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Published: June 25th 2019
Despite our late night, we were up and out early to meet our guide for our journey to Versailles. After considering a potential metro path, we opted to use another Uber van as time was tight. We arrived just in time to meet our group, gathering at a quaint souvenir shop in the heart of town. We then trekked to a train station that was about 4 stops from where we had originated!
But the train ride was fun and soon enough we were disembarking in the town of Versailles, turned a corner, and viewed the awe-inspiring behemoth of a home for Louis XIV, with its gilded golden gates, ornate everything, and famed Hall of Mirrors. After spending almost 45 minutes in the first room alone, Todd graciously agreed to amble through the rest of the main house at a slow stroll. As a pleasant surprise, Sean also insisted on hearing every recording the self-guided audio tour offered for the rooms we encountered. The three of us caught up with Maggie, Billy and Tommy at the gift shop, and lunch in town won out over a golf-cart ride through the gardens. We enjoyed another leisurely meal at a French cafe,
where Maggie successfully lobbied to take us all to the French "countryside" via train.
We successfully navigated a two-transfer trip out to St. Germaine. Unfortunately, it was more like going to Vienna from DC than the true countryside Maggie recalled from her visit two summers ago. But, the chateau that sits at the opening of the metro in the town square is massive and imposing. Having once served as as the palace for this small town, it's moat is dry but still clearly visible and the castle-like facade is impressive. After strolling briefly around the center of town to get our bearings, we grabbed some refreshing ice cream for dinner and then ambled through a park and down to an overlook that gave us a beautiful view of Paris and the river Siene. It was a delightful evening and a relaxing end to a packed few days.
We hopped a quick train back to our now familiar and surprisingly very accessible from any point Arc de Triomph metro stop, where we discovered both a Burger King and a McDonalds on the other side of the street we had not previously noticed. The consensus is that McDonald's is the
same no matter the continent!
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Kirk Baldwin
non-member comment
Great read!
Enjoying the blog and so glad the suitcase found its way to Todd. The pictures, including all the prose, show what a wonderful time you are having. That’s just what you guys needed. Keep on exploring!!