We got to the main courtyard, and it was jam packed with people. We had bought our "Le Passport" tickets at the local tourist office so we were able to bypass the long line for ticket sales.
The gate made of gold leaves outside the Chateau and lining the courtyard mysteriously disappeared during the Revolution. A replica was built and unveiled in 2008, which cost 5 million euros.
After waiting in the security line, we headed towards the gardens. On weekends, the Fountain Spectacles can be seen int he gardens. The fountains are turned on and are powered by the gravity of the Seine River water just as it was during the time of Louis XIV.
The grounds were massive. Thanks to Rick Steve's audiotour, we learned about some of the history and about how the grounds were used during the time of Louis XIV, Louis, XV, Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette. Thanks to Hollywood and the movie Marie Antoinette, we had some ideas of what life might have been like at Versailles hundreds of years ago.
My fav part of the day was when Quinn and I rented a boat to take out to the Grand Canal and Petit Canal. We had a mini-picnic on our boat and had some entertainment from some nearby swans.
We walked up to le Domaine de Marie Antoinette, which consisted of the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, a summer house, the Temple of Love, and the Hamlet. These grounds were used by Marie Antoinette when she wanted to escape to a more comfortable place.
On the walk to le Domaine de Marie Antoinette...
Inside the Grand Trianon...
The Hamlet
We saved the Chateau for last. I've never been to a palace/museum with so many people! We listened to Rick Steve's audiotour and followed the masses of people from room to room.
Finally back in Paris, we enjoyed dinner at La Grille Montorgueil just down the street.
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