I Don't Like Versailles
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
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My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much.
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I feel the same at times in France - it's history repeating itself
You're not crotchety, you're observant and empathetic to what's going on around us.
You're a good man.
Well yeah if you show up at 12:30 with a suitcase you’re going to have delays. Show up at 8:15 for a 9:00 entry and you’ll have the Hall of Mirrors to yourself for 10-15 minutes. The whole class warfare bit isn’t really helpful either. However I do hope this video does discourage others from coming to Versailles. More palace for me!
My daughter and I loved Versailles - one of the highlights of our 10 day stay in Paris this August. Top and only tip book a ticket for when they open at 9:00am and arrive 30 minutes early to stand in line for opening. Result few crowds and great pics esp of Hall of Mirrors.
We went to Versailles in 2015 when I turned 65. The crowds we insane, even though we had 'skip the line' tickets, couldn't get close to most of the exhibits because of the crowds, I was underwhelmed, and finally just walked through until we got out to the gardens. We did enjoy the gardens but eventually made our way back to our VRBO in Paris. I was told Fontainebleau is much better.
Fontainebleau is great. Less crowded.
Versailles ? Well… Versailles is a problem. When I was a kid, 30 years ago, mass tourism did not exist. Since it appeared, everything changed. Visiting Versailles in good conditions has become difficult. Sometimes, it is impossible to enjoy the tour because of the crowd. It is often a nightmare. I can understand you disappointment. Besides, few people know that private tours are available, for small groups ; and with them, you can visit places in the palace which are closed otherwise : it concerns all the private appartements, actually - which are, no surprise, the best part of Versailles.
I don't know if you will go back to France, but if so, try to visit Versailles again and book private visits : appartements privés du roi, appartements privés de la reine, appartements de Mesdames, etc… It is worth it 🙂
Have a good day !
We were at Versailles in April and yes we enjoyed our visit. But you made me smile throughout with your comments as I feel the same Way. However it's worth the visit. Enjoy your videos very much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The best decision my wife and I ever made while traveling thus far was to skip the palace and enjoy just the gardens. The sculptures outside are amazing and the areas you can’t see from the palace are intimate, weren’t crowded at all, and so much fun to stroll through.
I'm looking forward to the fountains...even if they aren't on, I've always wanted to see them in person...it's fascinating how they built them to operate without electricity!!
You miss something ! Try to visit by night when special openings or during winter when you have less tourists. Really you will not regret the visit. Each time I go to Paris I never miss to visit another part of Versailles palace and I take my coffee outside ( btw the coffee has nothing to do with the palace… you do not go there for a coffee..,)
The Versailles market and town looked like a lovely place to explore. Experiencing the gardens with a picnic like you did last Versailles video with the sidecar is right up my alley!
We went there just pre COVID, in January, so not as many crowds but still had to wait in line. Next time we’d concentrate on the gardens x
The palace of Versailles is amazing… to see once. Maybe twice. Preferably in whatever passes as the “off season” these days. But in general, the palace is just so freaking crowded. Like shoulder to shoulder in every room. No bueno. That said, the park is lovely for a picnic, and the faux Austrian village is beautiful.
We went in late June (so technically not the off season), when everything was opened and the fountains were running like they do during the peak, but there weren’t the crowds. Had we gone later in the year, it might not have been as enjoyable.
You’re hilarious….trying to keep an open mind. 😂. I had been to Versailles before but the family had not. So went in April this year when tourism was just opening up again and we had a wonderful day. We did a bike tour on your recommendation on a market day which we loved. We left Canada during a full on blizzard and arrived to full on Spring. The palace is impressive…the first time. To me it was the least best part of the day…but we lucked out with very low level crowd. I credit you for the success of the day…so funny that you’re so down on it. But get your perspective.
I just your vids because you feel like a friend. honesty and down to earth presentation style. keep up the good work.
Glad you like them!
One of my favorite times was walking the Versailles Palace gardens, taking pictures and eating candied violets...getting lost in the hidden garden paths.
