A Visit to Versailles

Today is my birthday! Since I can't be with my family, I figure I can at least celebrate with a visit to Château de Versailles, the palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. This palace was the center of French political power from 1682, when Louis XIV moved here from Paris, until the French Revolution in 1789.

I understand that much of the decor was stolen during the Revolution, but the Château has been faithfully redecorated to the time of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.  The rooms are filled with 18th Century (and earlier) furnishings, thick draperies hang at the windows and the walls are either painted or covered in velvet "wallpaper." 

Just a little crown moulding.

When Mark and I were here in March, 2008, there was hardly anyone visiting -- it was the off-season. Boy, it is so different in the summer! The hall of mirrors was jam-packed with sweaty, pushy tourists. I really couldn't get out of there fast enough.

One very small part of the vast, beautifully-maintained gardens. It amazes me that these gardens, complete with ponds and fountains, were designed hundreds of years ago.

Back in Paris, some friends celebrated my birthday with me, and we had a delicious dinner. The waiter was kind enough to put a birthday candle in my crêpe & ice cream dessert and they sang Happy Birthday to me. :) (left to right: Cindy and her daughter, Diana, me, Gladys and Phylise. I have been so lucky to make some sweet, smart, funny and kind new friends on this trip!)