Versailles
SMS left for his flight whilst I stayed at the hotel, got breakfast, and headed back into Paris. I was slightly confused by the transport options but ultimately, took the bus to the Opera stop. It was slow-going because the bus driver was weirdly intense about loading passengers, arranging bags, and making sure everyone was wearing seatbelts. Not bad things, but he was pretty adamant about things. Fortunately, he was a good driver and not prone to intense freakouts on the road, so win!
I took the metro to Montparnasse, did laundry at a nearby laverie, and then hopped on the train to Versailles. I had a day “passport” ticket with a timed entrance into the Versailles chateau at 4:30p.
Versailles is amazing and huge! Oh my gosh. I know I was impressed by Le Château du Vaux-le-Vicomte and I still am but Versailles truly is a level above!
The Queen’s Hamlet
I walked through the Versailles gardens to the back gate at Little Venice to buy a bike. Then, I biked to the other side of the estate to see the Queen’s Hamlet, Petit Trianon, and the Grand Trianon.
Grand Trianon
I got caught in a little bit of rain while in the Queen’s Hamlet area, but hung out under some oak trees and stayed pretty dry. I loved the gardens at Grand Trianon in particular. There were some gorgeous flower gardens- super impressive for October.
Versailles Palace
Then, I rode back to the bike rental place, sped-walked to the chateau entrance, and went on the self-guided tour. The chateau was spectacular although overall, the grounds and the gardens were even more amazing to me.
After the chateau tour, I walked through the Versailles gardens and hit the fountain highlights provided on the “Musical Fountains” handout. Throughout the day, they had music coordinated fountain shows, which were quite cool.
Then around sunset, I headed back to the train station. I picked up my bag from the Bounce location that I had dropped it at, which was a hotel opposite the train station. I took the train to Chartres and arrived a little after 9p.
Chartres Night Illuminations
Although I was really tempted to just stay inside, I went outside to see the Chartres Illuminations. It’s a TeamLab-style illumination of various church/cathedral facades, a few other buildings, and some river walls. It was super beautiful.
Your pictures are stunning. Full stop.
I haven’t been to Chartres nor Versailles, but wow, both are absolutely beautiful.
When I was in Paris in 2022 we intended to go to Versailles, but were worn out from touring and then driving home from Mt. Saint Michel the day before, so chose to stay home, get a massage, do laundry, walk around our neighborhood. I don’t regret it, but wow, those gardens are beautiful. Maybe next time. I love the bike idea, we had considered that as well.
I have a running list of things I want to do/visit/re-visit on future trips.
Yes, a more chill is sometimes very needed and yours sounds delightful. A massage and being a flaneur? Yes, please!