Paris:Versailles

Filed in archive Budget Europe on October 9, 2008

Here's the thing about Versailles. Admission is expensive, it's navigation ins complicated and, if the metro is not running efficiently, getting there can be a nightmare. For example, today, when we went to transfer for the RER train to Versailles, the entrance to the train was roped off. There were no signs saying that the line that goes there was out of service, and no one to tell us what was going on. And yes, I do speak a bit of French, so if an announcement was made, I would have known about it.

We exited the station and spoke to an agent, who told us that the C line to Versailles was having electrical problems, and we would have to take a different train to a different stop. Too bad we had already wasted the price of two tickets. Oh well.

Needless to say, this former "home" of Louis XV and Louis XVI is elaborate, elegant and impressive. However the experience is currently being destroyed by a ridiculous modern exhibit by Jeff Koons. Somehow, statues of Michael Jackson, balloon bunnies and other silly objects don't do well in the chambers of a king. Unfortunately, many people don't seem to think so, because the crowds are unbearable.

Guide's tip: There's no charge to simply walk through the grounds. If you're on a tight budget, that may be your best option. Here's a picture of my camping it up in the Hall of Mirrors.