Chateau of Versailles

Christmas was a quiet affair in Paris as we pledged to do nothing but eat and sleep. The kids enjoyed their presents and ate way too much chocolate.

The next day we decided to go to the Chateau of Versailles. We had read on the internet that it can be very busy and it was best to get there by 9am. Unfortunately we were having our Christmas hangover and only arrived by 11.30am. We had to endure two queues, one for tickets and the second for entry. By 12.30pm we were immersed in the crowds walking through the beautiful hallways. It is great but I don't recommend it with small kids. First they take away your stroller, then they don't allow children on shoulders. After queuing, the walk through the incredibly crowded chateau was exhausting for Holly who periodically declared she could not walk any further. 

We rushed through the chateau in less than an hour and went out to enjoy the grounds. These French royalty knew how to live it up. The grounds cover 800 hectares. We started in the upper levels where the gardens were immaculate. 

From here we walked down to the ponds in a shape of a cross. To really see the full grounds we would need bicycles but didn't have the time. We just wandered to the left and right through the Bosquet du Dauplin (grove) where many of the outdoor statues are located. It was a chance for various members of our group to lead us aimlessly in different directions.