We're not really palace-and-castle people; long ago we reached the point where seeing the sumptuous living quarters of kings and queens, bankers and businessmen just made us angry at the conditions that left them, the 1%, in such comfort while the masses suffered.
On the other hand, we're unabashed suckers for gardens, fountains and fireworks, so a late afternoon in mid-September found us on an RER train bound for the Chateau de Versailles, and its last lights and fountain show of the season.
An end-of-daylight shot, above, looking down one of the tree-lined alleys of the gardens. Not as easy to follow when the sun finally set, but the paths were marked with different kinds of lights to lead from one fountain to another.
The wavy-finger-looking lights seemed a bit odd, but effective. Most of the lights were simpler, and allowed, in many places, the illusion of magic.
Lights around and under the fountains and statuary added to the feeling of being in another time, another place, although some of the effects were not as spectacular as others.
But the big event of the evening, the fireworks: Sadly, no tale to tell. Just over an hour before they were to begin the intermittent drizzle that only deepened the sense of mystery gave way to a no-nonsense steady rain that drove us to shelter, and then to a mad run to the rail station.
Even so, a pleasant enough evening, and one we might repeat. But definitely in warmer weather. The mid-September evening temperature made the rain miserable; in warmer weather, we might have waited it out, and dried out.
And if you are a palace-and-castle fan, it could be a pleasant way to end an afternoon of visiting Versailles—but note that the gardens are closed for an hour before admitting evening guests, so make plans to eat in the nearby town, or in one of the on-site restaurants.
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