Versailles

The scale of this place is overwhelming.  And it was only the winter chateau (not a palace:  those were inside city limits). The heat inside made it clear why.

"It's good to be the King."  -- Mel Brooks

 

our guide

Except that in many ways it wasn't.  You could never be left alone.  Your face had toxic makeup applied several times a day.  You never washed your hair.  There were rules for etiquette a mile long.  Still, it was better than being a noble, which was better than being a servant.  The power, and the priviledge, were abundantly clear.

I can't begin to convey to you the knowledge of our guide.  But I can tell you how proud he was, and how much this collection is treasured.  "Glorious"  is the most fitting adjective for it.  So here are pictures of us, enjoying the glory that was, and is, France.

the Hall of Mirrors

the theater

the chapel organ

thank you, Estelle!