Versailles France

After spending a few days in Bruges of Belgium, we then headed back towards Paris France to Versailles on April 24th, for a different but worthy visit of the fabulous Chateau de Versailles and its immaculate 800-ha garden setting.

The Chateau was the palace/castle of kings and nobles throughout history who surrounded themselves in opulence. Most impressive was the vastness of magnificent wall and ceiling paintings as well as the incredible intricate and elaborate ornate golden finishes.

Palace behind restored gold-leafed gate

Lavish ceilings and walls

Multitude of priceless paintings

Fabulous Hall of Mirrors

What was most impressive was the Hall of Mirrors (with 17 arches containing 21 mirrors each) reflecting light of thousands of candles and glittering chandeliers. In the 17th century, mirrors were too expensive for most, so this was a lavish extravagance for King Louis XIV. The Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I was signed in this famous room.

With exploring completed, we finally arrived in Rhodes after a late-day flight on April 25th, where we booked ourselves at an AirBNB inside the old fortified city walls, a short walk from Sea Turtle.

Bruges Belgium

After 11 months back in Canada (329 days!), we finally started to make our way back on April 20th towards lonely Sea Turtle IV that patiently waited us while on the hard in Rhodes Greece. Just in time for some much anticipated summer Med cruising.

Again we booked flights that gave us a 4-day layover in Paris (France) but this time we drove up to Bruges (Belgium) to see this charming historical medieval town. Our interest in Bruges was sparked when we watched the quirky movie In Bruges. The movie we could recommend, but not as emphatically as a visit to the town itself.

Walking through Old Town (horse carriage in front)

Cool stepped gables

Skinny and stepped

Images of Bruges' long and rich history as a trading center in past centuries can easily be seen while wandering the alleys. It has been well preserved even though two world wars had left many other places ruined. The distinct historic Flemish Dutch architecture set in winding streets and canals easily garnered a UNESCO designation.

Belfort Tower

We climbed the 366 steps to the top of the 83-meter tower where we could at intervals listen to the 47 melodious bells, looking down at the great view of the open square ringed with eateries and bustling tourists.

Canals of Bruges aka "The Venice of the North"

Legend has swans on the canals and lakes forever

Dutch detail

Bruges has lived up to more than we expected and was definitely a worthy stop. Tomorrow, the Chateau de Versailles, then Sea Turtle in Greece...