Hello, dear friends! As many of you know, I spent nearly three months in Paris this past spring while writing and photographing my upcoming book on Paris to be published by Abrams early next year. (!!) Many of my shoots required private access to major museums and locations and were set up well in advance, including this very epic one at Chateau de Versailles. And when I say I was “alone” at Versailles, it wasn’t just a solo trip. I literally was the only person (along with my French guide) in these glorious rooms for an entire morning. Let me tell you, my heart was pounding and I got shivers when I walked into the empty Hall of Mirrors, a space normally filled with visitors! (“Don’t blow the shots, I was telling myself!”)
Truly, it was a great privilege to be in this magnificent location under such circumstances. Imagining what these rooms have witnessed over the centuries, sensing the echoes of history, intrigue, personal dramas great and small, and seeing close up the myriad details of life in such splendor was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which I will always cherish. A special mention to the Pubic Relations staff at Versailles for their professionalism and friendliness and to my guide who had the idea to take this photo of me to commemorate the day.
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Château de Versailles Some recommendations: The Château is closed on Mondays so Tuesdays tend to be the most crowded. I’ve found Thursdays to be a good choice. Purchase your tickets ahead of time to skip the longest of the lines and arrive early. Be prepared for a lot of walking within the château and grounds and take advantage of the small train and/or golf carts to travel between the main chateau, the Trianons and Marie Antoinette’s Hameau to save time and energy. If you prefer to just enjoy the grounds for a picnic or relaxing stroll, they are peaceful and vast, and entrance is free. Numerous tour companies in Paris offer guided tours to the Château which can help avoid lines and crowds, but the fees can be expensive. The Château website offers a wealth of information and inspiration. Allow a full day, or even two, if you can schedule it, to fully experience and appreciate this extraordinary location.
Wishing you all a beautiful week.
Love,
G
Wow!! Fantastic!! What an opportunity and how well you took full advantage!
What an incredible experience! These are gorgeous photos and I’m looking forward to your book! <3
Dear Georgianna – it is a good many years since I last visited Versailles but to be able to join you alone in this great chateau was a magical experience – what a unique and memorable time you had – the images are stunning.
What a magnificent place so beautifully photographed! Amazing post, dear Giorgianna. And good luck with your upcoming book on Paris. Love to you and David xx
How beautiful. I can’t wait for your book. You have a great eye and will show Paris in a new, unique view. :)
I saw a few of these at IG and I am blown away by the way you captured this amazing palace. This is one of my very favorite posts of your fab blog!
XX
wow! You may actually be the luckiest girl in the world! What an epic experience!!
A very special experience! The whole atmosphere of Versailles would have been very different while wandering alone. Your photos are magnificent as always and it really was excellent to have your tour guide think to take a special memory photo with you in the centre.
What a wonderful opportunity, and what a beautiful place to be. These photographs are just magnificent, Georgianna! xo.
That’s wonderful! I envy you a little bit)) You can see so many miracles and share them with us! Thanks for that!
Have a good August!
Hugs and kisses,
Olga~
Wow. Just stunning.
I can’t wait for your book. I visited Paris last year & fell in love with the city. Definitely have to go back.
Oh. My. Goodness. What a once in a lifetime opportunity!! Your images are so light and airy. Ethereal, really. So impressive and I’m super happy you got to do this!
Such unbelievable beauty, and for you to have it all to yourself, is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Absolutely gorgeous G.
Great access and supernice shoot,
But tell me truly, any ghosts?
What a thrilling and memorable visit! I’m so happy that you were able to have this experience — it was truly well deserved. Thank you for sharing these captivating images with us! It is always a treat to see such beautiful things through your talented eye.
Wow! Abrams Books of NYC…I am impressed! :)
Interestingly, soon on TV, some time this month, we will be seeing a program simply called Versailles about Louis the Great. I shall be watching…the preview scenes are stunning too!
Imagine you are the young empress, trying to please a just-as-young emperor…what could those walls tell us?
Dear Georgianna, always thought your beautiful photo stories would naturally lead one day to a book! Already wish I could have a copy of my own! Good luck with it! :)
Lovely captures!
All the best!
These photos are just perfect. Keep up the excellent work.
Oh I love your photos from Paris and Versailles,, lovely site