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.