularly loved these wood guard stations disguised as tents: a technique copied at palaces around Europe in the 18th century.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874995860463442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3IERhVhRqY-Om_jatH2nSISUJDLWArrGCZYIL8FzxtomJhTJOcD3G1OPbYm-C_Twg6ZZOnjJCynPnTT7he4pbw9NUgJaYakaSf4s9a4t5clAg8uw8C-43e93enhQxmasnxv-Msf2fzwC/s400/gaurdbooth.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Of course not all of the spaces in Versailles are as luxurious and spacious as we see in pictures: think of the hall of mirrors for example. However, many of the smaller private spaces are as luxurious as the public ones as seen in the gold & silver ceiling in the king's private chambers.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlKyU9VRqKe9GjgXVHpeO2f1mLe88TVvTZQ0jxVoQIoCBErccn0TNNhhilKBBDnnTvZkbTNPIrOB61pWRueN092FzHCDlPndsQi2_QI1o1R2BENCPNwssFpWQuHCBylPlSt8DJuZEH7iN/s1600-h/silver+and+gold.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875156510633554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlKyU9VRqKe9GjgXVHpeO2f1mLe88TVvTZQ0jxVoQIoCBErccn0TNNhhilKBBDnnTvZkbTNPIrOB61pWRueN092FzHCDlPndsQi2_QI1o1R2BENCPNwssFpWQuHCBylPlSt8DJuZEH7iN/s400/silver+and+gold.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> One thing I highly recommend is to take the guided tour of the private apartments first. You get to learn a lot about the chateau with incredible guides in a small group where you can ask questions before going through the public rooms in vast crowds.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6E_Vs3_5BdwDteeSYzznw2RDU_MVGVkJsWkjE_zH49hRlfajmAK2ooXk7bUebiefFlNPQrMYhepzDJUUw8e89v_nwt4Yl4dNDSVBdZ5mQAzuUC7j8fmMu2n4BHMQc7mWP54VHTLIe45q/s1600-h/guard+room+fireplace.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875005160391026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6E_Vs3_5BdwDteeSYzznw2RDU_MVGVkJsWkjE_zH49hRlfajmAK2ooXk7bUebiefFlNPQrMYhepzDJUUw8e89v_nwt4Yl4dNDSVBdZ5mQAzuUC7j8fmMu2n4BHMQc7mWP54VHTLIe45q/s400/guard+room+fireplace.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Our tour started in the king's guard room. Located on the first floor off the main court, this small and simple room housed 2 guards at all times, 24/7. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875001309407746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu1TxDJ9nXMw_DpjIGkFoL5EnHEMCFS8pRibDFMLmnkqe5v_O6hSytkipKd-cSMq7KzQqLovJxc5sO0eNAteKc32KgK49HLrQDe5kOJNhvT3jx0jeybMl2m0bEv6lQNdClMm4A3txvNnd/s400/guard+room.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The guards slept & ate here, right under the king. These closets flanked the staircase for their personal items.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875013170023250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8MTEe7X0Ie_mun6pRuCuxIjm_-1N0PPWoxPPcgTlDTEV7gNWn93mMiQAT9kPb6RWuQOyEhgydtILPtne2jCywQqk-ew6wYFrKKlhyGq0GZrxvv8_MFIXzOBC9hNGPW7xvBfMCfysRAyP/s400/guard+room+statue.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Of course beautiful statuary exists even here!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874852823421682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxzV64mf9mSgfJ5xLlpA0uGklp_8IfwPuDDwJ3AHoa6uE-zDEL8Diw_Amc55c6H2HAZO7Sxm6WJC4gErE1hCAUQbVH_W5WYAAJVQpwHrB8rzf8CHuHlHJ1QJMfftahuN7U6n6pZ6U3A0y/s400/balustrade.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />A small but grand staircase leads you right up to the king's private apartment.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875241331100706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkDGAg47JPt5lD2aIltwpXRhPsFeGcX8yb3UdSOr-QwAc4aPF7-QmtlEKvlGEYr3M-33-8IcWeDjqypwwhsGTzgOnUH07bAdmQCxfVD4d9bsk3VHkqy2EfK4ZamzaEh8lBqnsgHk8bbPW/s400/staircase.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />At some point the wall paneling had been removed and they had 'replaced' it with faux painted panels which I really loved. What a great idea for your own home! Instant 'architecture'!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875138047135602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hb5L27tJrjkVTWVdtns_XABADQgyD8lmw-Y8KdXjrAAwFZSbOkbMW_Q_X2WbDEHvht0ewpoPIj79VZU_Fz_ufEooPwGKAksBOaU2mJz9-iyKTQOQ1eHgJIUQ9qTAlzpTvWbhSdfeX6RW/s400/kings+quarters.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />While the king was very open to public contact, for safety reasons, as well as to hold the large numbers of visitors, anterooms flank the more important chambers. They are of course meant to impress as seen in this small room above.