Versailles

This morning we hopped on the RER and

headed out to Versailles.

Officially, Versailles is closed on Mondays.

But we were here for the gardens.

We have already been to the chateau

and felt we didn't need to see it again.

Europe at this time of year has been

so crowded.  Even more crowded than 

when I have been here in June.  This is

why we usually never go to Europe at this

time but this year was Wonderful's big 

birthday and we also wanted to visit 

Keukenhof.

So to visit the gardens without the tour 

groups and throngs of people was a delight.

(For people from New Jersey in the USA, it 

was like going down the shore in the winter,

my favorite time.)

The Orangerie and the Swiss Lake.

Stunning...

We strolled through vast allees of trees

and viewed tons of statues...

and fountains...

Then, it was time for this:

My favorite part of Versaille is

the Hamlet.

It was Marie Antoinette's escape from 

court life.  She would go here to act like

a peasant.

Renting bicycles is a great way to 

see out of the way places that would

be too far to walk to.

The end of the Grand Canal looking 

back to the Chateau.

As we were leaving the sun finally

came out ~ Murphy's Law.