This past weekend has been pretty warm in the city of Paris, around 25 degrees at times - not great for global warming as it is most definitely mid-October but it provided me with beautiful weekend weather to see another side of Paris.
Ironically, one of the most touristy full days that I've had since being here wasn't actually in Paris. On Saturday, me and a few others caught the train out of Paris to Versailles and we weren't disappointed. I have decided in my next life, or this one if it works out, I will be the next Queen of Versailles (granted they haven't had one since the 18th Century but still). There are no words to accurately describe how beautiful this place is, but I'll try - and some pictures might help too.
As we all agreed, living in the heart of Paris is incredible, but sometimes, like yesterday, getting out the city the is needed, a chance to see some trees, grass and fresh air and the gardens at Versailles is the ideal peaceful escape. While entrance to the palace itself is free for EU students under 26, entrance to the gardens is 8 euros, but personally, I think it is worth every penny.
The gardens are huge, you can walk for miles and miles and still not have even walked half way round. Around every corner there is some beautiful walkway or elaborate gold fountain or lake, and the classical music that is alternately played throughout the garden is not only peacefully relaxing but transports you back to a time when ladies in royal dresses would have wandered through the trees. There is always the option to rent a row boat up one of the lakes, or get a golf buggy to give you a bigger opportunity to see more of the garden, but as it was such a beautiful day, an ice cream by the water was all we needed.
The Palace itself is worthwhile a visit, but be prepared to be surrounded by thousands of tourists, as we were, but even in a place as big as this you can't help feeling like cattle being corralled from room to room. My favourite room was obviously the infamous hall of mirrors, but you can see why the peasants weren't too keen on the royals when everything is laced in gold while the people were starving...
Ironically, one of the most touristy full days that I've had since being here wasn't actually in Paris. On Saturday, me and a few others caught the train out of Paris to Versailles and we weren't disappointed. I have decided in my next life, or this one if it works out, I will be the next Queen of Versailles (granted they haven't had one since the 18th Century but still). There are no words to accurately describe how beautiful this place is, but I'll try - and some pictures might help too.
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| The Gardens at Versailles (credit: Morgan Amsrud) |
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| (credit: Morgan Amsrud) |
The gardens are huge, you can walk for miles and miles and still not have even walked half way round. Around every corner there is some beautiful walkway or elaborate gold fountain or lake, and the classical music that is alternately played throughout the garden is not only peacefully relaxing but transports you back to a time when ladies in royal dresses would have wandered through the trees. There is always the option to rent a row boat up one of the lakes, or get a golf buggy to give you a bigger opportunity to see more of the garden, but as it was such a beautiful day, an ice cream by the water was all we needed.
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| All the selfies (credit: Mafe Cera Torne) |
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| The Hall of Mirrors (credit: Morgan Amsrud) |
All in all 10/10 day, while Paris is breath-taking, sometimes taking a break from the hustle and bustle is needed to appreciate it even more.
Below is my list of things I want to do or places to go while I'm here to make the most of it, so expect various blog posts on all of these places and more - let me know if you think there is anything missing or you can recommend!
- Visit the Louvre
- Tour the Catacombs
- Day trip to Disneyland
- Go to Maison de Victor Hugo
- Walk up the steps to Sacre Coeur
- Have a Paris Christmas party with secret santa
- Visit Ernest Hemingway's favourite cafe
- Take a tour of some of Paris's markets
- Have a meal at prive de desserts
Already ticked off:
- Versailles
- Drinking on the Champ de Mars under the Eiffel Tower at night
- Visit the Musee d'Orsay
- Go to Shakespeare and Company bookshop
- Walk along the Seine and pont neuf
Have a good week my loves!
Have a good week my loves!
Lots of Love, Kate xxx