A few weeks have passed since my visit to the Palace of Versailles. And now finally a chance review the thousand or so images I took there and begin to fully appreciate, in retrospect, its outrageous and over-the-top splendor (more so than I could whilst in my blistered, footsore, sunburnt, heat-exhausted and general jet-lagged state during said visit).
I had chosen my day carefully, based on weather and expected (smaller) crowd volume. Arriving by an early train from the Musée d’Orsay station in Paris, I began the short walk towards the Palace. The sky was a brilliant, piercing blue (the above photos not enhanced in any way), creating a vibrant backdrop for the gilded Palace as I rounded the corner and it came into view. So brilliant, in fact, that I was actually forced to put my sunglasses on against the golden glare of the entry gate and parapets.
The Sun King would have approved.
The images in this post are all from the main Palace, primarily the State Apartments.The workmanship is exquisite, as can be seen in the detail of the tapestry above Marie Antoinette’s bed. Not printed fabric but painstakingly-crafted, hand-embroidered cloth. I hope you can see the stitches in the close up shots. I didn’t see it myself at the time, due to the distance visitors are required to maintain, but I shot it with a long lens with a high megapixel count camera and during processing was surprised to see the detail suddenly appear.
The famous Hall of Mirrors is staggering. I photographed it from many angles with every single lens I own. After awhile, I figured out the best angle to catch the light though the chandeliers and make little rainbows in the crystals.
Thought I’ve gotten quite a few requests, I haven’t had much time to create fine art print listings for the Versailles series yet but I did get a few images and a little postcard set in my shop here.
And finally, MANY thanks for all your positive feedback and support through the blog move! I really am so fortunate to have such lovely friends and you are each much appreciated.
Have a new week filled with beauty and joy!
love,
– g
It is ‘over-the-top splendor’ isn’t it. I had wondered how to say this in English but then you said it yourself in the first sentence you wrote, so I just repeated it here. But how breathtaking as well! And that amazingly beautiful embroidery!!!!! How many hands must have worked on that. Lots of years ago, we saw the tapestry of Bayeux. Also a work of many, many hands, totally different from the embroidery in your pictures but a very special historical relic I’m happy to have seen. The whole history behind it and embroidered on it makes it very interesting as well.
Love how Maire-Antoinettes M and A are embroidered into one another in the middle of the embroidered flowers, the A built up out of little flowers as well. So beautiful to discover all those details thanks to your photos.
The sun king really loved things golden and shiny didn’t he and your pictures make that come out so beautifully, the weather being a perfect companion.
Although I’ve never been in Versailles, thanks to your gorgeous pictures, I feel like I’ve been there a little bit myself now. Thank you so much for taking us on your journey Georgianna.
Bye,
Marian
Oh my, such opulence. As Marian above said, it’s so nice to travel to places through your photos G. All those chandeliers are gorgeous and actually look like candles.
I can’t imagine editing a 1000 or so photos. :-)
Judith
Beautiful. I was at Versailles last year just about now. It was lovely, but oh so crowded. Your photos are exquisite.
Oh my gosh. Stunning!!! I love the chandelier photo, love travelling the world with you and your beautiful photos. The new site arrived with no problems. Take care and have a wonderful evening. Jen xo
Simply stunning – both the subject matter and your photographs (as always!). We are hoping to visit Versailles on our trip (and I am hoping that my photos are even half as nice as yours!) :)
I love your new website Georgianna! I finally had time to go through it and I like it’s clean lines and the way it features your lovely work. I can easily get a sense now, of the vast spread of your creative images. It’s all showcased beautifully and is easy to access. This will surely bring an ease and flow into your business which gives you more time to be creative!
Although I’ve been to Paris several times, I’ve never been to Versailles…nearly time for a trip back and your photo’s have me checking out the possibilities for a house exchange in Europe! Maybe next year…
It is hard to even conceive of such beauty, Georgianna. I am overwhelmed at the very thought of being these with a camera. These photographs are just magnificent.
xo.
G ~ I just can’t describe how these photographs make me feel. To see this exquisite palace in your pictures almost makes me feel like I have actually been there. It is THE one place in France that I want to visit…and I hope to soon! Thank you for sharing! xo
Cada dia te superas, que belleza!!!
Muchos besos y muchas gracias por tus comentarios tan amables!
Muchos besos!
Veronica.
Los Mundos de Nika Vintage
So incredibly beautiful! Like a fantasy. The needlework alone is mesmerising. One would needs weeks to fully appreciate all the wonders of the palace and grounds.
The new site looks lovely, Georgianna! It’s wonderful that it wasn’t crowded and you could photograph the gardens so beautifully.
Ada
Hi Georgianna. What stunning beauty in these photos. Thank you for sharing them. I just want you to know that your blog came up on my blogroll favorites as always. Blessings, Pamela
Hi G,
Oh my gosh! These are magnificent! I’ve never been to Versailles but I feel like you brought a small piece if it home to share with us. What lovely photography! I can feel the great size and opulence of the palace through your images. They make me want to reach out and touch them!
