Paris - Palace Courtyard - Versailles

Plate CIV – Palace Courtyard …

Turning from the gates to face the palace, the sky was becoming heavily clouded. Having been uncertain in which order to visit - the palace first, or the gardens - my mind was made up by this sight. I knew that European rain storms were relatively short and unlike those lasting several hours or even whole days that I knew from Africa, they’d appear, rain themselves out and then as if another season had arrived the sun would shine again. A few hours of visiting the palace interiors would give this one time to pass. Wouldn’t it?

And so it was I entered the palace doors …

The first chateau dating from the 1630’s was originally a hunting lodge built for Louis XIII, then mainly resident at Vincennes. It was however Louis XIV who decided to move the royal court from Paris to Versailles, declaring the Palace his official residence in 1682, which it was to remain until his death here in 1715. It was he who commissioned the majestic designs of both the palace and the grand gardens known today. The wonderful symmetry of the palace can be seen as you approach the main entrance.

Paris - Parc Floral de Paris - 12me

Plate C – Parc Floral de Paris II …

I have already explained how photogenic I found the city, and so now make no apologies for including more images of the magnificent surroundings of the Parc Floral. Aside from the public amenities, including attractions for both children and adults, the main areas include a valley of flowers covering some three hectares. Dahlias, with their last showy summer blooms were the highlight of my visit in late September. The massed plantings are a horticulturist’s delight. I am told there are some three thousand different varieties of flora to identify, along with visiting the sculptural works and play areas.

The Parc’s venue was the historic site of the Pyramide and Cartoucherie military establishments, and with the connection of Vincennes dating back to Louis IX a grove of mature oak trees pays homage to his reputed meting out of justice beneath an oak in the middle thirteenth century.

The mirror like surfaces of the lake area, fed by a monumental granite fountain, with water lilies, lotuses and irises, reflect a tranquil haven and the serenity of the swans on the lake must surely have inspired many a painter to take up their brushes (and a similar view no doubt stirred Tchaikovsky to write that ballet). Contemporary artists hold regular exhibitions here and there is also an open air museum.