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Monday, January 23, 2012

Let Zem Eat Cake!


marie antoinette's hameau at versaille
photo by my husband, romanced by me [ The photo.  Not my husband. Although that has been known to happen,too.]



When last I left you, chers lecteurs, we were headed for Versaille. I taught about Versaille in my Art History class for years from this BOOK, which I bought for the class in 1991. 
[ It really is the best book, and I think I'll buy it for myself.]  But seeing this palace in a book, and seeing it in real life, are very different things. It's mind-blowing, isn't it? We went for the first time in 1998, and we've been there several times since.  This time we didn't feel like going into the rooms, so we parted company with Marie and Christine, and headed for the"backyard".





Even in late autumn, in the rain, with no flowers in the beds, the gardens and grounds are breathtaking.




The original gardens were designed by Andre Le Notre


Now, I am always the navigator, because I always know where I'm going.  Except when I get lost.  And lost, I got.  I took a wrong turn, Zigged when I should have zagged, and we ended up in a place where



NO Man Has Ever Gone


or so it would appear, because as we followed this path




through this hedge, and into what is known as




The King's Garden


The most peaceful park, with color to rival Vermont, and huge, majestic trees,


















...there wasn't a tourist to be seen.  Just a private place of touching beauty.  Do yourself a favor, and get lost over on the left side of the back yard and wander into this private garden.  I'll bet it's equally marvelous in the Spring.


After this we strolled back to the Petite Trianon and my favorite of all places on earth, the Hameau of Marie Antoinette. I won't write about the hameau here, as it opens a Pandora's Box of feelings about the rich, decadence and artificiality, and but do click on the link if you have an interest.




choux et poireaux










marlborough tower
m a r l b o r o u g h  t o w e rm a r l b o r o u g h  t o w e r
As for me, I'm just entranced with the fairytale feeling that this spot evokes.It's a photographer's dream.
And as for my title above, did Marie really say  "let them eat cake"?  Popular wisdom today says no, but who can say for sure?  Here's one take on the subject. Personally, I think I prefer this take on Marie and Her Cake from the oh-so-talented Wendy.
I have more pix of the hameau to work on, and tomorrow we'll go to Chartres.
Thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my last post!  We all love France, don't we!!!! 

A bientôt,mes douces!

dawne

20 comments:

  1. What a lovely tour!!
    Your skies are beautiful...I have a thing about skies!!!

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  2. Couldn't you just spend several days there? So enchanting! I so love your photos!

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  3. Wowwwww...so so so so beautiful......love this post !!...happy week darling....love from me....xxx..

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  4. I forget to tell you...we where in Versailles it is so beautiful....xxx..

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  5. oh me, oh my! a friend told me that i might like your bloggy...and i do, i do! my heart is going pitter patter over all of you amazing and inspiring images. i can not wait to see more...
    erin

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  6. I AM SOO LATE HERE! I just got home from work a bit ago and I am loving this scene. I did not get to visit this when at Versailles, but I aim to get there SOON! Again, your magical touch has made an impression on me and DO KNOW that even though I am in the middle of report cards, I am still dreaming and thinking about BOO!!! LOVE TO YOU DAWNE! Anita

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  7. Ah, more Versailles~~merci! I think I need to buy that book, too!

    Mentioning it reminds me that as I was leaving the palace, I purchased a catalog, but when I got outside, I discovered it wasn't the English version. Oh, mon dieu! I think I went back inside to try to exchange it, but I don't remember if I was able to. At this point I would be happy to have it in any language! Must look through my books and see if I have it :~)

    And guess what? I got lost at Versailles, too :~) I was looking for Le Hameau, but wandered around for what seemed like hours before I found it. I refused to leave without seeing it! It is the epitome of charm, despite what might have been the realities of the age.

    You are bringing back the lovely memories of my trip, so thank you, Dawne!

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  8. What a magical place and such a beautiful time of year with the glorious Autumn trees.
    As always your photography is stunning!
    Thank you so much for the "sweet" link to my Marie:)
    Wendy Paula xo

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  9. Bonjour Dawne,
    Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your comment.
    I believe I found your blog through some blogger who linked to Mosaic Monday (the little red house).

    I like very much the way you worked on your photos. The result is stunning. Versailles is such a beautiful place. I am never tired to visit it. I like Versailles and Le Petit Trianon through your eyes.

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  10. Dear Dawne, coming here is like entering into a fairytale!!! It is so beautiful and dreamy...I love it! And also thanks for your nice comment :) Hope you have a lovely, lovely weekend!

    Kristin♥

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  11. How lovely to see your images and read your thoughts... Oh to visit this place!!!

    Thank you for sharing such beauty,

    ~ Violet

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  12. Dawne,
    This is such an enchanting place. I would love to go here and just relax and look at all the beauty in these surroundings. The backyard picture was incredible, and the King's Garden was so peaceful. I think I could stay here for awhile. Guess what? Haven't told many people yet, but I have been wanting a camera for a long time, and this weekend, my husband bought me one Yaaaay! Now, hopefully, I will be able to take some beautiful pictures like the ones you take. I'm still learning about it though. It's going to be awhile, but isn't it great that we have our camera to take pictures of all of God's amazing places and scenery? These picture of yours are just wonderful, Dawne. Have a good week ahead.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
    Oh, that pizza of Jess' looked so good cause it was from Italy. hehe

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  13. What a glorious day to be alone in this place. I love to discover peaceful spots like this away from the crowds. Paris in the fall ... "sigh"...

    Your book is on my list to buy now.

    Nancy

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  14. BONSOIR MON AMIE! I will come via email...THANK YOU FOR VISITING! Anita

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  15. Hi Dawne,
    Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. To answer you question..No, I didn't edit them - they are all focus and shoot pictures. I'm still learning about all the gadgets!! hehe. Someday I'll figure it all out. Have a lovely day, my friend.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  16. It all looks so spectacular. In my minds eye I can imagine ladies, wigs high and dresses wide, strolling down the avenues - beautiful!
    Hope you are keeping well Dawne.
    Di
    x

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  17. Hi, Dawne,

    Unfortunately, I did not make those sweet bibelots. I love the leather bracelet. It's a favorite of mine. Wishing you a beautiful weekend!

    Nancy

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  18. Oh Dawne, you are sooo spot on... I love Quiddity 2! You make me feel like I'm right there in the garden with you. I dream of seeing Versailles someday but it might be just a dream. And as for Marie... I have so many thoughts and feelings about her and the life she was thrown into at such an early age. What fairytale beauty your photos give off. Thank you for taking me to France with you!

    And many thanks for your kind comment on my last post.
    See you soon! hugs, Sherry

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  19. Dear Dawne, I can't believe I missed this post! What beauty, thank you :))
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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  20. Hello Dawne! So lovely to hear from you today! I came right over to visit you, and as always, I am transported by your gorgeous photos! Thank you! I hope you have a fabulous day! Until next time,
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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quid.di.ty The real nature of a thing; the essence; the essential nature or quality of something that makes it distinct and different from other things and establishes its identity



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