Final day in Paris

On our final day in Paris we ventured out to Versailles. Apparently every other tourist decided to do the same as throngs of people joined us! July 14 is also Bastille Day holiday, which added to the festivities.

Versailles is a grand and sweeping magnificence that never ends. The palace's gaudy elegance and the gardens' manicured acres simply astound the eyes.

Louis XIV greets visitors

Hundreds queue up, trying to stay cool in the heat

Photos from palace rooms:

The Hall of Mirrors

The view from my new summer residence (just kidding)

Puffs of plumes decorate the top corners of Louis' bed.

Royal seats by Marie Antoinette's bed

A Fragonard in the Hall of Battles

Photos from the gardens & grounds:

As far as the eyes can see --

Taking a break

Boat rentals on the 'pond'

Marie Antoinette's cottages

Goats by M.A.'s barn

Veggie garden

Ducks and fish vie for attention (and crumbs).

Lots of walking -- no problem for pilgrims!

By late afternoon the earlier crowd by the 'golden gate' entrance/exit had vanished.

After returning to the apartment for a fromage and baguette sandwich, we walked over at 10:30 to Sacre Coeur to watch Bastille Day fireworks. Although this vantage point sounded good, only a few sparkles in the distance could be seen.

The basilica stood out against the deep blue evening sky.

Tomorrow morning we fly from Paris to San Diego via JFK in New York. I'll post some concluding thoughts after returning, along with 'reshaping' and adding information in the weeks to come.

Until then, Au Revoir, Adios, & Buen Camino!