The day had not even begun when we started our journey to the palace of the Sun, better known as Versailles. The palace is located some 20 kms away from Paris.
Though the city was still in slumber, with roaring spirit so ready to roam around the palace, we waited our taxi just outside our hotel. The cold breeze rustled through the trees that finally tingled our skin did not seem to bother us so much. But, I consider ourselves lucky. Our taxi (that we have booked the day before) arrived on schedule, so we did not have to deal a lot with the weather.
Almost an hour later, we arrived in Versailles and finally I met Louis (I mean his statue, of course)!
Louis XIV, a confident and ambitious King, is the founder of this magnificent place. Once a stable and hunting dock built by his predecessor, Louis XIII, he then transformed it into a such a glorious complex of dwelling. But, do you know the reason behind it?
Apparently, when he was growing up there were a number of rebellions aiming to put an end to his family's reign. Fearing this situation, when he got his throne, he liked staying outside Paris to escape or at least avoid the rebels. This is the reason why Versailles palace is built.
He ruled the country with absolute monarchy claiming himself as directly appointed by God and moved his government to Versailles.
Versailles palace showcases its glam and glitters. Even at its exterior, it looks so beautifully opulent. It is shown by the cover of real gold adorning its entire front gate as well as the top part its buildings.
Inside the palace, there were numerous Royal family portraits from the 17th century, their real furniture (including bed) and many other paraphernalia.
Apart from its status as a glitzy logding, Versailles has gone through so many events. From the reign of the kings, revolution, to world wars, everything is recorded in Versailles. There is one particular room dedicated as a gallery to show visitors of the wars the French has gone through, as shown in the picture below.
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The different events taking place at Versailles show who was in charge in that particular era. This influences how Versailles' interiors look different from one room to another.
I, particularly like the floors, the lamp, and the whole hallway in general as shown in this picture below:
And this teeming with gold chapel ceiling is breath-taking.
But, don't spoilt your eyes just yet, wait, until you see the hall of mirrors and King's chamber below:
Finally at the end of the hall of mirrors, we decided to call it a day. It's been a fantastic half day spent on learning history and hopefully getting inspired one day. It's time to sit on the long bench in the flanked greenery just at the park area of the palace. Just to take a tad break with a sandwich to munch and a view so excitingly exquisite and pleasantly peaceful.
Even from the outside, Versailles looks so majestically beautiful. Just look at those parks above. You can do a picnic when the weather is good.
More on Versailles click this link: Chateau of Versailles
Hope you'll drop a visit! *wink*
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