The Sun King, Giselle and friends in Paris

Friday was Brent's father's birthday, so the day started with a phone call to Ron in New Zealand. Happy birthday, Dad!

Then it was time for petit dejeuner a Le Preau and then the metro to Versailles.



We have explored Versailles before and this trip was to see an exhibition in the chateau and grounds by Paris artist Xavier Veilhan and for Brent to visit Marie Antoinette's domain (which was closed when we visited last year). Some of the art works were in the chateau itself so we did get the chance to wander through the chateau and marvel, once again, at Louis' golden palace.

The works by Veilhan were engaging and subtle, a contrast to the exhibitionist pieces of Jeff Koons that we saw last year.

The weather was glorious, perfect for wandering in the gardens.

Quotes overheard at Versailles:
A middle-aged American woman telling her husband, "Don't worry about the detail, that's the hunting lodge" (there is no hunting lodge at Versailles (!) and wouldn't Louis have been mortified - for him it was ALL about the detail!)

A young man in his early twenties explaining to an older couple he appeared to have just met, "Paris has more than you could see in a lifetime" (so wise for his years!)

Arrived home with an hour to spare before we left for Palais Garnier to see the ballet Giselle. The ballet was gorgeous, we had fabulous seats in the balcony and plenty of time to admire Marc Chagall's painted ceiling which depicts Paris and a number of different ballets. There were plenty of curtain calls (it was just the second night) and the young girl about seven years old in front of us, who fell asleep in her comfy, velvet chair after interval, even slept through all the cheering and clapping.

This morning (Saturday) we had croissant and coffee with our landlords, Rita and Gerard, at their incredible apartment in the 13th, just bordering the Latin quartier. We had thought all apartments were petite in Paris, but non! Rita and Gerard live in a three-level converted printing factory - they did say the space they have is unusual for Paris. Oh la la!

Apart from the size, the apartment did have the same welcoming, livable ambience as our rue Saint-Antoine apartment. It was obvious that Rita and Gerard have put much of their own character into their rental apartment. It was wonderful to meet them.

We wandered back home via rue Mouffetard, visiting places of interest that Rita and Gerard had pointed out: an intricately painted building facade and a piece of wall that still stands from the 12th century wall that surrounded the city of Paris.





Who can forget the Paris parking!

Late this afternoon we met Brent's neighbours from Clifton Hill for an aperitif in rue Montorgueil. They arrived in Paris last night and it was fun to catch up.

We have an early train to catch for Nancy tomorrow, staying overnight to attend a Johnny Hallyday concert. We'll be back in Paris early Monday afternoon. A bientot!