Saturday we had an early start after deciding to head back to Versaille to see the fountains in action at the chateaux. They only operate at certain times on certain days.
After deciding we could walk a few km's around to the back entrance to save the admission cost (we left from this gate on Thurs) we found out we would have to pay anyway as it was the weekend!
Big day of walking, the grounds are almost 2000 acres. Divided up into individual gardens with hedges approximate 8 mtrs high separating
The fountains worked at different times so lots of planning to get to see each one.
We were so glad we went back after seeing the fountain which ' danced ' to the string orchestral music which is played over speakers. We watched it over & over.
Difficult to describe how entertaining it was. Many more fountains which showed the opulence the rich enjoyed in the 1500's.
Saturday night we had our first rain, so didn't venture out.
Sunday we went to Disney Land. Estelle brought Aurore & following a big day we went back to Estelle's French home to meet her French family. We were welcomed with champagne & nibbles & louis who is 6 years old informing us at length about the metro lines. He knows everything & would be great as a guide for the train travel we do.
Caroline & Mathias speak a little english so it is quite difficult to understand sometimes what each other is saying. It made us appreciate how difficult it must have been for Estelle when she arrived.
Estelle speaks fluent french which is beautiful to listen to! When Louis was on holidays she learnt the most & she is about to start some lessons again shortly.
The family are lovely & very welcoming. They have loved having Estelle & said they will miss her as she is their 1st au pair & she has become part of their family.
We explained very clearly in English she would be coming back to Australia at the end of the year!!
Yesterday we wandered to the opera building. Unfortunately the museum was closed but the building itself is stunning. Estelle, Liz & I had cake & coffee at the Merese hotel, very posh.
Last evening we did a river cruise after many hours walking to find it. Well worth the walk as incredible views of the city in lights. The eiffel tower & notre dame where the highlights. This is a must for anyone visiting this beautiful city.
We leave tomorrow, feeling a little sad leaving Estelle & Paris. We return in early Nov. Off to explore a little place in France called Beaune.