Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles is a major attraction for tourists in the Paris region and it should be; The palatial property is quite magnificent with it's sprawling estates and opulent furnishings.  While the interior itself might feel ostentatious, it's a sight to behold.

We visited on the shoulder of the busy travel season and despite arriving early with tickets in hand hardly after opening hour, it was packed!  I was prepared for it - in fact, I've found the same of most tourist sites in Paris - so despite being shoulder to shoulder with school groups and travellers, we remained relatively patient.  (Minor grumbling ensued when I continually found myself behind a woman who insisted on recording her visit with her iPad held high above her head, ruining any opportunity for photos.)  But, we followed our audio guide, revelled at the sheer volume of gold and elaborate paintings covering every surface of the massive palace and we breathed a sigh of relief when we finally exited the doors, thankful for fresh air and personal space.

It's clear - the taste for luxury runs deep in the history of France's monarchy and while they may not have survived the revolution, Château de Versailles certainly did.

{PS. Our gorgeous hotel in Versailles.}