Good afternoon, luvs! I’m enjoying a wonderfully cozy day at home as one tropical storm after another blows through in a whirl of wind and raindrops.
As I listen to the storm rage I’m watching British murder mysteries and editing photos from a long ago trip to Versailles. Since my poor camera has died a sudden and irreversible death, I won’t be able to share new photos with you for a while. I hope you won’t mind a detour to the past until I’m able to get a new camera. 🙂
Today we’re heading back to the gardens of Versailles. While the palaces are a dizzying confection of gold and crystal well worth an agog gaze or two, the gardens are by far my favorite spot.
One gorgeously sunny day in October, my friend Amy and I wandered the grounds (and palaces!) for over twelve hours. We were groaning like old biddies by the end of the day, but what we saw was worth every hobble and creak.
I hope you think so too. 🙂
What are the prettiest gardens you’ve ever seen?
PS – If you’re a fan of decadent Italian desserts, click here to pop over to the Travel Belles to read my latest article on the best panna cotta I ever had. Found in a tiny Italian village near the Italian Alps. 🙂
The gardens at Versailles are stunning. I had a fabulous day there last year exploring different areas. Have fun buying a new camera!
 They sure are, Jenny. 🙂 I can only imagine how many gardeners it takes to keep them in fine fettle, but I love them. 🙂
Although your past photos are always beautiful Krista I hope a new camera comes into your life soon! It’s like an extension of your arm.
 Thank you so much, Val. I confess I feel quite lost without it, like part of me is missing! Ah well, perhaps I’ll learn to use my other “senses” better as a result? 🙂
Stay safe from the storms and it is proving a great opportunity for you to catch up with sharing all these beautiful places with us.
 I sure will, Linda. 🙂 Made it through a good rainstorm tonight and am safe and dry at home. 🙂
Those pictures were worth the 12 hours. I can not imagine how much weeding they must do to keep the gardens looking so good.Â
 Thank you, Deanna! I know what you mean. Wow. They must have an army of gardeners or one fellow with a VERY strong back. 🙂
Oh my! Even more beautiful than I remember it being. Lovely break, thanks.Â
 You’re so welcome, Duchess! I’m delighted I could give you a little escape. 🙂
So so so gorgeous!!!!! I would spend ALL day there taking pics. I visited about 8 years ago, but barely remember it now.
 I did, Andi! I have hundreds of pictures. 🙂 I had to visit it twice to see everything and even then much of it is a blur. 🙂
Your pics are so lovely! Â I adore Versailles and have been a few times. Â Recently I read that its construction is thought to be one of the things that led to the French Revolution as it was so expensive that the state fell further and further into debt. Â Perhaps that’s why now-a-days nobody thinks of building like this?
 Thank you, Stevie! 🙂 Yes, that observation makes a lot of sense. I can’t even fathom how much building just one wing of the main palace would cost now, let alone all the buildings AND the gardens. Phew!
I certainly don’t mind a stroll into your travel past, but I hope you find a new camera soon. Versailles is so beautiful – my aunt lives about 20 minutes away from Versailles, so we always go there for coffee and cake when I visit her.
 Oh, what a wonderful tradition, Hila. 🙂 I’ve never eaten there for some reason. Not entirely sure why. But if I get to go again, I will definitely make that part of my new tradition. 🙂
the only good thing about storms is that they give you an excuse to curl up at home with a good book and some tea! (and cookies. duh.) I hope you’re having a lovely sit-in! And oh my these photos are gorgeous! I can’t stop staring!
 Of course “and cookies” Joanne! 🙂 It really wouldn’t be right without cookies, would it? 🙂
Oh how lovely! I visited the gardens in the middle of summer a couple of years ago and I don’t think I have ever been so hot in my life!  Because of a water shortage, the fountains were only on for like an hour, and hubby insisted that we see as many fountains as possible in that time, so we were SPRINTING across the gardens to each fountain – it was hilarious and I thought I was going to have a heart attack!  But worth it, as you say 🙂
 I laughed so hard at your description, Jeanne! I can just picture you huffing and puffing across Versailles, red-faced and sweating like mad. 🙂 You’re right – SO worth it. 🙂
‘Tis glorious, K! I’ve been there several times, and it never gets old. Great pics.
What a beautiful site you have! My 15 yr. old son traveled to Paris with his class last June. They spent an afternoon at Versailles and brought back pictures. It is amazing the difference between a 15 yr. old’s view of the world, and an adult’s view. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your side of it! I would never have seen this if you hadn’t posted a comment on my blog, Midcenturymeals. Thanks for finding me and leading me here!