Biking around Versailles

Day 4

Our last day in Paris was quite the memorable day. We took a day trip to Versailles. We took a cab to the bike shop bright and early to meet our tour guide (and group) and take not one, but two trains to Versailles. Once we arrived, the next hour was spent shopping for our picnic and exploring the actual city of Versailles before entering the property of the Chateau. Emer, our Irish tour guide, was fantastic. Her knowledge of not only Versailles, but French history was incredible and her enthusiasm was inspiring. There was not one dull moment the entire day!!

The first stop on the grounds of the Chateau was the home Louis XVI built for Marie Antoinette in 1783, Hameau de la Reine. On the grounds of this home (actually there were more like 10 homes on this property), the boisterous roosters, lively cattle and dirty roads made it easy to be transported back to the 1700’s. It was spectacular and the history behind it even more so. After visiting a couple more of the “small” homes on the property it was off to our picnic location. We biked a good mile around the grounds before Emer decided we had a the perfect view of water and the massive palace from the back of the Palace. It was so surreal sitting there. Pictures don’t do our picnic view justice, and they never will.

After skipping the line into the Palace of Versailles, we were off exploring. The architecture, detail in the décor, paintings, and pure royalty of it all was overwhelming. I can’t believe people actually lived/live like this in the world. It’s unfathomable. The mirror room was by far my favorite inside. Outside, the entire garden, overlooking the man-made body of water (which simply lead to the King’s “party house”) was breathtaking. It was all breathtaking.

I can’t stress enough how much I loved this day. It was definitely a highlight of the entire European trip. This little taste of French history has made me want to rent, read and study all things French history! If you ever have the opportunity, I absolutely recommend this day. One for the books!!

{hotel selfie before hopping in the cab to meet our tour group}