The ride to Versailles took around 1 hour and 15 minutes because of traffic problems. When we arrived at Versailles the tour operators just kind of left us standing around and did nothing to organize us or ready us for the tour. We finally headed to the main entrance only to find out that we couldn't get in because of a strike relating to the elections in France. We walked around the gardens for a while and then met back at the entrance at the appointed time for when they'd open.
The line was another disorderly queue filled with school-aged kids and adult tour groups jostling to get to the entrance. When we finally got inside the splendor of Versailles was obscured by milling throngs of people.
We were outfitted with headsets that attached to a radio-like device. This device was tuned into a similar one used by the tour guide and we could hear what he was saying without having to be all clustered together.
But then we experienced what was ultimately the downfall of all the tours for us...multiple languages in each group. As we shuffled between rooms the tour guide would tell us about something in that room in English and then we'd have to stand there while he repeated everything in Spanish (for this particular group).
After we were done inside we went outside and guess what we did? We walked around the same gardens, albeit with a guide, that we had explored while waiting to go inside. LOL
The day was saved ultimately but our decision to abandon the tour group and do our own thing until it was time to board the bus and leave. Versailles is breathtakingly beautiful and the word "garden" doesn't really give you the scope of how large this place is.
We ended up back at the canal, rowed around in a boat for a while, and then enjoyed ice cream while dangling our feet in the water. We talked about what we had scene, made plans for the next day, and enjoyed each other's company.
We were glad to finally head back at 5:45pm and enjoyed the much faster trip back into Paris. We enjoyed some more shopping before finally heading back to our hotel and collapsing into bed.
I always wanted to see Versailles but I don't think I saw it at its best. The fountains are only turned on during the weekends, the flowers don't bloom until May, and we went during the week and in the morning when the place was crowded with school kids. I'd like to go back again and enjoy it under different circumstances.
Everyone I know who has been to France has encountered a strike or two.
When we were in Florence Italy at the Uffizi we saw many works of art including Birth of Venus. All I remember is hordes of people elbowing in front of my view, a long line to get in, and Japanese tour groups!
Posted by: Mrs. Rants on May 11, 2007 08:21 AM
aside from the tour, it sounds like you had a nice time on your vacation.
Posted by: kikihoney on May 10, 2007 11:28 PM