Despite only being in Paris for four complete days, Michael and I decided to dedicate one of the days to exploring Versailles. Commonly known for the extravagance of the sun king, and more fountains in the gardens than the local water supply can handle at the same time, we know Versailles as much more.
With questioned loyalties, and ploys of conspiracy Louis the fourteenth decided to move the court from Paris proper to an estate he had designed particularly for the purpose. This estate, Versailles, would host more than 5,000 people of significance at one time, plus their entourages. At least one significant member of every noble family was required to stay at Versailles, ensuring the family’s cooperation. Being on one estate, isolated from their former privacy, the King could ensure that no members of the court plotted against him. Perhaps this information puts the saying, stuck in a gilden cage, in a new light.
(The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles)
After touring the inside of the complex we walked for hours in the gardens.
In addition to seeing Trianon, the castle used to house visitors of particular importance, we saw many of the countless fountains, as well as gorgeous statues that the garden has within its bounds.
Starting at 3:30 in the afternoon we completed a marathon of fountains, since between 3:30 and 5 the majority of working fountains in the gardens were turned on as a part of the Grandes Eaux Musicales.
At 5:30 the Neptune fountain was turned on and we were able to witness one of the sun king’s crowning glories in fountain design.
After a little over ten hours at Versailles we headed back to our hotel happy that we had taken the day to see this complex that we had heard so much about.
À tout à l’heure!!
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