This palace continues to be one the highlights of our trips to Paris.On the day we went the Palace itself was closed due to a local workers strike. However we visited extensively the beautiful gardens on the Palace grounds. We especially loved the extensive fountains aned footpaths that roamed the incredible gardens that went on for what seemed miles. The highlight of our day to Versailles was lunch at "La Flottille" a historic restaurant in the center of the gardens of Versailles. This restaurant had tables located outside in the beautiful gardens complete with fresh flowers at your table--a most memorable experience.

This place is amazing! It is full of opulence and beauty. Versailles was perhaps my favorite part of the trip. The history of opulence and grandeur was overwhelming. Each room on the tour had yet more to take in. And the surrounding gardens and fountains add to the splendor.

Versailles served as the kingdom's political capital and the seat of the royal court from 1682 to 1789, the year of the French Revolution. The chatueau is quite popular, and we were told it attracts about 3 million visitors a year! You should arrive in the early morning to avoid long lines! The chateau was built in the mid-17th century during the reign of Louis XIV (I love hearing them say "Lewey Kanz"), the so-called "Sun King" to demonstrate the bounty that was the French monarchy, and what a job they did! In every room, and down to every crevice, you are bombarded with his boundless self-glorification and indulgence. At times it feels almost tacky and gaudy, but then that's what you come for! It is so over the top that it's fabulous!

In the gift shop, you can purchase a tape for someone to watch and they can take the tour as well, in this "virtual" version.

Kelly had really wanted to go to Versailles and it was closed for the beginning of our trip due to a workers strike. We decided to call on Sunday and see if they were open. Luckily, they were, and we took the RER Vick train to get there. It's a short and lovely ride from Paris and once you get there it's a 10-minute or so walk from the station to the palace.

Versailles is enormous. We should have gone earlier and been more well prepared. If I had to do it over, I would have done more research, worn more comfortable clothes and shoes, and planned for an entire day. We just went for an afternoon. I also would have brought a snack of some sort.

I liked the gardens the best although they were starkly lacking in flowers. They are mostly trimmed hedges and fountains. Inside the palace is not as opulent as I had imagined. By today's standards, it's very tacky and Donald Trump-ish. The Hall of Mirrors is under renovation, so don't expect to see that. Kelly was disappointed. The lines were horrendous, and it was extremely crowded. One thing I would have liked to do was to ride the horse-drawn carriages through the gardens, but it's 80 euros for about 20 minutes, so it's expensive. Its hard to take pretty pictures because there are just too many people.

In all, it was nice to say we went to Versailles, but it wasn't a particularly moving or even educational experience. I still, however, recommend it.

Some interesting things about Versailles are that there are rumors it is haunted, especially the Petit Trianon. People have claimed to have been transported back in time and have seen ghosts strolling the gardens.

Another thing I recently read on chocolateandzucchini.com was that Versailles actually has a real, working garden and a shop where you can buy produce and products made from things grown right there. I wish I had known about this before I went.

On the way back to the station, there is a lovely crepe place. I don't remember the name, but the service was good, and they made excellent, crispy, lacy buckwheat crepes filled with ham, cheese, and asparagus.

Versailles, the palace of the Sun King, is amazing. I was not all that impressed by the actual palace, which is huge and gaudily decorated. However, I was infatuated by one room in this magnificent structure - the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall of Mirrors is such an important piece of history, and it felt amazing to stand in the very room in which the Treaty of Versailles was signed. I could almost picture being in this hall when that famous event occurred.

Even better than the palace itself are the grounds on which it stands. The gardens, fountains, flora and fauna, and statues were positively gorgeous. This is a location where you could easily return a second day and still have things left to see. The gardens are so astounding that if I could get married anywhere in the world, they would be the location of choice. Don't miss this great piece of history and breathtaking sight!

The Castle of Versailles is one of the most famous heritage sites in the world. It appeals to thousands of tourists almost every day. In front of Versailles was the Marbled Courtyard, packed with tourists and locals on the day I visited. I waited for about an hour or so before I made my way through to the castle. The State Apartment of Louis XIV, the Hall of Mirrors, the Apartments of the Queen, the Crusades Museum, the Hall of Battles, the Grand Trianon, and the Petit Trianon were must-see highlights in the castle.

After the castle tour, I walked to the back of castle, where there was a huge public park. South Parterre was a nice little garden. Blocks of dainty grasses were shaped into curves of patterns, like a gigantic patchwork, and diminutive flowers were sowed around them. To the right of South Parterre was Fountain of Latona. A flight of stairs behind the fountain was featured as a seating area for the crowds during the evening, when the musical fountain came to life.

Amble down the Royal Ave and Tapis Vert, where you will see Fountain of Apollo with bronze flying horses sculptures partly submerged in the pond spewing water into the air. Go farther to the Grand Canal of Versailles. Couples used to have dates here. Rent a boat, row across the Grand Canal or laze in the middle of the canal; lay your head on your partner's lap, arms folded; and enjoy the light breeze. If you came here by yourself, cycle on a rented bike around this canal and explore the inner part of Grand Canal.