Notes from the Palace of Versailles

A beautiful spring day.

An early morning train ride to be one of the first in line for the first-time slot entry of the day.

2,300 rooms, 721,306 sq. feet, and 2,014 acres.

Wondering if Louis XVI (and those who came after) ever thought, “You know, maybe we’ve finally made this place big enough.”

French Baroque architecture.

Taking a selfie in the Hall of Mirrors.

Paintings on the ceilings.

Endless gold details.

Brightly colored walls and intricate tapestries and rugs that covered entire walls.

Being unable to not compare the over-the-top style and decor to that of Ludwig II of Bavaria, whose palaces I visited in Germany, and thinking that Ludwig was still more elaborate.

A basic ham and cheese on a baguette that kept my hangry thoughts on other tourists in check.

Learning about the silk industry and process during that time.

Being somewhat surprised by how simple the landscaping was and expecting more florals.

Clean lines.

How bright, open, and more relaxed the Grand Trianon was compared to the palace.

Bright blue sky, lush green gardens, white statues, pink marbled columns, light sandy gravel paths. 

Music playing throughout the gardens.

Hidden fountains.

Appreciating what I learned about Louis XVI’s dedication to all of the arts.

Getting lost in the gardens.

How small I felt and trying to imagine having this place as a home and backyard.

23,000 steps.