infrastructure, such as

infrastructure, such as utility provider cabinets (electric, water, etc.). There are more than 300 of these beautifully painted boxes, which suit the image of Versailles and its legacy of art de vivre, featuring scenes of ballets, fables, and history. So next time you find yourself standing beneath the glittering ceilings of the palace of Versailles, don’t forget to turn away from the gold and discover the town that grew in the palace’s shadow. Get tickets to visit the palace and museums, book a guided tour, and find out more about what to see and do in Versailles” en.versailles-tourisme.com Wander off the beaten track and discover Versailles the town Where to stay Hotel Les Lumieres 5* - The former home of Colbert, Louis XIV’s famous minister, is now a spectacular hotel overlooking the Palace of Versailles. It’s a very welcoming hotel, the staff are lovely and make you feel as if nothing is too much trouble. There’s a Pierre Hermé macaron shop on the ground floor, and I could imagine Marie Antoinette would have loved nipping out daily for her sugar fix here! There’s a lovely shady courtyard, or tables on the square in front of the palace, which are great for aperitifs and snacks (the Croque Truffe is delicious!). Hotel Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace 5* - Purpose-built in the early 1900s, this luxury hotel, reflecting the majestic style of Versailles, overlooks the gardens of Versailles and boasts a country house feel in a tranquil location. A long list of illustrious guests have stayed here, from Sarah Bernhardt and Marlene Dietrich to John D Rockefeller and Queen Elizabeth II. It was here in 1919 that Georges Clemenceau, Prime Minister of France, dictated the conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed a few days later at the Palace of Versailles. Gordon Ramsay has a restaurant here, and the terraced gardens are lovely. Where to enjoy a glass of champagne: Le Grand Contrôle, built in 1681 inside the Estate of Versailles by Jules Hardouin- Mansart to house the royal Finance Minister, is now a 5-star hotel. A night here will set you back a king’s ransom, but non-residents can access the bar and admire the glorious reception areas, where staff wear 17thcentury style costumes. All this exploring is bound to make you peckish and there are so many restaurants to choose from you’re spoiled for choice, but I particularly like Chapeau (7 rue Hoche), great food, a classic French menu, very near the palace, and the oldest restaurant in Versailles. There are 3 stations in Versailles served by a range of trains/metro from Paris. If you take the RER Train line C to Versailles Rive Gauche station (the nearest to the Palace). look out for the carriages decked out in Versailles’s gilded baroque style! Carriage of the RER Train Line A Experience France France Travel - Savoir faire www.ophorus.com 15% off shared tour day trips booked online - use code: FRANCEWITHOPHORUS Day tours, packages, shore excursions and private group tours across France ANTIQUING & DESIGN ADVENTURES IN FRANCE S O U R C E A N T I Q U E S F R A N C E . C O M 24 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 25