Travel In Sandals: Day 34 - Chateau de Versailles

Now that I've extended my stay a few days I have some time to venture outside the city. Several people mentioned that if I have the time, which I do now, to go to Chateau de Versailles. I woke up late on Thursday and headed to the Chateau located about 30 minutes from Paris. The Chateau started as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII in the 17th Century, but was expanded extensively with each new king. Today it is considered one of the most expansive and masterful Chateau's in the world.

Since I extended my stay I had to switch hotels (the place I was at didn't have any vacancy) and now I'm over on the west side or Left Bank of Paris by the Eiffel Tower.

The rain was on and off so on my walk to the train station I was able to snap a couple shots of the Eiffel Tower and a rainbow.

I did't think a black and white photo would do any justice to a picture with a colorful rainbow, but I actually kind of like it.

I arrived in Versailles around 2pm, grabbed a quick bite and then headed over to the Chateau. The first thing that strikes you is its size. When you think Chateau you perhaps think a mansion-size country estate with an acre or two of gardens, but this is the size of a small town. Along with the main Chateau there are North and South wings that could be giant low-rise office buildings; there are ministers' buildings; and there are four courtyards that lead up to the front door. I couldn't even capture a picture of it all because it was the length of several city blocks.

The pure gold front gate of the Chateau.

Speaking of gold, the main house has gold trim.

The world's largest disco dance floor...actually, this is the marble courtyard, one of four courtyards, that leads to the main entrance of the Chateau.

One of the many long-arched hallways that fill the Chateau. Each walkway was filled with statues, art and beautiful lamps and windows.

A view from the Queen's quarters of the Chateau's gardens, groves and canals.

After walking through the Chateau, I went out back to walk around the Domain de Versailles, or the Versailles gardens.

Calling them gardens is humorous. The "gardens" consist of three-square miles of canals, fountains, cottages, paths and much more.

It's not lost on me that I'm wearing shorts on a cold and rainy day...at least I wore a scarf..."Life's Better in Board Shorts."

Some of the walkways were lined with 15-20 foot hedges, so it was easy to get lost because you couldn't see anywhere except ahead and behind.

It rained when I first arrived, but the sun started to come out by the time I made it outside.

There were endless walks and paths to explore. I was able to find a few areas that weren't loaded with people, so I got to experience the calm and tranquility of the grounds like they were made for.

Sheep are chill.

One of the areas had a maze of low hedges, so I had a little fun.

Close...

A little further...

Far...

Farthest.

I got back to the hotel around 7:30, just enough time to relax, change and head out to grab a bite. I kept it simple and hit a small crepe place that I had heard about in the Bastille area. I went with the ham and cheese crepe. It was a tasty and inexpensive way to start the evening.

Jamon and formage crepe.

After I ate I bounced to a bar to meet up with a friend named Michael who I met at my new hotel. He and I made friends with a group of Belgium guys in town for work and we all went out for beers.

One of my favorite beers is a French beer called Kronenbourg 1664, but in the US I usually can only find the traditional brew. In Paris they have three different kinds including a 1664 Blanc.

After boozing a bit with the Belgians, Michael and I met up with the American girls from the other night (Meg is in this pic) and went to an Irish bar in Bastille called Corcoran's.