During Paris week, we had the opportunity to spend an entire day at the Palace of Versailles, a 
trip provided and payed for by the Abbey. This attraction is widely known, and for good reason. The Palace of Versailles, or Chateau de Versailles in french, was the home to Louis XIII's successor, Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King". It began as the royal hunting lodge, which he then expanded into one of the largest palaces in the world, not only serving as the royal home, but as the center of political power in France during his reign, therefore is not only a famous building, but a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Regime. Needless to say, this is one gorgeous building and well worth seeing. But along with the chateau itself, it is bordered by an incredible, seemingly endless garden, layered with fountains and sculptures. When visiting the chateau, one must first go through the lower level of the castle, filled with rooms full of paintings of historical figures of the French monarchy of the time. This is the least impressive of the visit, so I would advise to make your way through this part 
pretty quickly, because there is plenty more to see. After this, you come to a large hallway filled with statues and photography involving the chateau. Again, quickly. Then you go to a couple more rooms and eventually make it to the hall of mirrors, which is one of the most famous rooms and my favorite part of the palace. Afterwards, you will see some rooms of Louis XIV and Mary Antoinette, and then eventually come out of the palace. (P.S. get the listening devices at the beginning I think they are free and the sections are short and helpful, but you wont use it until you are upstairs.)
trip provided and payed for by the Abbey. This attraction is widely known, and for good reason. The Palace of Versailles, or Chateau de Versailles in french, was the home to Louis XIII's successor, Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King". It began as the royal hunting lodge, which he then expanded into one of the largest palaces in the world, not only serving as the royal home, but as the center of political power in France during his reign, therefore is not only a famous building, but a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Regime. Needless to say, this is one gorgeous building and well worth seeing. But along with the chateau itself, it is bordered by an incredible, seemingly endless garden, layered with fountains and sculptures. When visiting the chateau, one must first go through the lower level of the castle, filled with rooms full of paintings of historical figures of the French monarchy of the time. This is the least impressive of the visit, so I would advise to make your way through this part 
pretty quickly, because there is plenty more to see. After this, you come to a large hallway filled with statues and photography involving the chateau. Again, quickly. Then you go to a couple more rooms and eventually make it to the hall of mirrors, which is one of the most famous rooms and my favorite part of the palace. Afterwards, you will see some rooms of Louis XIV and Mary Antoinette, and then eventually come out of the palace. (P.S. get the listening devices at the beginning I think they are free and the sections are short and helpful, but you wont use it until you are upstairs.) 
(That's Me!!)After the palace, you will come out to the gardens. Spend a lot of time there because it is simply a wonderful place. Observe the exquisite landscaping that is still constantly redone and preserved just as Louis XIV had had it done centuries ago. If you go pas
t the gardens, you can make it to Mary Antoinette's house and village that she had built. I did not make it this far, (because I spent too long in the first floor with the paintings) but was told by many friends that it was well worth the visit, and that this little village she created was built so that at times she could feel like a normal citizen, and would pay servants to pretend to be townsfolk.
t the gardens, you can make it to Mary Antoinette's house and village that she had built. I did not make it this far, (because I spent too long in the first floor with the paintings) but was told by many friends that it was well worth the visit, and that this little village she created was built so that at times she could feel like a normal citizen, and would pay servants to pretend to be townsfolk. 
Anyway...Versailles = GREAT...nuff said
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