We went to Versailles four years ago and it was very neat to see, but a lot for the day - we ended very hot and exhausted and it was crowded. This year, we went to Fontainebleau on our way from Amboise to Epernay and it was amazing! Still hot, but nowhere as crowded and HUGE. I am now in a wheelchair, but was able to see most of the rooms (Napoleon museum isn't accessible). If I were to recommend where to go for the first time, I would say Fontainebleau over Versailles.
Attending the summer Fêtes Gallentes at the Palace would be the ultimate photo shoot for the ladies new social media adventure, and one that would test you even more than this trip. The Grand Ball has to be the indulgence night of all indulgences at Versailles. As a photographer, I have always wanted to shoot during the event. Many French Chateaux hold similar events to help pay the bills, but this is the ultimate.
I was there about 3 weeks ago and it wasn’t as crowded as I see here but still lots of people! I feel a bit the same as you
I did expect much more idk it seemed a bit dull & dusty?
The gardens and the land itself is massive and pretty but too big for one day. Overall I’m sure there are other things you can do and see ❤
I just got back from Paris and did Versailles. Definitely a do at least once if you can. I wish we’d done less interior time and more gardens. They have way too many people crammed in there. I also heard there’s some sort of water way were you can kayak? Has anyone ever done that? That might get me out there again.
You can definitely take rowboats out on the canal - it's fun to watch people row much farther than they should and then slowwwwwly struggle back haha. But picnics out there are always nice.
This seems to be a very interesting place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much! And please keep up the great job! Subscribed!!
Concur, its a great one and done if you spend a whole day to explore the gardens as well.
That Denim jacket has become stuck to Jay now for the last few vids.
Definitely in the market for a new light jacket 😆
Omg the café you're showing in the begining, we got ripped off too!
The castle was first and foremost an instrument of power. Prior to the court moving to Versailles, most nobles spent most of the time in their castles, ruling over their lands and maintaining their own armies. Some of the most prominent dukes were often more powerful than the king and did not hesitate to defy his authority when they had a disagreement. Until Louis XIII, the king effectively ruled over Paris and its region but not much farther.
Louis XIV acted like a mob boss, handing out favors and titles. But in order to be rewarded, nobles had to be there, at the palace, close to the king, at all times. That meant living on location and there was but one landlord, the Sun King himself. This is the reason why Versailles is so huge, it had to accomodate for thousands and thousands of people. Needless to say, rent was not cheap. Not only that but, in order to get the king’s attention, one had to have lavishly dressed servants, throw amazing parties and occasionally let his Majesty dispose of the mrs at will.
As if that was not enough, the gambling going on was off the charts.
Quite rapidly, the nobles could no longer afford the upkeep of private troups and had no choice but to pledge full allegiance to the king and fall in line.
Louis XIV’s control of the entire country was quickly established, leading to the centralization of all powers in his hands. ’L’ Etat, c’est moi!’ ( I am the State).
Many will argue that Versailles is too big to be beautiful, myself included, but it was a political stroke of genius that unified France as a country.
It is worth going to see Versailles once, but after that you realize going to Versailles means losing a day in Paris. It's not a good trade.
This 100% 🍻
Went w tour group thru Airbnb and skipped lines. It was easy, all i had to do was show up. Gardens were beautiful.
I enjoyed watching you not enjoying Versailles
I love Versailles and moved here from Pasadena California. Versailles is beautiful and I do prefer that people like this don’t stay long
The beauty of a monarchy is that there is a person to blame, who has the money… it’s easy to complain about a king, much harder to complain about a TikTok billionaire who most people don’t know anything about or even their name.
We went to Versailles in November 2019 and you describe exactly how I felt about it. Obscene wealth and extravagance for absolutely no reason while people are literally starving in the streets. I don’t think I will ever visit Versailles again.
There’s a free toilet just outside the station.
Scrapped off Versailles from our itinerary just now 😅 but before I watched this video, I was already hesitant anyway.
If you were hesitating, I think you made the right choice. I'd only recommend it to people that *had* to do it (and I'd still ask why? 😆)
Don’t be fooled by this guy. We visited Verssailles 2 days ago.
