France Day 5
On our fifth day, we took a RER C train to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a symbol of absolute monarchy and one of the most iconic landmarks in French history. Originally a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, it was transformed and expanded by his son, Louis XIV, in the 17th century into an opulent royal residence that showcased the power and wealth of the French monarchy. Walking through the lavish Hall of Mirrors, the royal apartments, and the endless formal gardens, we could feel the echoes of court life during the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. The grandeur and scale of Versailles were truly breathtaking—a powerful reminder of both the glory and the excesses that led to the French Revolution.
We spent most of the day walking through the Palace of Versailles and its sprawling grounds, taking in the full grandeur of this historic royal estate. We began with the palace interiors, where we marveled at the Hall of Mirrors, the ornate royal apartments, and the richly decorated ceremonial rooms—a visit that took us about two hours. From there, we wandered through the vast French gardens, pausing to admire the fountains, sculptures, and perfectly trimmed hedges, which added another two to three hours to our visit. Later, we made our way to the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette’s Estate, where the atmosphere felt more personal and serene, taking us another couple of hours to explore. Altogether, we spent nearly the whole day on foot, fully immersed in the history, beauty, and scale of Versailles.