When I first visited Versailles with my mom 2 years ago, I fell in love. The chandeliers and mirrors were like nothing I had ever seen before, and the ornate gold decorations left me in awe. Though the château is dripping with such overindulgence that sparked the bloody French Revolution, France’s care for this unparalleled place speaks to their value of art and history and is a privilege to get to see so well preserved. As we stepped off the train, we were greeted by sunshine (rain was predicted all day) and the wonderful news that I could go in for free as an E.U. citizen under the age of 26! This fantastic news applies to many historical attractions and museums, I found out, and will really help Alex and I out in the next year as we travel and learn!
The 2 hour winding line was definitely worth it to step through the golden gates of Versailles once more. We did the audio guide, and I marveled at the glorious decor and lavish attention to detail that defines the château. I was thrilled to find out that a whole new wing had opened since the first time I had come, complete with three videos that gave a vivid history of Versailles, its architecture, and its expansion throughout the monarchy. Click here to go to the Versailles virtual tour website and watch the same videos - so cool!
We had a wonderful day, filled with exploration, beauty, and knowledge and I purchased my first coffee table book (big for me, as I usually don’t buy souvenirs) to bring the glamour of Versailles to my new apartment in Paris. We rode back to Paris and enjoyed our last meal there on the water of the canal, as locals swung their feet off the sides, laughing and enjoying the crisp night air while sharing a bottle of wine.