Day 5: Paris and a day trip to Versailles, about 20 miles outside of Paris, a royal palace indeed . This is the most opulent palace I have ever seen. Louis XIV spared no expense to build this palace.In 1862,  the court of Versailles was the center of political power in France.

This was where Louis XIV lived until he was forced to return to Paris at the beginning of the French Revolution in late 1789. Versailles is not only just a majestic palace, but also symbol of an absolute and powerful monarchy.

The family in the courtyard just outside the palace gates.

The original golden Royal Gate was adorned with 100,000 golden leaves and about 260 feet long.  This recent replica gives you an idea of its grandeur.

The kids at the base of the Royal Gates.

A quick walk through a side access leads you past the palace and into the gardens.

The gardens just inside the main courtyard to the rear of the palace.

Looking down off the back steps of the palace, this is what you see. Gardens and grounds belonging to Versailles as far as the eye can see. The palace and grounds were developed on an 8 mile axis.

Fountains are everywhere, big and small.

Tyler fiding a hiding place, from who or what I am not sure.

Walking down to the Grand Canal, the kids being kids. The grounds are so big you can rent golf carts to make sure you see it all. It takes an hour to walk from one end to the other.

A look back at the palace from the Grand Canal.

Enjoying our lunch and the weather.

A look back at the palace right off of Apollo's Basin. The bronze statues are part of a fountain. They only run on the weekends.

Picture perfect day for a picture perfect bunch.