Perfect cool weather, cool gift shop, good food outside Versailles palace .. worth every penny
Says the Sith Lord... I see you
I still like your content .. just landed in LA.. thanks for the pointers helped out :)
Yep! Everything you just said... I do want to see it once...
Out of Context Jay Swanson: “He’s your problem now.”
I went once… not sure the building was worth it. Amazing once but the garden was totally worth it for me :) i would def go back for the garden lol
I’ve been to Versailles twice within my lifetime. Once in 1992 and again 1998. Lucky that you could go in the middle of the week and it was somewhat tolerable with crowds. I really liked your assessment. I think, that IS the point of Versailles. It’s a Disneyworld for the court and monarchies around the world because those were the days. Think what’s sad is the fact, the revolution was pretty short sighted and didn’t progress enough which led to the rise of Napoleon. As terrible as it sounds, the civil in civilization kind of progresses from tribes to kingdoms to representative governments…. I just don’t know where we go from here. I kind of find people cling to corporate billionaires much how those who cling to monarchies as false sense of “stability.” Thanks for the “food for thought” love your channel. 🇫🇷
All good pts Jay!
Thanks!
i Did not like it too much, none of the fountains were on, I was so disappointed
I'm with you...
Totally agree with you
It's beautiful if it's not crowded. And no good food options honestly.
Three words: Vaux-Le-Vicomte - MUCH better alternative. Versailles is like Santorini. Too ostentatious. Too touristy. Just too much of everything except charm.
Vaux le Vicomte is a really good alternative, just tricky to get to. Great picnic spot.
I’ve been to Versailles a couple times and at no point have I thought “wow a monarchy is great I wish we could bring one of those back to America”. Also the “war and hunting” thing, yes the hunting was part of the culture at the time and war is war, Versailles does not affect the existence of war for the future so it’s existence or visiting there will not create more or less war. As for the wealth gap thing, why don’t you stroll down Champs-Élysées and see all the things you can’t afford as well and be reminded of the gap. My point is a lot of the things you say bug you about Versailles are not unique to Versailles or hell even the monarchy. Every chateau (of which in another comment you say how much you like Fontainebleau) and high street is a good reminder of the wealth gap and France has plenty of war history all around so shouldn’t most of France irritate you?
As for Versailles, I think it's more as an example to learn from. After going through it and Fontainebleau, we were like: This is why heads were chopped. We didn't see them as monuments to the monarchy, we saw it as examples to justify revolution.
I think about this a lot, even in Paris itself
Get to the point. We don’t need to see you drop your dog at the dogsitter. It’s 5 mins into the video before you even get to Versailles 🤦♀️
✌️
I saw Pink Floyd there on June 21, 1988. That was a good reason to go to Versaille... 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I've been there three times and that's enough. It's really fascinating to walk those floors. Notice the depressions in the marble stairs as you walk up them. Hundreds of years of foot steps. The hall of mirrors is impressive and in it's day must have blown the minds of those visiting. Also the fact there are no hallways. You have to walk from room to room. No wonder no one could keep a secret.
Then in Marie's room, there was the "viewing stand" at the end of her bed where the powers that be could watch her giving birth so they would affirm if it was a live birth, the sex of the child and that it was really hers. Absolutely HORRIZBLE to think of.
I would say that if you are a history buff and have never been, it's really worth a see. Also, we walked around the town and it was a nice way to spend a couple of hours before getting the train back to Paris.
MHO is it's NOT glorifying the monarchy, it shows who they were, how they lived, and hopefully, why we don't want to live like that anymore. It's questionable as to whether we are doing it all over again, only in a different way.
There is a building I read about, that is supposed to be close to the palace that is kind of like the Royal Mews in London. It had the coaches the royals used and also there are horses out there. I didn't have time to thoroughly look into it so don't know if it's current info but I also didn't see anything that looked like that when leaving the palace and heading back into town.
I WLL say, last thing, do NOT go on a Sunday. I KNEW that, but lost my head and picked a date for get the tickets ordered and son of that Bee, it was SUNDAY!!!!!!! Who DOES that???!!!!!!
