Paris Day 3 (Pt 1): Les Invalides & Versailles

Since the previous day was so action packed, I had been hoping for a more relaxed day. That just did not happen!

First, we made the short walk to Les Invalides for Musée de l'Armée and Napoleon's tomb. We briefly walked through the French Army Museum. It was interesting to note the exhibits on World War II as France was occupied by German during that period.

Then we visited Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb. His sarcophagus rests directly underneath the huge gold dome at Les Invalides. He wasn't entombed there until 1840, having originally been buried in exile on Saint Helena in 1821.

Also buried there are some of his family members and other French officials.

Around 11:30, we walked to the Metro and took it to the train station where we boarded a train to Versailles. At the train station, we picked up a few goodies for the ride including a croissant and raspberry tart for me, and a chocolate muffin for Adam. Delicious!

It was a surprisingly short ride there, and then a short walk from the station up to Versailles. It was a gorgeous day to go, and the crowds weren't bad at all.

Once inside the Château, we collected our free audio guides and started our tour. The museum has been redone a bit since I was last there in 2005.

Versailles was home to the royal family from 1682 until they were forced to return to Paris by an angry mob in 1789 during the French Revolution. As befitting a royal residence of that time, the decor is completely over the top and quite unbelievable.

I was quite excited that the restoration of the Hall of Mirrors (galerie des glaces) was complete. When I last toured, the mirror side was entirely blocked off while it was being restored. It was neat to finally see it. I loved that the mirrored arch side reflected the windows on the other side (17 on each side).

When it was built, mirrors were one of the most expensive items to own, so this hall of mirrors was especially opulent.

The gardens are also quite extensive. We enjoyed looking at them and regrouping on a park bench.

 The bench also conveniently served as a tripod for me to take a photo of us together!

 Once we had made our plan of attack, we walked down to the Grand Canal. On our way, we saw a Toro machine, so of course Adam had to check it out.

We also stopped and got a panini to split and Orangina for me and a beer for Adam.

Then, we walked from the Grand Canal to Petit Trianon which was the domain of Marie Antoinette. She preferred this escape to the pressure and hustle and bustle of court. I was quite excited to see this area as I had not on my previous visit to Versailles. It's a good half hour walk from the Château, but definitely worth it!

I also went and checked out the Hameau de la Reine while Adam relaxed on a park bench. This was a small working rustic farm and village. Fascinating. I would have loved to have more time and energy to explore it!

 Then we made our long walk back to Versailles.

There I picked up a Christmas ornament at the gift shop. It was another fifteen minute walk back to the train station. Our feet pretty much felt like they were going to fall off at this point... but we weren't done yet! Oh no...