Versailles

Yesterday we spent the day at Versailles. Direct trains run from Montparnasse station (down the street from our hotel) to Versailles in only 12 minutes. After a quick journey, we were at the gates of the château by 9:00 a.m. Everyone in our group had a "Versailles Passport" permitting unlimited access to the grounds.

Weekends are special at Versailles because many of the fountains are activated, along with piped-in classical music. Our day would have been more fun if the weather had been more cooperative -- cool and windy was the order of the day, with occasional rain sprinkles -- but the conditions remained tolerable. We saw the sun a few times around lunchtime.

With audioguides in hand, the students explored the château at their own pace. Most of us visited a special exhibition on European court dress from 1650-1800. Among other items were the coronation robe of England's George III and many chivalric uniforms and ladies' gowns.

Later we met for a group photo and a walk through the gardens to the base of the Grand Canal. After a sandwich lunch, everyone was free to explore the huge grounds on their own. We had one intrepid biker (Megan), while others elected to walk to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. Everyone knew how to return to the train station, and with tickets in hand they dispersed.

Saturday was the 5th International Museum Night, so most of the museums in Paris were open until midnight or later. Some students planned to visit the Centre Pompidou. Others went to the Decorative Arts Museum inside the Louvre complex. The streets of central Paris were packed with museum-goers. After midnight the Métro trains were packed as well. Light rain didn't deter the locals from enjoying this special evening.