Versailles

Thrivent arranged to have a private tour at Versailles.  Usually 5,000 people visit Versailles at once.  There were only about 150 of us in the group and we went through in smaller groups with private tour guides.  Versailles is unbelievable!  They have done a great job of refurbishing it.  During the French Revolution, much of the furniture and decorations were sold, because the country needed money.  The common people also despised the monarchy and ruined much of the palace out of resentment.  

Gallery of Mirrors

We learned so much about the French Monarchy. 

After walking through the house, we stepped out into the gardens, serenaded by music.  The sun was beginning to set and it was breathtaking.  They led us down to another section of the garden to the Orangerie (where they stored all their trees in the winter).  They handed us cocktails as we waited to go into dinner.

Next was a 3 course meal inside the Orangerie.  We were serenaded by strings and opera singers.  The food was exquisite!  The presentation was also amazing.  We had to pinch ourselves many times. After dessert, they led us back out to the gardens where they ended the nigh with fireworks set to music.