Temp: Low-61*, High-84*. We had breakfast at La Boulangerie de Papa again, 1 Rue de la Harpe, near our hotel and then went to the St. Michael metro stop to catch the RER “V” train to Versailles. We had purchased the one-day passes a few days ago. You get two tickets-one for the train (it is good for both ways) and one for the palace.
The one-day pass line was almost non-existent but the other line to get in was very long. We didn’t get up and leave as early as I wanted to so we didn’t arrive until around 10. We went first to the King’s State apartments and because we had the one-day pass we got free headsets. They were fabulous and I would highly recommend them. Everything was gorgeous and in much better shape than I remember 40 years ago. The Hall of Mirrors is being restored but the scaffolding was very tastefully hidden and did not detract from the experience at all. Next we went to the Mesdames’ apartments of Louis XV’s daughters and we got the free audio guides again. After that we headed outside.
The fountains had come on. We bought tickets for the tram-you get a discount if you show your one-day pass, we paid 8 euro for two plus 2.40 euro for audio guides which again were worth it. We rode the tram to the first stop-the Petit Trianon used the restrooms-no waiting like at the palace-and bought sandwiches, chips and cokes and a brownie for 21.50 euros and sat at a table there in the shade for lunch. After visiting the Petit Trianon we walked to the hamlet and saw all the quaint thatched little houses. It was a beautiful place. There was a bride %26amp; groom having their pictures made there. We saw a large goat with 5 horns. We walked back and took the tram to the Grande Trianon. We walked through part of it and then saw the view of the canal where the tram stopped next. There were people rowing boats on the canal and you had a great view of the palace. We rode the tram back up and the fountains were on again. We wandered around taking pictures and then left for the train station. With the one-day pass, all that we did except the tram was included. We could have also seen the carriage house since it was included and on the weekend but we couldn’t find it. Little did we know it was right near the entrance.
When we got back to the hotel it was after 6 and I rushed off to the metro to go to Fragonards on Blvd. Saint Germain to buy the ever-famous soap and face cream as gifts to bring home. I arrived at 6:50 and spent 169 euros. Had I known that 2 weeks later we would go to Grasse and actually go to their factory I would not have rushed so to get there. Then I stopped off at Blvd. Saint Michel and bought souvenirs such as t-shirts, key chains, and more thimbles for myself. We went right down the street from our hotel to Jardin Notre Dame Café for dinner. We had the 15 euro menu. I had a mixed salad with bacon, roasted lamb chops, and cheese for dessert. I have never liked lamb but the chops were delicious. James had the salad, grilled salmon, and the tart of the day. We had wine and our total bill was 39 euros.
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mediamama, I%26#39;m trying to organize our day at Versailles, since it is so spread out, in an efficient way. You said the carriage house is right near the entrance. Do you know if this is the same place as where the equestrian dressage exhibitions are held? If so approximately, how many minutes would it take to walk from the carriage house to the areas in the gardens where the fountains are displayed? We have tickets to the fountain show on a Sat in Sept. Thanks.
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According to a map I found after we left, the carriage house is on the side as you walk in. It is where they have all the beautiful carriages that the royals used to ride in. It couldn%26#39;t be where they do anything with horses because it is too crowded with people and a horrible cobblestone courtyard. It says it is located in the twin buildings facing the chateau. Maybe one of the experts cans answer that better than I. It is my understanding they are only open on weekends. I know they were supposed to be free to one day pass holders and it is 2 euro for others. The fountains are behind the chateau and I guess it depends on which ones you are talking about as to how far away they are. We did see a place where stands were set up (I am assuming that is the fountain show you are talking about) and I would say it is maybe a 10-15 min. walk from the chateau.
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