By November of 2018, we were on our third trip to Paris (can you believe it's now up to five?). And even though one could fill a lifetime exploring, and enjoying the city, the Missus thought we should start exploring places around the city. Starting with the Palace of Versailles. So, I got purchased advance tickets online and we headed out on the RER "C" line making it to Versailles-Rive Gauche in 40 minutes or so. From there it was a short walk to the Palace.
It was a misty – foggy day in Versailles.
But there's no denying the grandness of the Chateau.
It is indeed quite impressive and opulent. Hard to believe that this was once a "small country hunting lodge and residence" built by Louis XIII. Eventually, under Louis XIV, the property underwent four "campaigns", huge renovations. The King actually made Versailles his permanent residence and the center of political power, until the French Revolution. It has quite a history and a lot of rooms (over 2,000) and even had zoo (the "Menagerie"). Marie Antoinette had a "farm" ("Hameau de la Reine") created on the property, where she could escape….and where she could have a "faux country life"…..milking cows and sheep; which were carefully cleaned and groomed. The book Marie Antoinette: The Portrait of an Average Woman; has this quote:
"Sheep were led to pasture by ribbons of blue silk tied round their necks"
All this decadence, all that taxpayer money, all the social inequality…….just a few of a the many factors that lead to the French Revolution.
It's all on display in the various rooms in the Chateau.
Don't forget to look up at the ceilings!
The most well known room in the Chateau is probably the Hall of Mirrors.
Which is where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, which ended World War I.
We walked out onto the gardens……still quite grand; even on a misty day like this was.
And of course; all the fountains.
From here we decided to check out the Grand Trianon.
Which Louis XIV built as his escape from the Chateau.
We also explored the Petit Trianon as well.
By this time; the Missus and I were "palaced-out" and we decided to head back to Paris.
The lines were growing ever longer as we left. We caught the train back to Paris and the Missus decided to do (even more) shopping. We made a return trip to Repetto (which I've posted on before).
Sadly….at least for the Missus; She discovered that She had all the styles and colors that She wanted.
We decided to head back to the hotel for a break, but decided to grab lunch. We wanted something quick and decided to head back to Canard Street. We got the Demi Magret and the Sandwich de Foie Gras.
The duck breast was surprisingly good….especially for what I consider "fast-casual" food. It was just a tad over-cooked, but still juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
We didn't care for the baguette used for the sandwich; it was dry and much too hard and chewy. Hardly any foie gras torchon as well.
Still, this came out to around 20 Euroes which ain't bad for duck breast and foie gras, right?
Canard Street Paris
16 rue des Petits Champs
75002 Paris, France
We had a well deserved nap; then took an early evening stroll. We then headed off in the direction of dinner. This was to be our first visit to Le Pont de Sichuan, you can read that post here. We were still a bit too early for dinner and noticed this spot right around the corner of our destination.
And stopped for an aperitif.
It seemed like a popular after work destination…..lot's of folks having whatever the version of happy hour is in Paris.
And we had a seat at the bar and had a couple of Kir before dinner.
Le Trader's
3 Rue de la Bourse
75002 Paris, France
A nice little aperitif!
Thanks for stopping by!