The European Diaries: Le Château du Roi Soleil

Versailles, Hall of Mirrors.

Finalement, la dernière entrée of the European Diaries... le Château de Versailles.  Versailles amazed me as much this time as the last time I went.  Every corner of the chateau is covered in ornate details and the best of the best.  Although the castle itself is gorgeous, the gardens are the true gem of Versailles.  I seriously could spend days wandering about.  However, surrounded by all the glam and gold and gloss I can't help, but think about how the palace was created and the financial inequality that existed during that time.  There is also a stark contrast between the complete opulence of the castle and the simplicity of the surrounding country villages.  None the less, admire the beauty, but remember the history and enjoy the pictures.

The palace gates.

The ceiling of the Royal chapel.

Hallway full of famous French artists, poets, kings, queens, writers, etc...

The royal chapel.

Plastic cutlery heart sculpture part of a temporary exhibit.

So many stunning details everywhere.

Lace doily covered lions also part of the temporary exhibit.

Chandelier in the Dauphin's quarters.

Battles Gallery.

Dehors.

The Apollo Fountain.

Wildflowers.

Le Grand Canal.

The Encelade Grove.

Our picnic in the gardens: pate, baguettes, apricots, camembert, and vino.

Boats along the Grand Canal.

The gardens.

The boy and the girl.

The Southern Parterre.

Tired feet after a long day of walking.

Thank you for following along with the European Diaries and make sure to check out the rest of the entries from Portugal, Spain, and Paris.