To continue on with the trip to Versailles. We have had really good luck with getting up and arriving early at tourist attractions to beat the rush. Well, today we tried a different approach and paid, to some extent, the price. First we slept in the needed extra hour, lingered over an extra chocolate croissant and additional cup of espresso, before heading for the RER station. It took us a bit to figure out there are sort of three train systems here. There is the metro (subway), the RER (regional trains to Versailles, airports and Disney –yup Mickey’s here somewhere too), and the grand line trains to all the rest of France. We boarded with a hoard of people around ten-ish. By this time we knew there would be considerable lines, but it is still the chance of a lifetime. Brenda had done the research and upon arriving in the village of Versailles, the mass of people turned right to follow the signs, while we turned left. Down a narrow street by a cafe we went, turned up a beautiful lane with towering Sycamore trees arched over head. It was beautiful, quiet, and we were almost totally alone. We arrived at the gates to the palace ahead of those from our train, but of course other trains had already arrived, not to mention those who drove or arrived by tour buses. The lines were long even though we had purchased museum passes ahead of time. In all fairness the lines moved quickly, and the people running security entrance checks were efficient in performing their duties. There is no point in trying to describe the elegant, rich beauty of the palace. While it may emphasize the gap between wealthy and poor (royalty and peasants), it does not distract from the incredible beauty. From the king’s chambers, queen’s chambers, to the coronation room, the Salon de la Guerre with it’s massive paintings of famous battles, and of course the incomparable Hall of Mirrors, it is truly, overwhelmingly stunning. Pictures do not do true justice to this place.

   Then to the gardens. Exquisitely  manicured shrubs, meticulously placed flowers, and fountains and pools filled with amazing statuary. The only negative I would mention is a temporary “modern art” display, that unfortunately breaks up the sweep of some of the long range views of the palace from the gardens. At this  juncture we are deep in the gardens, weather is somewhat threatening, and the debate is whether to continue on out to another section created by Louis IV, and enhanced by later kings to escape the daily grind of the main palace. This became a favorite part of the estate for Marie-Antoinette. This would add a lot of distance and rain seemed not far away. Brenda spied the bike rental place, and again saved the day. Once saddled up we covered the ground in no time to see Marie-Antoinette’s quaint farm hamlet and the small palace away from the palace. Such insights into history we have studied in school, or known through movies, documentaries, and historical novels has been such a thrill for us to see.

By the time we completed the circuit, exited the courtyard, and wound our way back into the village, the sky opened to unleash a downpour. There were numerous cafes lining the narrow street and we huddled with drinks and snacks under the awnings with tourists and welcoming local people alike. Then to the train and “home”.

After a little refresher in the hotel room we decided to pursue an evening meal. Brenda had some specific interest in a direction we had not yet explored. So yet another part of of an extremely diverse city began to unfold before us. As we walked up hill toward our goals we passed the Sorbonne, the famous university founded in 1253. Next was the goal, the Luxembourg Gardens. It is a beautiful garden with a large central pond in front of the Luxembourg Palace. There was a single model sailboat plying the waters of the pond. There are, we are told, often numerous small boats sailing here, but the single boat crisscrossing the water was somehow mesmerizing. From there to the Pantheon, beautiful churches silhouetted in the dusk, narrow cafe filled streets, and a quite evening meal to close out the day.