Another cool and rainy day... We're beginning to look forward to our transfer to Provence. That's tomorrow (Wednesday) In the meantime, we're undaunted by the weather as we continue our voyage on the Seine.
This morning several of us took the optional tour to the luxurious Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV. Those of us who stayed behind had a leisurely breakfast, followed by free time in the “City of Light”.
This morning several of us took the optional tour to the luxurious Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV. Those of us who stayed behind had a leisurely breakfast, followed by free time in the “City of Light”.
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Ken and Terry at Versailles
Most of us chose to visit Chateau de Malmaisois where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France. Along with the Tuileries, this elegant manor house, purchased by the emperor’s wife Josephine in 1799, served as the seat of Napoleon’s French government from 1800 to 1802. After the couple’s divorce, she collected an annual pension of 5 million francs and kept the house, which she called home until her death in 1814. The emperor returned the following year after his defeat at Waterloo and received news here of his exile to the island of Saint Helena.
 Entering Chateau de Malmaisois |  Opulent Furnishings |
The gardens were beautiful, but beyond their prime. A few weeks ago they would have been splendid. We saw Josephine’s beloved music room and library, viewed the emperor’s bedroom and the stunning mahogany decor of his study with its original furnishings.
Do we think Napoleon was really this handsome?
If those two outings weren't enough for the day, some people also enjoyed the "Paris by Night" option. Not me - to bed early because Wednesday morning we transfer by fast train to Leon for the second half of our trip.
Some of you have asked if there's stepped up security or if we feel "uncomfortable" here. Not at all. We feel very safe in our surroundings.
Some of you have asked if there's stepped up security or if we feel "uncomfortable" here. Not at all. We feel very safe in our surroundings.
Grand Champions of The Evening Contest! Karen, Terry and Marion were the overwhelming winners of the evening competition. They answered questions like, "What do women do better than men?" Everything, of course. There were a few responses which were a bit more bawdy responses, but I won't repeat them here:-)
