“When I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time I wanted to cry-not because I was sad, but because the world is so beautiful and life is so short.”
My sentiments exactly, Brian Andreas.
It's hard to believe this is my first post about Versailles, considering how much I love it, and how I dream of returning. I still look at this old photo and wonder if I was really there…it almost looks fake, doesn't it…like a postcard? This was a highlight of my first trip to France, and one I remember in great detail. Somehow I was able to tune out the crowds, and lose my breathe as I finally stepped inside. By the time I reached the Hall of Mirrors I was in my own world, and when I turned the corner into Marie Antoinette's room, I burst into tears. Seems dramatic, I know…and well, that's just me. However it was a moment I had dreamed of, and when reality surpassed my expectations, I lost control…in a good way.
I was not able to explore it in it's entirety that day, not to mention that is ambitious for a day trip. I look forward to returning someday, and spending more time in the gardens, and seeing the Petit Trianon and Queen's Hamlet. The town of Versailles itself is gorgeous, and I was able to stroll around a bit…and the new luxury hotel on the grounds will open in early 2012, and it IS stunning. I have a bit of an obsession with historic architecture, especially in France, and if you haven't seen my other favorite chateaus, you can find them in my archives. Bon weekend everyone!
This Paris day trip is so much fun, whether you have children or if you are just obsessed with miniatures like I am! Le Parc des Mini-Chateaux is located in Amboise, in the very beautiful Loire Valley region. With 45 scale reproductions of the areas finest castles, it is an excellent way to see so many, and learn some history along the way. I discovered some that I never would have known about otherwise. Not to mention the cute factor is off the charts, right?!
One of my life goals is to speak french fluently, and I have had dreams of attending an immersion school for many years. I honed in on Coeur de France about 5 years ago, and had almost committed to it when life got in the way (the good kind of way). So when I visited my brother a few years back, we took a trip to the beautiful vineyard town of Sancerre, and made an appointment with the dean of the school. Monsieur Chartrand was so generous with his time, and even walked us through town, introducing us to the mayor! I still have this on my life list…I need to at least return to Sancerre, it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.