Day 4: Versailles and Chateau Gaillard

Once again, our day starts early in the morning. We are getting faster and more efficient at packing and loading the bus, so we leave the campsite promptly at 8:30. Our first destination is the Palace of Versailles, which we reach after an hour's drive. The famous palace was the residence of the French kings from 1682 to 1789. The expansion of the palace from a small hunting lodge to a grand palace nearly bankrupted the state. 36,000 people and 6,000 horses worked simultaneously on its construction. Outside the gates stands the statue of the master builder, King Louis XIV, the Sun King. We walk through the gate and wait for the entrance at 11:00, along with many other tourists in the same queue. We are allowed in on time, and thanks to good organization, we flow through the rooms with the masses. The walls are mostly gilded or adorned with expensive tapestries. Many ceiling paintings with divine or royal motifs can be seen. In the center of the entire complex is the bedroom of the Sun King. Here, close confidants brought the latest news while the king got up, was examined by the court physician, and then shaved and powdered. In the king's chambers, there is a large bed, and the color red dominates the room. In the grand world-famous Hall of Mirrors, which is 73 meters long, over 300 mirrors were installed. Afterwards, we enter the queen's chambers, where predominantly golden tones were used. Three queens and two successors to the throne of France inhabited the premises and gave birth to 19 princes and princesses.

Next, we visit the Museum of French History with its many paintings and statues.

After about 1 1/2 hours, we finish the visit to the palace and walk through the gardens of Versailles. The park is the perfect example of French garden art of the 17th century. Symmetry and nature trimmed to geometric shapes are perfectly applied. The many water basins and statues are preserved in their original condition. 2 of the basins have water features. Unfortunately, the many other fountains are not operational today. We take a walk through the 815ha park and conclude our tour after 2 hours.

After a coffee break, we get in the car and drive north.

Located directly on the Seine is the Château Gaillard. The castle is a fortified structure built by Richard the Lionheart, the King of England and Duke of Normandy, in the late 12th century, but it was destroyed during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. We take a break and admire the impressive ruins. I walk down alone while Rene and the children stay at the viewpoint.

We finally arrive at our campsite and end our day at around 7 PM.