Depending on how long you are in Paris and where you want to go, you can get a Metro pass that includes that zone. My friend and I had a pass, (Navigo Decouverte) that took us to Versailles and Fontainebleau. It also was good for the busses (we took a bus when we were in Fontainebleau, and as many metro trips and we wanted to do. We were there for two weeks so the pass was worth it. In some cases, buying the ticket to Versailles is what you would do and also would be the best thing financially.
Some advice : there’s a lot more to the city of Versailles than just the Palace ! Of course it’s a nice place to visit , but as someone who lives there , the parks and markets and canals and forests and bars and courts are much nicer to hang out in ! A lot less stressful as well .
Versailles was the most magical place I’ve ever been to. It was also in July. Going back this summer
I've been to Versailles 3 times and loved it every time. The secret is to come around 3pm, or 2-3 hours before closing time. There were even rooms that we were completely alone in! And also, visiting just the château is more than enough, I don't think I could take more than that, it's really tiring lol.
The only reason we traveled to France was to visit Versailles 😆 It felt like a dream being in the gardens. We also made sure it wasn't peak time.
We did the same thing. Several days in Versailles (actually stayed in the town), and it was amazing, we ended up liking it better than Paris.
And then I watched this video lol
I love Versailles and appreciate its beauty and wonder and history
Jay! The way you connected the corruption/wealth of royalty to the billionaires/millionaires of today was brilliant. Very succinct and on point! Excellent.
I dont think it glorifies the monarchy...the reality is that this is history...wouldnt it be much worse to tear it all down, forget history, and then maybe repeat the mistakes of our past?
And while there is a gap between the rich and poor today, the people of France are in a much better spot than back in the days of the monarchy, so maybe something was gained learning from this history.
The first time I went to Versailles between 2013-2015, I HATED being inside. It was during high season, every place was packed, and all the furnishings down to the wallpaper and plaster walls felt cheap to me. By the time I got out of the palace itself, it was late in the day (around 4-5pm maybe) and I seriously contemplated going home early but decided to make the most of my ticket and wander the gardens and Petit Trianon. Despite hating the palace, the gardens and Marie Antoinette's estate were genuinely the highlights of my trip. Maybe it's because the outer parts are so big or maybe because of the lateness, but there were very few people out and about and it was just really peaceful being able to wander around alone instead of being crammed inside. It's cheesy to say, but I really got a sense of being transported back in time at the Petit Trianon grounds, especially since I was more or less the only person in the area.
I didn't get a chance to visit Versailles again on my recent trip, but I'd definitely be willing to visit again based on that alone!
Even Marie Antoinette didn't want to be in the palace
I was so glad to see this. I do not have fond memories of Versailles. My late husband and I visited Paris in 2011. As usual when we traveled, I planned everything. I didn't mind because he was fun and game for anything. However, Versailles was almost a bridge too far, even for someone as easy going as he was, and I hadn't planned well. First of all, we visited Versailles on a Saturday. What a crush! Secondly, it was a particularly warm day and humid to boot. Inching through each of the palace rooms with hundreds of others, we felt trapped in a kind of Rococo death march. At one point, we caught a welcome breeze through an open window, which my husband threatened to jump out of. I'm not entirely sure if he was kidding.
"Rococo death march" 😂😂😂
The gentleman with the accordion was brilliant. Also, beautifully edited in the video 👏🏽
Yes! I noticed that too. Plus can we take a minute to appreciate Jay’s out-the-window camera work?
Quote of the Day: “I’m trying to maintain a really open, positive attitude about this experience.”
I have visited Versailles four times and never visited the chateau, I don’t like crowds and to queue, I enjoyed the gardens, the cafes, take a boat and row in the lake, the trianon and most of all Marie Antoinette village.
What time do you suggest is best to go?? Right at opening?? 9am? Or more like 10-11?
Been to France three times. Have no desire to see Versallie. Didn't care for the Vatican Museum either. Gardens I love but too much gawdiness for me. I think about the people who's back these places were built on.🙃
OMG I had the same feelings about the Vatican Museum. We were packed into the Sistine Chapel and the guides kept telling us to move back to make even more room for tourists
I love the history of this place. Yes, go see it.