Thank you for sharing your lovely visit,
Kelly
You transport anyone who has the pleasure of seeing through your lens. Thanks, ever so much, friend. Blessings.
Wow Georgianna! Such gorgeous pictures! I love that one of the gate with the blue sky on the background. So so crisp and clear! And the wallpaper ones are so pretty! Wish there was paper of that pattern. Soooooooooo breathtakingly beautiful the way you catched it with your magical eye again ;-D
hugs and happy creating!
Ingeborg
Your images of Versailles are absolutely stunning, those perfect blue skies, you were so lucky the weather worked with you !
Oh bliss- one of my favorite places that I go visit again and again and again when we go to Paris! I love pondering the details through your photos, and treasuring the stories and the moments in time that made this palace so remarkable!
These photos are absolutely exquisite, G.! I can only imagine the splendor of Versailles … you’ve captured it so beautifully and yet, it must be so much more when seen in person. And that gorgeous blue sky is amazing!
Loving your new blog home too!
Have a wonderful week! xoxo
Georgianna,
Such outstanding color and detail in your photos! The tapestry is amazing. Your new website looks great. Best wishes,
Lynn
As always your blog took me away as the Beauty just kept on coming down the page. Magical.. and so Very very Gorgeous.
Sorry I had forgot to leave a place for my blog.
Im back to blogging.
Brava to the “sun king” exquisite as usual G
So opulent and jaw droppingly beautiful the Palace de Versailles… am sure you had fun
Carla x
Oh… my…God… :) Such splendor and magnificence everywhere ! I love the colour on the exterior of the palace and the embroidery on the tapestry is exquisite. Do you think the gilding on the gate and palace is made out of real gold ? I suppose so…
Oh Georgianna, your photo of The Palais Des Glaces took my breath away !
I forgot to say I love your new blog, and I love the pattern in the background. Now my photo appears when I comment ! Hee Hee !
WOW sweet g, this place is just beautiful and i LOVE those gorgeous floral wallpapers!! Have a beautiful weekend sweet friend and love to you!
The tapestry and the fabric in bed pictures are so breathtaking. I could look at them for ages, especially the tapestry’s flowers it is ART not just wallpaper:) I hope I will see this my own eyes on day. Thank you, you made my heart jumping again, I want to take my bag and go to PAris just now not tomorrow!
Have a great weekend
Such a magnificent splendor. Thanks for sharing it made me feel like i traveled with you too.
Gorgeous photos Georgianna! Some of the best I’ve seen of Versailles! Thank you for sharing the trip through your talented eyes, XO Christie
I can’t get over this post and how beautiful all of your images are! You make me wish for the days of exploring all the gorgeous places of Île-de-France. xx
Georgianna
Such stunning photos of an amazing place, it is other worldly in its magnificence and decor. The golden gates all the richer for being set against that bluest of skies!
Kat xox
Hi Georgianna, Your photos are breathtaking as always, I so love visiting your blog to see what beauties you have captured.
Take care
Tania..xx
Hello Georgianna! So nice to hear from you .. It’s been pretty hectic these last few days, yesterday was our first day in the house and so much to do but we love it! Your photos never fail to melt me .. you’re so very talented! I’ll look for your follows on twitter and Instagram and of course will follow back! Hope you’re having a lovely summer!
Sandy M ~ Ooh La Frou Frou
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com
wowza! that tapestry! and those chandy’s! and those topiary! and your photos! love it all.
erin
xxoo
The golden gates against the perfect blue sky is breathtakingly beautiful.
Wow quite incredible G! It certainly is over the top with all the gilt but it must have amazing to see! Great pics!
Love, love, love! And as a bonus, it also brings back memories of my very first trip to Europe and Paris…with my P&S film camera :)
I don’t even know what to say except “Wow”! The golden gate against the blue sky is so stunning….and the colors of the embroidered cloth are beautiful after all these years. I can’t wait to see more!
Absolutely stunning G. I really am amazed at how beautifully you can capture things. This was a gorgeous group of images. Your talent is one of a kind my friend.
I wanted to tell you also how much I love your beautiful newsletters. Such a joy to get them.
sending many hugs…
Beautiful images! Wonderful to see this place through your eyes! You have captured it amazing!
I think it’s finally letting me post a comment – YAY!! So I had to come back and tell you how much I love these!! Hope you and D are having the best holiday week!!
Hi Georgianna,
So glad to be able to visit you at your new place, which is really beautiful, love the new look to your blog.
I enjoyed catching up with your wonderful posts and photographs. Versailles looks exquisite, … and can see why you are sighing, looks such a dreamy and romantic place
Hugs
Carolyn
Wow, so much gorgeousness! :)
Can you believe I have been to Paris for 8 days – and to Versailles for a whole afternoon – without a camera?! I must go back one day soon. Thanks for sharing!
Happy Friday and weekend ahead! xo
You know, somehow Versailles just seems like you. All a riot of gorgeous color and absolute girly splendorous beauty.