We took the train out to Versailles from right in Paris, which was relatively cheap (only 6 Euro roundtrip), and took only about half an hour, if even. The walk through the town to the Palace is short, but the town is very cute. I think it has been about five years since I last visited Versailles with my family, and it is an entirely different experience in this weather, from what I remember.
The Palace, as most are probably aware, was built by Louis the XIV to be as opulent as possible, with thousands of different varieties of marbles, stones, metals, fabrics, gold, etc.
The entire interior is swathed in the richest materials, and is quite magnificent, and also suffocating in a sense.
I defintely prefer the gardens (I am my mother's daughter, of course), as they leave a bit more room to breathe, and are extensive and beautifully landscaped.
However, because of the Art History class I have been taking, it was very interesting to have a bit more context into the concept of historical and portrait painting from around the 18th to 19th centuries, when the interior of the Palace was decorated (for the most part). There are so many huge works of art in Versailles that have so much historical (and physical) value it is difficult to fathom.
I can't imagine how much work went into designing the palace and its grounds...while Louis XIV was certainly vain, he definitely had a vision!
I can't wait to come back to the Palace in the spring time when it is warmer and I can spend more time outside. We walked around the outer edge of the palace long enough to throw a few snowballs, but it was too cold and wet to trudge around for long. But
I'm sure in a couple months it will be just perfect!
For more pictures of my trip to Versailles, look at the new album to the right!
And for a humourous (and interesting) look at the interior of the Palace, here is my favorite Versailles video (a spoof on MTV's Cribs show), hosted by "Louis XVI"!
3 comments:
Loved both the Versailles pictures and Valentines Day in The French Countryside...Can't decide if I like Louis and Marie Antoinette's "digs" or the french host family's better.
Versaille in the snow was amazing. Loved all pictures in the gardens (or looking out to the gardens) with the topiaries and statuary.
Did you ever read Antonia Fraser's book: Marie Antoinette? Sophia Coppola used it as the basis for the movie she produced a few years ago. Ms. Fraser's book is tres historically correct and if you have not read it, I really recommend it. It really gives the most comprehensive understanding of the times/the people and their circumstance.
When you go back in the spring, I would really recommend The Hotel Trianon (I think that is correct) in that darling town. They serve tea in the bar and we really enjoyed the experience.
Tell us more about the chateau...when you can. Was it passed down in their family? It is breathtaking. And so are you and Morgan!
Delta love!
Heidi
Ashley -- I Love,love, LOVED the video... fun, and educational! I was laughing out loud!!
Please... when you go back to Versailles in the spring... take lots and lots of photos!... of the gardens... in bloom... I look forward to seeing those gardens through your eyes, and camera...!
Now I must go and re-run that video for your Uncle johnny -- he wants to know what all that laughing was about...
Hugs and Love,
Aunt Diana
Dear Ashley
Great blog! Have you been to the most beautiful cemetery in the world? Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. If you go there could you take a picture of Jim Morrison's grave stone? If you can find it. It says in Greek "KATATONI ^AIMONA EAYTOY" rough translation...true to his own spirit and it was placed there by his father. Too many drugs in his time singing with the "DOORS" but probably had the best set of pipes for his time during the 60's. Some what of a different request than Aunt Diana's but that's good old weird me.
Luv ya
Unc JT
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