If you ever go there, arrive first thing in the morning, around dawn (I think I got off the train at about 7.30 and walked). The road in is due east of the entrance, over a slight rise, and as you crest the rise with the sun behind you, the entire facade glows and it is completely mind-boggling to see
Exotemporalsays
I saw it for the first time in the late 90s, before the gilding had been restored. When I returned to Versailles for the first time in 2013, the Sun was low and shining directly onto the gilding. I wasn’t aware that the gilding had been put back, so it was a huge surprise to see the palace glinting like that from afar. It was truly magnificent.
Inside, an Asian tourist fainted and they closed half the castle right behind me and my friend. Suddenly, we had half the Hall of Mirrors to ourselves (while hundreds of people were in the other half) and we were left alone in Marie Antoinette’s apartment. Being alone in her room with the windows open remains one of the best and most surreal moments in my life.
Pelo1968 says
Just in case you were wondering. Not gold coloured paint, actual gold.
callerfizz says
Unreal, probably the coolest building I’ve ever seen in my life
420Deez says
plot twist: this is a model
Kraigea_Kraigarthur says
Beautiful natural lighting in that shot. Enhances the drama.
cranberry58 says
Exquisite!
ittookmeagestofind says
People are starting ? Naaa, gold on the roof..
idealistmoon says
This is beautiful, went on a tour a couple of years ago was a in a hurry so not able to fully appreciate the details.
Asadafal says
when the peasants revolt
ddraig-au says
If you ever go there, arrive first thing in the morning, around dawn (I think I got off the train at about 7.30 and walked). The road in is due east of the entrance, over a slight rise, and as you crest the rise with the sun behind you, the entire facade glows and it is completely mind-boggling to see
Exotemporal says
I saw it for the first time in the late 90s, before the gilding had been restored. When I returned to Versailles for the first time in 2013, the Sun was low and shining directly onto the gilding. I wasn’t aware that the gilding had been put back, so it was a huge surprise to see the palace glinting like that from afar. It was truly magnificent.
Inside, an Asian tourist fainted and they closed half the castle right behind me and my friend. Suddenly, we had half the Hall of Mirrors to ourselves (while hundreds of people were in the other half) and we were left alone in Marie Antoinette’s apartment. Being alone in her room with the windows open remains one of the best and most surreal moments in my life.