Versailles? C’est Incroyable!

We saw the word “incroyable” used a fair amount in Paris - usually used to describe the price of t-shirts in discount souvenir shops. I think it’s a great descriptor for the opulence of Versailles. From the moment the bus drove up to the courtyard, I was astonished by the amount of gold. It’s probably a good thing that it was a cloudy day, otherwise the gates alone would have been almost too dazzling. Versailles truly is an incredible work of art, containing many works of art (loved the Ming vase). It’s hard to imagine the egotism involved in building such a monument - needing to leave your mark on the world, to the point of having the Sun King image in gold on all the connecting doors, etc. However, we’ve certainly seen that in some of the churches as well, with more almost homage being paid to saints and popes than to God.

We also had an excellent guide who filled us in on lots of details of palace life. What a fish bowl existence they lived! There was very little privacy in their situation, hence all the secret doors built in to their bedrooms and the hall of mirrors and many other places, I’m sure. I was also awed by the artwork on the ceilings, again all the gilding and the paintings. We saw some fine examples of trompe l’oeil. I find it fascinating that you can paint something and make it appear to be three dimensional.

The disappointing thing for me was the weather that day. As we were heading out to look at the extensive gardens, it started to rain - not just rain but really pour. We huddled in the corner of the building under our umbrella until it seemed to let up somewhat and then we ventured out. Dennis gave me the umbrella and went off to get soaked taking his pictures. The gardens and fountains were magnificent and I could have spent a lot more time there (if we had more time and if it wasn’t raining).

Overall, it was a fascinating experience but I came away being more sympathetic to the people of France and the circumstances surrounding the Revolution. It must have been like a ‘poke in the eye’ to be starving, unable to feed your family, and to see the Royal family living in such opulence.