Something is to be said about the village of Versailles. Sure it's maybe not unique to other villages not far from Paris, but it is a nice break from being in the bustle of Paris.
The first time I walked the Camino I stayed in the city of Burgos, Spain, and the cathedral there is B A N A N A S. I did a tour inside and about halfway through I felt disgusted. It was a reminder of how the Catholic Church oozed obscene wealth, power and corruption; all on full display in the cathedral. Afterwards I detoxed with a vino tinto, much more my style 🍷💃🏻
Cool video! I appreciate how this wasn’t just whining, but a comment on what it represents. Yes, they killed the monarchy! But, artistically, it’s interesting to see what humans are capable of. I’ve been to France a few times, but I haven’t found the time to go there. Everything would need to be just right for me to spend the time there. I’d rather spend more time in the gardens. But, sitting on a cool terrace, chatting to strangers and people watching is how I spend most of my time in France. 👍🏾👍🏾
I definitely don’t regret seeing Versailles but I have not gone back again. There’s so many places in France that I want to see that I can’t justify going back.
The place is amazing but just too busy I remember you saying once that if you want to sample the same opulence without the same hassle and queues, visit the Opera Garnier instead. ! V true. Versailles is definitely worth it for the gardens though.
I like visiting the Queen’s Hamlet. It’s less crowded and the grounds feel like you’re in the countryside. If I ever do go back to Versailles, it would have to be for one of those evening events with the fireworks.
Versailles is so big that it can be exhausting. I agree that seeing the palace once or twice in a lifetime is probably enough. However, the gardens are beautiful. Now, I go to Versailles to only see the gardens and relax outdoors.
Not all rich people are evil. Some got it by murder, greed, or stealing but some got it by hard work, or inventing something, or luck, inheritance or God's blessing. Jesus said, "the poor will always be with us." I've been rich and I've been poor. It doesn't change my peace or joy. "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Phillipians 4:11 Communism doesn't make everyone equally rich, it makes everyone equally poor. America gave people the opportunity to create wealth...that doesn't mean that there is less for others. America is shifting toward socialism, phase one of communism...this will only make the elite richer.
Dance party, yes! What made me feel part of Versailles was the performing arts: sword fighting demo in court yard (cause: “provocation de femme”), seeing dancers in Galerie des Glaces, and music, fountains and fireworks at night in gardens. Felt like I was part of the cosmos with Louis. It was unforgettable.
Jay-as a fan who’s been around for 4-5 years I felt the need to comment. Here’s the truth from my standpoint. Both are true. You are being crockety (your term) AND if you’ve never been to Versailles you should go! You have every reason to feel how you feel. But if someone hasn’t been-the advice should be: Go! Yes, there are crowds (there are crowds in the Louvre, at Sacre Coeur and the Eiffel too-are you recommending avoiding these Parisian hallmarks?). I doubt it…even though I’m pretty sure how you feel about the Eiffel (One & Done!). Thank you for all of your love and sweat to bring France and your life to your YT Channel.
I understand your feelings for Versailles but it is historically important in a way for the French to maintain and preserve as a museum. At least the world can get to see it and experience it as compared to todays rich where we don’t get ride on their spaceship or yacht or get a tour of their mansions.
True and the grounds are open and free to see!
We have quite the different take on this 😂😊
First time i went, I left my place early like 5am lol and I was the first in line. The wall of mirrors was the first place I went to and there was no one there so I had very nice pictures.
Agree 100%… beautiful place, a must see because of the history but I’m fine with one time. Also, the only rude people in France were the workers at Versailles, it’s not necessary to be that rude to visitors.
Hi Jay i didnt mean to laugh but the amount times you said you keeping a open mind and each time if u look close u can see u gritting you teeth great vid
Rick Steves says “Versailles is all about crowd management; a well planned visit can make or break your experience” … I totally agree…One should try to enjoy the outdoor garden space as well as the interior… the gardens are the best respite from the crowds
Agreed! I went in 2014 and enjoyed the outdoor exploration and seeing the exterior of the palace. The royal quarters never really interests me.
