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.  

Paris, Day 4

Today was a free day (no Thrivent planned sight-seeing), so we decided to walk around town.  We did a great deal of walking and found a local cafe to have lunch when we needed a rest and a toilette.  Because the month of August is vacation for the Parisians, Paris is less crowded.  Many shops are closed, since their owners are on vacation.  The weather is also unseasonably cool, which means we needed jackets most of the day.  It has been fall-like, which is perfect weather to walk.

The Seine

Under this spot is the tunnel where Princess Diana got in her fatal car accident.  This flame is a memorial to her.

This hotel had lovely flower boxes - so pretty

Place Vendome is right next to our hotel - high end shopping.

our hotel - The Westin

In the park across from our hotel is a park, Louvre Tuileries, which has a carnival set up.

Assemblee Nationale

Crystal Stairs at Swaroski

Disney Store

The are promoting a new movie about a ballerina.  I hope it comes to America!

After sight-seeing and shopping, we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner, which just happened to be at Versailles.