Versaille by bike

Yesterday we took the metro toward the Eiffel tower and walked to Fat Tire Bike tours. At nine, We joined into a group of 25, got our bikes and headed to the train station en masse. Onto the train with our bikes, 4 to a door, and headed to Versaille, about 25 min.away. Off the train and thru the town of Versaille to the open air market. Took about 40 minutes to gather picnic supplies and beverages.

Then off to the incredible residence that the Bourbon Kings had had built for themselves. Biked by the rural village that Louie XVI had built and where his wife Marie Antoinette pretended to be a peasant. Then on to the cross shaped hand dug lake where we picnicked and shared foods.



Around the lake and up to the Chateau where we joined several thousand other folks wending their ways thru rooms. Covered in huge pictures of the various owners in heroic poses and several truly huge paintings from Napoleon's time of residence. Modesty was not in fashion apparently, or in evidence. The 90 minutes was enough. Could understand why the peasants, especially women, stormed the place and threw them out. The peasants lost their patience and the Royals lost their heads, courtesy of Monsieur Guillotine.


Back by train by 7 . Guide Andrew Golden did a great job herding and encouraging us and called all 25 by name. Quite a feat. Fine day.
-- Post From My iPad