As always…wonderful! My thoughts coincide with the fact that we still have “monarchies”..today, called corporations and billionaires. It is time for a new version of a type of Magna Carta! Nonetheless, beautiful things are still lovely, and history is still fascinating. Quoi faire, quoi faire…MDR!
Versailes is good to see once. It was a bit too OTT for me. I did, however, love Fontainebleau. Much less ostentatious and more relaxed. @ Jay, have you done a video on that chateau?
Does this guy do anything other than complain?
Two things. So glad I saw this off season. And I didn't blame the peasants for the revolution. Talk about wretched excess.
It's insane to think of the contrast
Hello Nancy 🙂 I just wanted to give you some informations about the French Revolution. Peasants actually never led the Revolution. The (very) rich bourgeoisie did. It happened mainly because of the institutional block that did not give the Bourgeoisie access to political power, while the Bourgeoisie was heavily taxed by the government (the aristocracy was not). The French revolution was a middle and upper-middle classes phenomenon. Of course, with time, the lower classes got involved. But the first years of the Revolution, nobody wanted the monarchy to be destroyed : everybody (except some extremists who were really few in 1789) wanted a parliamentary monarchy, as the English one.
Versailles did not cause the Revolution. If so, there would have been revolutions in every European monarchies where luxurious palaces had been built : Russia (Winter palace), Italy (Caserta), Spain (Palacio Real), Austria (Hofburg and Schonbrunn), etc… It did not happen, whereas peasants and lower classes were far poorer in Russia, in Italy and in Spain than in France.
I hope my message will have been useful 🙂
Have a good day, dear Nancy !
@@heliedecastanet1882 So how was all of that artwork and artisanry, gardens and fountains financed? Taxes, right? The Bourgeoisie and landowners were squeezed for taxes, unlike Britain where landowners worked to improve farming through inventions in concert with the aristocracy. Still not a great tax situation for most or the life of peasants in Britain, but marginally better than France. Of course, the enlightened, educated French upper classes were in the position to argue for egalitarianism but I don't think for one second that the peasantry wasn't roiled by the ensuing starvation and mistreatment. Those who wanted a parliamentary monarchy were obviously unsuccessful. I'm not saying for one minute that Versailles should not be preserved and used with its art, gardens and artisanry. It's beautiful. But it still is wretched excess and is an example too relevant to today's inequality in wealth distribution.
@@nancyferrier8609 Dear Nancy, at your first question, the answer is taxes, of course. Did I say otherwise ? But it is difficult for me to get your point. I was not making any comparison with GB, I was just putting into perspective what you said about the anger of the farmers and peasants. As far as I know, English farmers had to pay royal taxes and taxes to their landlords too, as you wrote. The Royal court, the royal family and the royal residencies in GB partially lived thanks to public financing. The structural situation was almost the same. The French Court was yet more expensive, but when the "États Généraux" (lately, Assemblée Nationale) gathered in May 1789, the députés who had been elected by the people were not asked by the voters to demand the royal family to leave Versailles. Versailles was not the issue.
British farmers had a better life than in France ? I don't know. Maybe (obviously, not for the Scottish during the Highlands clearances, nor in Ireland). You say yes, but you gave me no studies, no works or references that allow you to say so. Were English peasants happier than the French ones ? If you say so. But without any proofs or documents. But even if it were true, my point was absolutely not that one : I tried to tell you that it is not farmers and peasants who started the French Revolution and took the lead. And certainly not because of Versailles. Could we just please stick up to the subject, which was yours : the link between peasants and the French Revolution.
