No one can possibly deny the superb-ness of the Palace of Versailles. It’s an extremely popular place for tourists, so I’d advise that you get there early and avoid the massive queues that form on busy summer’s days. I’d strongly recommend that you invest in a one day pass (around €20), as then you can get around the grounds, and the chateau, without having to queue for tickets. You can buy them at Versailles, but we got ours from the train station.
The parkland at Versailles is perhaps the most impressive we’ve ever seen, and was conceived by Louis XIV. Classically, the grounds were laid out in a complex, but geometrical, basis and incorporate water features, well-managed trees, boxwood hedges, splendidly verdant lawns, statues, and formal flowerbeds. Indeed the Sun King was so pleased with his creation that he wrote an itinerary (an insider’s guide) to the best route to enjoy these magnificent gardens, and the best places to pause to enjoy the views. I wonder if he ever believed that these gardens would continue to exist so far into the future?
The chateau itself is a magnificent sight and, as we were only there for a day, we were not able to do it justice. I’m afraid we ended up rushing around trying to take in as much as we could. Everything is just staggering, and the palace management has made a conscious decision not to display anything that was not originally here. So no fake furniture, or foreign period pieces here. It takes a bit of getting used to but I think I am in sympathy with the intentions.
The rooms are awe-inspiring and we were transfixed by most of them. The Royal Chapel with the clear lines of arches and columns, mosaic floor, gold lustre, and painstakingly painted ceiling is a treat. The Clock Room has... guess what (!) and some terrific chandeliers. The Hall of Mirrors (no surprises here!) is just flabbergastingly beautiful. I’m surprised that the King was ever able to get to sleep in his ornate bedroom—the heavy tapestry curtain is just amazing.
Of course Louis was a lover of the arts, and as King what better place to see them than in your own theatre. The view from the stage of the opera is incredible, with its wealth of gold leaf , rich colours, and fine chandeliers.
There's an abundance of fine ceiling paintings throughout the Palace and the architecture, both internal and external is just wonderful.
It's real easy to run out of superlatives to describe this enduring edifice, and I am sure that we'll return. We didn't have time to investigate the town, nor to pause too long on our tour of the Palace. Suffice it to say, there's loads to see and I'm sure that you could never be disappointed with the wonders of Versailles. Well done to the Sun King!