Here are two views of the Palace of Versailles. They show pretty vividly why I've never much liked it: it's one of the most boring piles of stone in Europe. What's more, I've never been a fan of formal French gardens, so I don't even like the gardens of Versailles that much. And I've never been there when the famous fountains were running, so I have no idea how impressive they might be.
As part of a historical narrative, Versailles is fascinating. As a place to visit, though, the truth is that it's mostly a long slog without much of a payoff.
They just need to update the 18th century theatrics. Maybe add a little Vegas sizzle. Hear me out:
Imagine a mega roller coaster with interactive multimedia features, that doubles as a people mover, zipping through the entire palace and grounds. It could have sections representing significant events in French history, each with its dedicated stop, themed casino, restaurants, and night club.
Now you're helping Joan turn the tide against the English at the siege of Orléans; now you're dodging Catholic mobs on St. Bartholomew's Day; now you're taking the Tennis Court oath (on site!) before trying to avoid the guillotine during the Revolution (an especially topsy-turvy section); now you're quickly surrendering to Bismark so you can enjoy yourself in the Belle Époque, etc. Probably best to stop there.
Well, the Treaty of Versailles pretty much set up Europe for WWII, so there's that.
I share your opinion of formal gardens. Too unnatural looking. Although Adrian Monk would probably love them.
The Treaty of Versailles didn't set Europe up for World War II. It was actually pretty reasonable, given the circumstances. And don't get me started on the people who argue that it was a punitive peace, unlike the generous peace after WWII. These people have never really examined what the post WWII peace involved. (Hint: Germany paid higher reparations, lost more territory, and 2 million Germans died in ethnic cleansing.)
What set up WWII is that the Germans refused to accept that they had lost WWI and went into revanchist mode before the Treaty of Versailles had even been negotiated.
You did give us a tremendous shot of beautiful clouds. I'll happily settle for that.
So what you're saying is your wife likes visiting Versailles.
The grandiosity of the architecture and gardens pretty much sums up why monarchies eventually get thrown by the wayside after their taxes go up to pay for the gilded palace of a hundred rooms.
In case they still rent bikes, that's a pretty magnificent way to experience the massive gardens. It has been over three decades since I was there, but riding along the endless paths on a glorious fall day was one of my most memorable travel experiences.
What, you need a... https://youtu.be/7hPX_SresUM ?
Frankly, I'd rather have a Thneed.
Couldn't agree more. I did attend a wedding in the Church in the village a few years ago, presided by an aged priest who looked like he might not survive the service.
My favorite college class was Renaissance and Post-Renaissance Landscapes and Gardens, taught by the late and legendary David Coffin. I took him to lunch in my college after the class was done, and I noted he didn't seem too enthusiastic about the French. He told me he loved the rich iconography of the Italians - his thesis on the Villa d'Este in Tivoli remains the standard work - and the sublime landscapes of Brown, Repton, and others in England, but the French gardens were kind of flat and boring. "Just scale."
Oh come on. The galerie des glaces is beautiful, the inside of the castle is amazing (the chapel, the rooms) and French garden are great. Plus the little fake village for the queen, le petit trianon, all that is beautiful. It's absolutely a must see on any trip to Paris (an easy train ride from the city!)