It is not me but you who made a connexion between Versailles and the Revolution. There was none. Once again, I tried to make you understand that if there was an automatic link between starvation and Revolution, it would have been even more violent in countries such as Italy, Russia or Spain. But, for a reason I don't know, you chose to ignore what I wrote about the link you made, and decided to speak about GB. Well… Your statement is a running cliché, and your answer tend to prove that when someone has a cliché implanted in his mind, he doesn't want to leave it…
Regarding the collaboration between farmers and landlords, I can't speak for GB as you speak for France, but in France, landlords had all the reasons to help their farmers to be more productive, and to improve agriculture. I really don't know where you read that farmers and landlords in France did not work together. Have a look at the "physiocrates". If you want. Whatever…
In 1789, the problem was not starvation, but food shortage, which is totally different. There had been bad harvests in 1788 in some areas. It was a true concern, but if you write about the French peasants "starvation", you must also write where, when, and who was concerned by this. It was not the majority of the peasants.
You are totally right : the ones who wanted a parliamentary monarchy failed. But again, absolutely not because of peasants. Those who wanted the end of the monarchy were some extremists lawyers, judges, journalists, rich landlords : all of them very far from the peasants.
One thing you should remember is that during the Revolution, there was a civil war between Républicains and Monarchistes, which took place in Vendée, in Brittany, in Provence and do you know who were the monarchist soldiers : precisely the peasants…
So, if you want to go on making a link between peasants and French Revolution, do as you wish. But you seem to know quite few about this event.
I been to Versailles four times over the years and each time the tourists crowds get bigger .I personally think the Chateau Fontainebleau is a lot better and quieter.
Love your comment about about the scary parallels with contemporary billionaires. For our planning, this was a great counterpoint to the Rick Steves video I just watched. You didn't have to foreshadow so much that you were going to hate it - but I still appreciate the alt perspective. Thank you!
Versailles is great for Pinterest. Apparently, it’s called the Royalcore Aesthetic.
P.S. You’re so adorable and a fun travel buddy to have.
Just go to the gardens. Bring a picnic. It’s free entry !
The gardens aren't free on musical garden days, or when there are other shows, so you'll want to check the timing to be sure. The grounds however are always free, and a great spot for a picnic (love the canal for that)
I never saw Versailles Palace as glorifying the monarchy. I always saw it as a lesson on greed and opulence, which is why it's great to come out there once or twice to get that reminder. I think it often gets conflated to honor and praise the Monarchy, but just because you it's a place to visit with the treasures accumulated by royalty doesn't mean it is praising them. Maybe it's just perspective.
I can see that - for me it's the total lack of context that might help cultivate that perspective, especially for anyone waking in fresh, without much if any previous knowledge. There's absolutely no mention of the revolution, until Napoleon late in the palace, which is all about him rising to emperor. I think it's pretty easy to make an argument that they're implicitly glorifying the monarchy.
I've been Paris 3 times and never bothered with Versailles. We have a load of this Royal extravagance in London and once you've seen a man wearing a powdered wig in a gold gilded framed painting I think I've seen them all.
Your take isn't hot and especially if you don't like crowds. I think it's worth it once but yeah, current CEO pay to worker pay is like 300:1 and Versailles rubs that in your face a bit. As an alternative, a tour of the Palais Garnier is pretty similar and less crowded.
Fun story - I went to Versailles and did a bike tour with my family through bike about tours like you suggested. Josh was our tour guide and we were having a great time despite the rainy weather. I told him that I watched your videos and that’s why I decided to do the tour and he was telling me how he knows you and shared some funny stories about you. As we were riding, I was wearing a poncho and the wind kept blowing the poncho off my head so I was holding onto it with my right hand. I started picking up speed and there was a dip coming up in the pavement so I grabbed my left break to slow down. I did not want to let go of my poncho cause I didn’t want my hair to get wet. Didn’t realize the left break is the front break and I fell off my bike and ate sh*t in front of everyone. I couldn’t believe it when it happened so I just laid there and thought about how embarrassing this was. Josh kept checking on me after that and I was so mortified I wanted everyone to pretend it just didn’t happen but your friend is TOO NICE. He just kept trying to make sure I was okay and the whole time I was just dying inside 😅
Anyway, he told me that you got really drunk and Cooper poo’d in your shoes lol. 😊
I don't know about the drunk poo shoe story 😆 But otherwise yes, he's very nice! Glad you had a good time
I've lived in Versailles for over 40 years and have only visited the château once, which was enough for me. On the other hand, the gardens are magnificent and I often took my daughters there when they were little. It was a fabulous playground, and as there are no cars, it was perfect. In 1986/87, all parts of the park were free, which is no longer the case, and that's a shame.
