Along with many other tourists who marveled and pushed their way through the halls of Versailles, we began our day at the palace of the "Sun King" Louis XIV. The beauty and opulence of the residence was stunning, but the grounds were equally as impressive. Employing 40 gardeners to keep the grounds in immaculate condition, we were able to enjoy the early spring weather and the beautiful views of the palace. After we left Versailles we traveled along the left bank of the Seine to catch our first glimpses of the Eiffel Tower and a miniature Statue of Liberty, a gift from the Americans to the French. Passing through the tunnel where Diana met her tragic fate, we arrived at the Louvre to begin our amazing journey through that vast museum's incredible collection. Needless to say, Ms. Buckley was in her glory leading a number of students through a deep understanding of Botticelli and other Renaissance artists. For me, the Winged Victory of Samonthrace was the highlight. After roughly 4 hours in the Louvre, we made it down the Champs Elysees to the Arch de Triumph where we climbed the spiraling steps to gain an stunning view of Paris. Overall, it was an wonderful day.
No comments:
Post a Comment