LIZ SAYS: Everyone knows about Versailles. Yeah, yeah, the opulence, the cake, the fountains and all that, but there is another side to the place. It is the most fantastic place to go for nature, bike riding and walks. Marie Antoinette liked to play Little Bo Peep here in her own personal playground. It was here little fantasy farmette, she had little tools and charming sheepherding gear. Her legacy is goats, sheep and horses grazing peacefully in huge fields surrounded by manicured trees and rolling hills. And, yes, there is the occasional luxurious structure stuffed with glorious bits and pieces, but, I have to admit, I have yet to stay in one for more than 30 minutes. The musty interiors don't compare to the cool, fresh air. It is usually about 10 degrees cooler in Versailles than it is in Paris. There are paths and rods all over with bikes, ponies and electric golf carts to rent. It's quiet and lovely. The highlights are crowded with people picnicking and frolicking, but if you walk away from the grand canal and statuary, its just a wonderful park. And then there are the added extras. We went to Versailles for our anniversary weekend. It also just happened to be, unbeknownst to us, one of the weekends with fireworks. We had just come back from a day of walking and biking on the grounds to have a late supper when we kept hearing these booms. Curiosity got the best of us and we looked out the window when, swirt, boom! A huge pink pompon of sparks lit up the sky. Ah, it was grand, it was enchanting, we were so surprised that we couldn't help but smile, and hug, watching more and more booms and swishes. It was a lovely anniversary. Sent from my iPad
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