| On the 2nd November 2019, Cathy A and Cathy T spent a magnificent day at the Palace of Versailles. Originally a simple hunting lodge and later a small château with a moat, when in 1661 Louis XIV began expanding the château into a palace. In 1682, when the palace had become large enough, the king moved the entire royal court and the French government to Versailles. |
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| The interior of the palace is extraordinarily lavish, with the Hall of Mirrors (below) a sight to behold. Though very busy, it was wonderful to be able to wander through the historic rooms and admire the many beautiful furnishings and fittings. |
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| The Grand Trianon, built in 1668 by Louis XIV is located some distance from the main palace, and was where the King could spend quieter times away from the crowds and formality of his court. He purchased a village called Trianon which adjoined the park, and constructed a pavilion covered with blue and white porcelain. It was was finished in 1670, and became known as the Porcelain Trianon. In 1687, he replaced it with the Grand Trianon, a larger and more classical pavilion.
One of the highlights of the day (and there were many) was lunch at the Little Venice Restaurant, located in the 16th century converted stables. |
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| The Hamlet of Marie Antoinette is one of the most charming places on the estate. It was constructed between 1783 and 1785 by the royal architect Richard Mique with the help of the painter Hubert Robert. It replaced a botanical garden created by Louis XV, and consisted of twelve structures, ten of which still exist, in the style of villages in Normandy. It was designed for the entertainment of the Queen and her friends, and included a farmhouse with a dairy, a mill, a boudoir, a pigeon loft, a tower in the form of a lighthouse from which one could fish in the pond, and a luxuriously furnished cottage with a billiard room for the Queen. |
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| The gardens surrounding the palace and outbuildings are simply breath-taking and many hours were spent walking and enjoying the vistas. |
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