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875148804067906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8ZwPq8oo2kmEXjiYrwODQmxa57oUc9W8Sm_ODcWEXcO2M45AvgR4y1z-RfY2e4lZi9rS7VumXJ2MIqDG2OCuz9WXyyVTQbyDzsWi3CG4K3wbaYHCJrnJ_eShXJ3XNKW-Wmd90kSEYmji/s400/kings+waiting+room.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The king's waiting room is very large and filled with treasures meant to both interest and intimidate guests. The mechanical calendar seen in front of the mirror represented that the king was a very scientific and intelligent man leading the country into the future.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875258119123762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gs7QscEb_i50FzRAYqoeCaCoULLZSpW1RHskDpHjq0TU6rDI6wF2dOa5Dh2NNWnCDhFZ1Vt7OdebdZXAjr03uhWLrBRMV69GJ-7e3FbXphZ2w7FIXt97CxUJv1-YsMIggcOuEkO47u6-/s400/study+doors.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The king's (Louis XVI) private study, off of the waiting room, had books paneling the walls. Louis XVI was known to have important scholars of the day visit him here as well as many hours spent alone reading a book. Even the doorways are disguised as bookshelves as seen above.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875132695158002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6dF3LSKprSPflCGQ1vZGXvKljBPOTF0B7ZfCLW-hL9iGZht4k2Oxy7rZXaSzt9_f-CU_4svMgV6qoaCoB4e6dqiarIxgletl1bSBZIxR4vuRAcuSfLk_oxA4H4_-nP1Wmr-8diJFvLVT/s400/kings+private+study.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The table in the middle of this room holds statues of many of the great learned men of the day, included among them is Voltaire.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2o-RLSUVxr5CQR8iz8pZMT0G7glwvup8PUULABttUk0tE6vXQ7CXlDvPeavW_HaL19-IdB9XAqNtDvsyqcTFMQKLb9bAmvfrlSQqFulcFfm-AxDEDh8DcvVKZk8aIGgVhlGs1tJN-l_e/s1600-h/dining+room.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874867026343538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2o-RLSUVxr5CQR8iz8pZMT0G7glwvup8PUULABttUk0tE6vXQ7CXlDvPeavW_HaL19-IdB9XAqNtDvsyqcTFMQKLb9bAmvfrlSQqFulcFfm-AxDEDh8DcvVKZk8aIGgVhlGs1tJN-l_e/s400/dining+room.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Louis XVI was changing the relationship of the king to the public and was deeply invested in a private life. This was the first private and official dining room of the chateau, right off of his study. I loved the turquoise velvet!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875249243622914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDDXTGsi6_gbPnTG1BZPmYLT1YMtbma3m9LTv3TxCFwDBa4H0AlTAO_oYnXY7f3nl_Jj2S494Afn0xtmrEm7gTaHVlrK0LPkGZCVOWOLSlh01pGV6tPGjZIVOCgdDzJ6q_H7N2mBUne31/s400/staircaseii.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The king's chambers attach to the chateau through a much more grand staircase as you are lead into the public areas.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874842399377794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNlZn307W37Le5nMzhncjGZBdXL8pmuDQcR1TnRnWzHefhKunZXHzQxFLXzEgYETz67DIrImZtsugUo70Re3MzMLEWOFzrWOmLUWda_D4FVf-aVMeravbE1FCX55NIlzuIb1qV2K7aM6s/s400/antique+mirror.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Just a gratuitous shot of some antique mirror: Such great ambiance!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-aX9sF01BZdlJBvzM1ywsbsY5hmq81DX18WBn9rZ3zj7DTf4RVNMI-zu1Lm1EE9o7DTXxDmKJxZsgINPhoL4ZMFSL3yLV1A28q34ZYPdjnSK54Xagz7LRveXCEOvvFKDc_Af5lilOwWM/s1600-h/chandelier.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388874856847508738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-aX9sF01BZdlJBvzM1ywsbsY5hmq81DX18WBn9rZ3zj7DTf4RVNMI-zu1Lm1EE9o7DTXxDmKJxZsgINPhoL4ZMFSL3yLV1A28q34ZYPdjnSK54Xagz7LRveXCEOvvFKDc_Af5lilOwWM/s400/chandelier.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Sadly, most of the furnishings were sold off after the revolution and none of the chandeliers were of the period but later reproductions: many of them antiques in their own right today.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388875145085315874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OFkNnkfgzihyphenhyphena_3kpXIGkMBy334wbt075wbQ5Bc9iQ5WA0FexClR0LJWeCp4D1d5QrDEkQQBOFSYWCjfJyna3zDCrxy6RKZYeWwvQlpSa8DQuYVhD7nVaAHVrB9KbPnrLJQx85XYGYD9/s400/kings+toilet.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />They don't call it private Versailles for nothing, this was the toilet off the private study of Louis XIV. Watch out for splinters!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Private Versailles

Versailles, both in the age of Louis XIV and now, is a very public place. Tens of thousands of people called it home back in the age of king...

Read more »