#14: Versailles

I first came here in August 1999 as a single 22-year old with my friends.

So, it was fun to return here 26 years ago with my family!

The triumphant entry to Versailles!

And the gilded gate surrounding it's entrance and courtyard.

Inside the courtyard - it's massive!

The Royal Chapel

Can you imagine having a home big enough to house a Chapel??!

And of course..... the ornate Hall of Mirrors!

Every square inch of this place from floor to painted ceiling is a sight to behold!

It's official.... we've kissed in a palace!

And just when you think you've seen all the opulence you can imagine..... head out to the immaculately landscaped gardens which go on as far as the eye can see!

Versailles is a Must Do.  There's just nothing like it.  And if you get the Museum Pass, then it's "free" in the sense that it's included in that!  But make sure to reserve your entry time in advance.  If you fail to do this, then depending on the time of year you go, you will either wait in line a LONG time or not be able to go at all.  So this is one you definitely want to plan for in advance!

And with that..... here's a little look at my original visit here in 1999.....

Sept. 4, 1999. Versailles, more formally known as "Chateau de Versailles" is just a hop skip and a jump away from Paris (13 miles to be exact). We spent the afternoon walking all around the gorgeous gardens of this beautiful palace, built by the French monarchy in the 1600's. It is France's most-visited chateau and for good reason! I wrote in my book that the grounds were so amazing that I would have been satisfied without even going inside. But, of course, you must go inside! And the most famous room is the Hall of Mirrors, 236 feet long and the site of where Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette as well as location of where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919.
Verdict: Unbelievable. A must do in your lifetime! Page 122 in 1000 Places to See Before you Die.