My Paris Journey: The Chateau Battle
Chateau de Versailles
OR
Chateau de Fontainebleau
***
Near Paris, there are two UNESCO recognized chateaus, so which was the better? I know it's not ethical to compare but if you have time for only one, which will it be?
Both can be reached by train.
Both have garden and palace.
Both have history.
The more popular one (but not necessarily better), i would say, is the Chateau de Versailles, a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy of the Ancient Regime. Evidence: the queue to purchase the ticket and to enter the site were dauntingly long.
Seeing the line snaking on the open ground, we decided to go to the gardens first.
Periodically, there are water fountains with baroque music.
Well planned garden that stretches beautifully, endlessly.
The canal at the far end. Yes, we explored the whole garden, on foot.
With the Palace at the background.
Time to be amazed by the interior of the Palace.
Just look at the ceiling!
In the Hall of Mirrors, which i thought was more glassy.
Louis XIV moved from Paris to here and it was then the political power center in France from 1682. The royal family then returned in 1789 after the commencement of the French Revolution.
I would have enjoyed the Palace more was it not for the crowd, which i cannot control being a Sunday.
If you have a day to spend in Versailles, get the ticket to the Marie-Antoinette's Estate. The serenity , and the scenery of its garden was absolutely breath-taking. In fact, this garden is my favourite garden of this journey.
It felt magical.
The garden is huge too and make sure to keep a copy of the map of the area.
And it is not just a garden. Visit the estate, the rooms and just everywhere around possible.
Now, let's look at Chateau de Fontainebleau, where Napolean I abdicated his throne before being exiled to Elba.
With the horseshoe stairway of the Palace at the back.
Having a rest before the much walking. The garden was definitely simpler.
From the garden to the Palace. There wasn't as much crowd here in Fontainebleau, which made the visit more pleasing and easy.
Some amazing displays.
There's always art.
Definitely feeling the grandeur of this Palace.
Because here is smaller (which doesn't make the other better), we took time to explore the quaint town of Fontainebleau. Apart from the garden and Palace, one can rent a bike and cycle to various parts of the forest. Do visit the Tourist Center for the map and options to choose from.
Tasty Quiche at a nearby cafe and pistachio ice cream (i forgot what the other flavour was).
The town and the train station.
So, which one?
I'd say, and you may not like it, but there is no better one. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and it depends on your preference. Let me summarize for you and you decide:
Chateau de Versailles; + mesmerizing garden, overwhelming surrounding; - crowded Palace, price
Chateau de Fontainebleau: + Palace itself with tolerable crowd, relaxing town; - simple garden, further
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