Even though my travel companions had already visited the Chateau Versailles, it didn't feel quite right to have them miss out the Trianons and Marie Antoinette's Estate Versailles.So off we went for a return to Versailles.
While I was waiting for the group to complete their chateau tour, I managed a little chat with the information desk (in English this time, sadly) where I found out about the TRI bus - a special bus only available in peak season that runs from the train stations and stops at various points near the chateau grounds, including the Grand Trianon.
We already had a late start due to my camera troubles and having to wait 20 minutes for the TRI bus (which came every hour, half-past) without knowing if we were at the right spot was grating on my nerves.
But the bus came (on time too) and all was well again.
The bus, decorated with caricatures of Marie Antoinette and the rest of the royals, was actually a very convenient way to the Trianons, accepting the T+ tickets used for Paris public transport, and saving us from a solid 70 minutes of walking.
The Petite Trianon
Again, having covered the Petite Trianon before, I'll just leave you with some photos.
Monogram of Marie Antoinette
Beautiful wisteria in full bloom.
It was still too early for the rest of the garden.
Marie Antoinette's TheatreI was sad to have missed this the last time and was determined to see it this time.
It wasn't the easiest to find, being tucked away near the Petite Trianon, but found it we eventually did.
The theatre is intimately small and Marie Antoinette was said to have performed many times on its very stage. The original scenery sets have survived.
We weren't allowed to enter or take photograph, the entrance covered by protective glass. And even though the space was dimly lit, you could still see the fine details and the sparkling of the heavy gild work.
Photo from the interweb where the theatre is much better lit.
Belvedere
I had a devil of the time trying to find the elusive Queen's Grotto. The mosquitoes weren't helpful either.
This was where Marie Antoinette and her close friends went to escape (hence, the hard to find location I suppose) the world - the retreat from her Petit Trianon retreat.
The gate was locked, not as if I would want to enter anyways. It looked like mosquito central.
The curved stone bench in the corner where the queen was likely to have sat.
From her seat in the relative darkness, she could see all the incoming visitors without having them see her, and leave through another exist if necessary.
The Queen's Hamlet
This was new. One of the buildings has been converted into a public washroom.
And yes, of course I went inside.
Interview in the washroom building. Really?
The Queen's House looked to be in far better shape than last time.
French Pavilion
Little Bridge linking the two Trianon Palaces
The Grand Trianon
Cascade Fountain
Somewhat incredulous that the old keys and locks still work and happy that they are still being used for the palace gates.
The Apollo Fountain
A number of fountains in the Versailles Gardens were closed for the Musical Fountains, which was unexpected because I had thought it was weekends only, forgetting the fact that it was VE Day.
Domes Grove, photo taken through the gate.
Colonnade Grove
One of the four season fountains - Flora Fountain (Spring)
Ceres Fountain (Summer)
L'Amerique
Not exactly PC, is it?
Pyramid Fountain
Water Walk
Dragon Fountain
Neptune Fountain
Coming from the chateau, this fountain was completely hidden from view until you're literally standing on top of it. Appropriately, its former name was "Pool below the Dragon [Fountain]".
Poor dragon. Getting stabbed by a winged-baby cannot be fun.
After an extremely long day, it was so good to see the Versailles-Chantiers train station and drag our tired bodies back to Paris.
Did you know that Evian water is extremely cheap in France? Only 0.60 euros for an 1.5L bottle! Less than half of what it would cost in North America.
Dinner: baguette and fruit from the supermarket
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