Le château de Versailles is a very important and symbolic place. Of course it was built by Louis XIV to show is absolute power and superiority through Europe, but it is also a place built to subjugate and control the nobility. It is grandiose, full of gold, highly symbolic paintings and the life at the palace was coded and carefully thought. It is the symbol of a system trapping itself, diconnecting from reality. And so less than a hundred years after, through the french Revolution, the palace becomes the symbol of the explosion of this system. The parisians come to Versailles to force him to go to Paris instead and then all crumbles. Versailles in the mind of many french is this symbol of too much that explodes. The sun king getting too close to the sun...
So yes the castle leaves this weird feelings that you describe, it's a magnificant and very cold place. Even the gardens, all symetrical and planned.
People should visit with that in mind and enjoy the gardens because they are really great even if I prefer an english garden to a french one.
Those shots of train exteriors are amazing!
My wife & I visited in 2014 & did enjoy it as we arrived early, pre bought tickets for entry and it was during May, so not overly busy. But the best time was had on the train back to Paris. We were seated near a bunch of very noisy American tourists, all talking loudly to each other. The accordion player, it was a young guy not the one in your video, was walking up and down the aisle wanting money to play and everyone ignored him. I could see he was getting frustrated so I waved him over, gave him 5 euro and pointed to the Americans. He caught my drift, stood beside them and played for about 10 minutes. The annoyed looks from them was worth the money, as they could not talk to each other. Karma.....
Wow! The way you put it is a real eye opener. A physical manifestation…so true!
Monsieur accordion is legit though
@JBugz777
Legit, yeah. He is playing "Bella Ciao", an Italian rice-pickers' shanty that later became an anti-fascists' anthem.
During that era, it was challenging for artists to make a living, making a grand palace like Versailles a significant asset.
Additionally, it served as the government's central hub, encompassing the equivalent of the White House, Pentagon, administrative offices, and accommodations for individuals associated with the court.
1:01 At the time, France had a considerably larger population compared to other European nations, which enabled the construction of such magnificent structures.
It is important to note that Versailles was not the main cause of France's financial difficulties; wars played the significant role , King Louis XIV had a strong affinity for warfare. Judging a historical period solely based on contemporary perspectives can be misleading.
Versailles was meant to centralise and stabilise the country after différents civil wars
Regrettably, modern history is replete with atrocities,
Unfortunately if you visit the whole world everywhere you could feel misery and injustices,
i quite agree with you that it s not pleasant to visit versailles, unless you choose a good period and time of visit,
To visit the gardens during "the grandes eaux" its not only a pleasures for the eyes but a technological wonder at that time.
I went the first day that it was possible after the lockdown for covid. IT WAS AWESOME!. Almost no people, I felt like Louis XIV walking in my palace. I am waiting for the next pandemic to visit Versailles again :) 😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
I get what you’re saying but honestly who ever will have the money to build something that audacious? A poor or middle class person? Js and I can get why people that are frequent international travelers are like no big deal but if you aren’t a frequent traveler and you come from the USA you’re never going to see something that grandios and extraordinary. While the poor and middle class are the builders most of these architectural gems were financed by kings and people with money. Even the pyramids. And I don’t know many rich people today who got beheaded for their dastardly deeds. The only good that these kings and royalty and the rich do is commission great art work and architecture.
You struck a cord with me. With time, I tend to view things more cynically: "Whose labour paid for this?" first comes to mind, before admiration for craft and design.
I agree ☝️ it was a goddamn waste of time unless u want to do tons of cardio.
Cardio bonus
We went for the first time in September. I would absolutely tell first timers to visit Versailles. It was amazing.
I was so lucky, I (along with my 3 adult kids) made it through the larger castle when it was empty, we took so long on the outdoors that we were the last 4 people allowed in. We literally ran through some of the parts, it was fun!