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TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY. PALACE OF VERSAILLES.

Part 4

By Ashleigh Cropper

December 28^th, 2016

Life of the rich and famous

I really didn't know what to expect with Versailles. I learned about it in history class at some point in middle school, I think. I knew it would be big. And I knew it wasn't in Paris. What I knew most was about Marie Antoinette because, well, it's Marie Antoinette. I was not expecting how blown away I would be by it all, and completely exhausted by the end of the day (don't forget those walking shoes!) We trained into Versailles and walked right in. Our friends had been a few months before and warned us of the crazy crowds. I was ready and prepared for long lines, which is why we arrived at 9 am sharp. Well, we lucked out because there was hardly anyone there! It was like I was living in the palace alone with Ian (wink, wink...ya right!)

We walked into the front entrance and behind the golden gates and just stood there. No one was around. It was so quiet. And I just circled around and looked at all the gold and magnificence, while standing on those black and white checkered floors! We both agreed we could see why the French were so upset and the reasons for the revolution. I would be too if I was a citizen and saw all this wealth tied up in one grand palace! But at the same time, it is seriously so gorgeous and hard not to love walking around, and see a glimpse into this crazy lifestyle.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY. PALACE OF VERSAILLES.

Highlights of the palace of versailles.

1) Walking into the hall of mirrors is incredible. Did you know that the Italians were the experts on making the glass. So some French workers went to learn the art of glass making. They came back and made the glass in France. Then when they were done, they were order to be killed so the craftsmanship couldn't continue outside of Italy!

2) Standing after the main entrance and looking out through the gates into the town of Versailles and not seeing a soul.

3) Angelina's Hot Chocolate: we had heard all the raving about this amazing hot chocolate. Claimed to be the best ever. I'm sorry but what?! Did we get a bad batch or something?! (We even asked our server this!) It was literally the worst thing I have ever had. Someone tell us what we are missing here?! We love single origin chocolate. We were so excited! We sat down in one of the rooms at Versailles to finally enjoy and indulge. We couldn't even finish our cups. It tasted like someone poured vinegar into it and then thickened it so much that you couldn't swallow. So, again, someone tell us what we are missing because we don't get it!

4) Renting a golf cart! Do not do it! Not worth it! We thought this would be the "turbo" way to see it all and then some. Hahah! There were people walking faster than us scooting along. It was hilarious and I was laughing so hard I was crying. You can only take it down a few areas and after 11 am (which is lame). I think biking and walking is your best bet. We ditched the golf cart an hour in and walked instead. Note to self for next time, get a bike!

5) The gardens are incredible! Breathtaking, immaculate, stunning! I think we walked probably 15 miles that day and still didn't see everything. I love that the fountains are the originals that they have just repaired a bit. The tall lined trees won my heart over.

6) Our own lunch we brought and ate at one of the very far corners of the large lake in the middle of the property of the palace. We asked our local fromagerie which cheese she loved the most and that is what we took with us, along with prosciutto, a baguette, and a little jar of jam. Eating my favorite meal in the heart of where it was started was the best!

7) The trees! From the lined trees down long pathways, to the artistically designed and shaped small trees throughout the property. They were all so gorgeous and made the property magical.

8) Petit Trianon: my absolute favorite place at Versailles. I am bummed we saved it for the end because I honestly would of walked through the palace quicker and gone straight their to enjoy everything.

Petit Trianon

I don't know many ladies who are not fascinated by Marie Antoinette. She lived a life like no other, and paid the price for that. Ian reminded me at some point when I was gawking over her estate that she was pretty much the Kim Kardashian of that era. And that was the moment that my disappointment set in. Known as "Madame Deficit" it is pretty obvious why she got that nick name once you see her quarters where she lived most of the time. All things and people of the rich and famous entered her quarters.

But with all that being said, her quarters and property were my absolute favorite. With a feminine touch and whimsical feel, it felt like it was straight out of a dream. Which might of been what she was going for. Everything below is from her quarters, from the private ponds/lakes, to the little bridges, numerous farm houses, animals (or at least what she used to have around and still maintain on the property), gardens, walkways. We became quick friends with the farmers that take care of the property still (yes it is still a working farm!) so we got to meet some of the animals more up close and get to know their names.