Château de Versailles

   I don't think there is a way to say this without sounding morbid.  It's close to the same dilemma I had taking photos in crypts at Pierrefonds.  It's dark, bleak, and surrounded by death, but I'm thrilled about the history while aware of the solemnity.  Should I stand there and smile?  With this awareness in mind, try to see this next statement as coming from someone with a deep appreciation the sacrifice and wishes to preserve the legacy.

   I am very grateful to be Europe in August of 2014, a century after the beginning of World War One. Memorials are everywhere, and the public seems very aware of the impact it had on everyone. It irrevocably changed millions of lives through the loss of life or that of loved ones.  Even my town of Comines was German-occupied and destroyed.  It was interesting being in Paris during August of this year and seeing the signs and memorials in place to remember the past.  There was even military officers and a band present as we drove around the Arc de Triomphe.  I got to visit another historical landmark in France after the Eiffel Tower.  The Palace of Versailles was absolutely breathtaking, and the town seemed like another city immersed in art and aware of its history.

    We made it into Versailles and checked in to our hotel before going to find a sidewalk restaurant for dinner.  Afterwards, we walked over to the Palace of Versailles and caught a look without crowds.  The Palace is massive, sprawling acres upon acres.

The next morning, we went to the Palace early in the morning in order to try to beat the crowds.  Coming an hour early had us almost some of the first people there.  

The gates that effectively keep people out until it is time to enter!

Here I am in front of the center portion of the Palace.  Another wing extends to the right, currently under renovation, and the Chapel and living rooms are on the left.  Around five thousand people were on the grounds of the Palace daily before the French Revolution!  

Here are some examples of the rooms we could take pictures in.  We were allowed to take photos without flash photography, but the other people enjoying the lavish rooms made it challenging. All of the rooms had been ruined and trashed during the French Revolution, but a fair few of the pieces are actually original!  The restoration team at the Palace is working to this day to track down surviving pieces from private collections and other prominent museums like the Met and Smithsonian to arrange to return the pieces.  When they cannot be, they find suitable replacement pieces from the same period or craft painstakingly accurate replicas.  The restoration of hundreds of rooms is an eternally ongoing process.  I commend them for their effort!

The Cathedral used for Coronations and even occasional Mass services to this day.

The Hall of Mirrors was truly gorgeous on a day with sunny weather!  The light reflected beautifully coming in from the side of the palace.  I was really impressed with the masterpieces painted on the ceiling, spanning the entire length of the room.  Here is a close picture of one of many sections of the arched ceiling.

The grounds of the Palace are massive with an actual topiary maze and village, along with a second mansion for Marie Antoinette.  

The trip was breathtakingly beautiful and unforgettable.  I am extremely grateful for the great company, fond memories and fantastic experience!  We drove a back to Belgium that afternoon after a lovely day spent frolicking around the Palace.

I can't be the only one who had a brilliant summer.  Tell me about a surprise on the way to destination, or what you did during this summer in the comments, please!