Destination: Versailles, France
Les Portes D’Ors (The Gold Doors) is the signature trademark of la Château de Versailles. Versailles has a sense of deep-rooted history. It was home to the last King of the French monarch, King Louis XVI. Upon arrival to this château, it is absolutely breath-taking! The gold doors paired with the cobble stone entry way made me feel as if I stepped back into the 18th century. As if the elaborate detailing of the structure is not enough, le jardin (the garden) that surrounds the château is so intricate you can''t see it all in one day. The grounds around the château are as well manicured as a woman leaving a French salon! The colors of vivid greens and striking blues contrasted with the gold detail everywhere marked signature hues of la Château de Versailles. Versailles sits almost an hour outside of Paris if you take the RER C. I was fortunate enough to take this trip as part of the curriculum for my study abroad program.
Versailles showcases of a prestige of wealth that was trés popular before the demise of the French monarch. Versailles represents the idea of “let them eat cake” Marie Antoinette supposedly exclaimed as a result of famine plaguing the French people. Versailles represents the seclusion of the French court from any outside affairs. Hundreds of years later the wealth that spewed from this château made me contemplate just how much wealth can be obtained in the world.
One of the things I enjoyed on my visit was a paddle boat ride in the central canal. Though it is a workout, it offered one of the best views of the château. The infamous la Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) consists of a well-lit hallway completely filled with mirrors on both sides of the wall and numerous chandeliers. And even more prestigious is the bed chamber of Marie Antoinette. A closer look at corner details and floral patterns sheds light into how much care was given for her spaces.
While studying the French language early in my formative years, Versailles was something that always marveled me. Large is an understatement when describing this palatial structure! Sitting on acres, as I can imagine, Versailles stood for power, prestige, and wealth. Today, Versailles stands for a closed chapter in French history with a strong remembrance of grandiose affairs. Brutal as it was the termination of the French monarch marked a new start for the Republic of France. Thus modern France as so many know it.
If you are ever in Paris I definitely recommend taking a day trip to Versailles. There is so much more to see than the pictures I've posted. It is truly a beautiful site to see.
- Manessa Lo.
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