Day in Paris with Cosmos Tour

SIGHTS OF PARIS WITH THE TOUR GROUP – The wake up call was at 6.45am. We head down to breakfast not long after that and we are delighted to know that it is hot breakfast. We fill up as much as we could for the day out in Paris.

We assemble at the front and board the bus. Our hotel is located in the south part of Paris called Port D Orleans. It’s about a 20min bus ride into the Paris centre. Today we decided to join the group on the sightseeing tour going to all the places we already have been however, with a local guide, you learn so much more.

Versailles - Where the King and Queen of France once lived

We approach Notre Dame. We were here two days ago but with the guide we were able to find out some facts about the cathedral. By looking at it can see how detailed and intricate it. It was also noted that it took 200 years to fully complete the cathedral and it was finally completed in 1350.

It was here that the pope crowned Napoleon in 1805. We stood at the same spot where this apparently took place. A bit of historic facts is always interesting to me.

Every Sunday there is a mass in the cathedral and it’s filled with people. Some stained glasses have been restored but there we the ones they have lasted for over 700 years on. It’s quite amazing.

We move onwards to the Muse De Louvre. This was the place of residence of the royals before they moved onwards to Versailles. It is very elaborate and of course where the famous glass pyramid stands. It was stated by the tour guide that it is the largest museum in the world and being that large. If you were to see every single piece of work in the museum stopping at 1 pic for 1 min. It will take you 6 months to see ALL the paintings.

It's an indication of how huge the place is. It is estimated to be 20kms.

I have to just believe our tour guide on this as I won’t be willing to trial it myself. Also note, The Louvre is closed on Tuesday.

Our next stop was Place De La Concorde. It’s where the fountains and the various golden poles stand. This area back in the 17^th century was where the guillotine and beheading took place. It is also the area where Marie Antoinette was finally beheaded. Seeing the way it looks now it’s hard to believe all the blood shed in this same area back then. Now its seems such a peaceful place and its been told that is what the name indicates now. A place of peace.

Our tour ended of the city and apart from the interesting additional facts, it was all the sights we have already seen, so we were ready for the next tour. The next tour was the one I've been anticipating. It was a trip to Versailles, the second palace of the royals. They moved from the Louvre to the new palace in Versailles.

The bus ride was 30 mins from the Paris centre and when we arrived I could see how massive this palace was. It was quite extreme and surreal to see it in real life.

Before leaving the bus we were all given head pieces which we so hard to keep on. It was to hear our tour guide during the tour.

The line to enter is very long but we were able to bypass the line and head straight in via the tour group line. As we entered we were all security screened. Walked up elaborate spiral stairs to arrive at the first room, which was as we thought, luxurious and royal. As we entered each room, the gasp and sighs of disbelief filled the room. The rooms were quite amazing.  Chandeliers are hung up from every corner of the room. Massive paintings on each end of the walls. All the doors and frames are all 24 carat gold. It is elaborate.

We walk through the different parts of the palace but my all time favourite was the hall of mirrors, where all the balls and parties that Marie Antoinette took place. The other most impressive room was the Marie s bedroom. The bedspread is original and after that many years, it’s very hard to believe it has been kept in such a good form.

We have access to only a few of the rooms but each one more impressive then the next. The details and the paintings on the ceilings are jaw dropping only to those interested in the history of Marie. Like me, I was quite amazed that I was standing right in the same room she was back in the 1700s.

After spending some time in the palace we are lead to the gardens, which stretched out so far, it was amazing.  It was where Marie would entertain her friends. The garden is approx 2000 acres of beautiful landscape. Unfortunately today, the fountains were turned off otherwise it would far more beautiful then it was.

As we walked through the gardens its almost time to head back to meet with the group.

I'm more then impressed with the palace and can hardly believe the quality of the rooms and how luxurious they lived back in those days.

It was wonderful to see how the king and queen of France lived back in those times.

I can now understand why Versailles is known to be the biggest palace in the world.

With a guided tour it cost 55 euros but if you choose to head through at your own pace , there is  a train station nearby and the entry fee to the Palace is 8 euros.

After the excursion we head towards the Paris centre once again to pick up those who did not participate in the tour from the Paris Opera house. As we head back towards our hotel it is noted that we are going through the same tunnel Princess Diana's car accident took place. As we head through everyone is dead silent

We head back to the hotel and Lyn and I did not attend the dinner tonight with the group to try save our pockets Instead we walk into town to find a nice restaurant and have dinner for less the cost.

Tomorrow is an even earlier start, as we have to be up and out by 7.30am.