Paris Vacation - Day 2

Our day today so far has been a busy one.  But first, I want to mention our wonderful experience at the Le Dome du Marais a 53 Bis Des Francs Bourgois last evening.  The setting under a huge etched glass dome that changed colors ranging from gold to blue to red and green was elegant and the wait staff, especially our waiter Jurgen, were wonderfully attentive.  As for the food, it was over the top.  On the way back to the apartment, we passed by a fully illuminated Notre Dame (above).  By the time were were finished with dinner, we were to exhausted to hit the gay clubs last night.  We plan on making up for that tonight.

West facade of Chateau du Versailles

Hall of Mirrors

A selfie of sorts taken in a mirror in the chateau

As for today, first, we were up early to meet our tour guide for Versailles near the Eiffel Tower and then it was off by train to the chateau and its utterly magnificent gardens.  Nothing prepared me for the immense size of the gardens which literally cover thousands of acres.  Touring just a small portion of the equated to at least a three mile walk. Of the rooms in the chateau itself, the most spectacular was the Hall of Mirrors pictured above.  Views of the gardens are below.

Grand vista

After Versailles, we took the train back into Paris proper and got off at Pont le Alma and crossed the river and walked a block to the opulent Hotel Plaza Athnee for a late lunch in the outside terrace (we we too late lunch in the beautiful courtyard restaurant) before walking up Avenue Montaigne to the Champs Elysee, passing all of the fashion design houses.Eight hours later, we are back at the apartment taking a rest before heading back out into the Marais neighborhood to reconnoiter some of the clubs. 

Courtyard - Plaza Athnee

Terrace restaurant