Yep, we are crazy people and decided to tackle the Louvre & Versailles in the same day! I found out the Louvre was open til 9pm on Friday night and didn’t want to go to Versailles on Saturday, so that was the plan… and it worked! Jeff and I both sat down at dinner that night and went “wow, we got to see a lot of things today”…
I LOVED LOVED LOVED Versailles. It is spectacularly beautiful. Yes ornate and bit over the top, but so inspiring. I loved to see the way they used colors together, the patterns in the wallpapers & fabrics, the trims, the sparkle of the crystal chandeliers… the silks, the golds, the overall creativity of it all. It is magnificent.
Now decorating in this style is not really me nor is it practical for my life now, but I was able to take so many ideas from walking around Versailles. There are so many details there that you can take little bits here and there and apply them to your home. The chapel is the most beautiful baby blue color, which was so complementary of the gold, made me re think my use of nickel & silver in my blue bedroom.. maybe a little “swap out” is in order. I think gold got a bad name in decorating the last few years. I might have to try to incorporate it a bit more.
We toured the Chateau. Once again, so glad to have our museum passes ready. We were able to skip right to the start of the line. After the crowds thinned out a bit we were able to see the Queens & Kings apartments. and thanks again to our Rick Steves audio guides we got a great explanation of everything we were seeing.
The Hall of Mirrors was one of my favorite spots. Talk about a genius decorating idea… in those days before electric lights to have a room with a wall of windows on one side & a wall of mirrors on the other really brought the light in. I can only imagine how the room sparkled at night when all of the crystal chandeliers were lit.
Tracy says
Oh, that looks so awesome!! I made it to Versailles, but the line was so long we didn’t have time to wait. You’ve inspired me to try again someday!
Heidi@TheCraftMonkey says
sounds like a fantastic trip so far!
Whatever Dee-Dee wants says
I am loving all these pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Rachel says
Those Chandeliers are AMAZING!! And pink silk drapes what’s not to love about that!!!
jamie says
Oh I definitely need to go back. I only hit part of the gardens and didn’t even go to the back. And bike rides nonetheless, ohhhh I love it. Just another reason to keep traveling. 🙂
Tauni says
I couldn’t agree more…Versailles is absolutely stunning, although certainly not my taste. I loved the grounds and thought the “cottage” was wonderful.
I am re-living many wonderful memories along with you while you take your trip!
Penelope says
Wow! I just came across your blog, and just wanted to let you know that I LOVE this post! Your pictures and descriptions make me want to go there. Right. Now!
Sigh. Maybe some day.
Caroline says
I am going to France in a month and will be spending a couple days in Paris (total of 14 days in France) and I am very excited. Thank you for posting the helpful info about what to see and do!