Starting with the palace. It is so large we opted to only cover the gardens and that was a pretty full day. The palace was started in 1648 by Louis XIV followed shortly thereafter by the gardens. These are set in some 200 Ha and have a grand canal forming part of the central axis. We did manage to walk half way up the canal but it is a very long way.
All the gardens are bounded by huge hedges made from plane trees. There are several full time teams with cherry pickers trimming them.
The hedges are a wonderful background to the numerous sculptures. The largest is at the head of the canal where Neptune leaps out of the fountain on a chariot and horses. Throughout the day music played to help with developing a feel for the period.
As we turned each corner there was another surprise. These areas hosted special parties or shows.
Close to the palace is a huge knot garden. It was difficult to get it and the whole of the palace in one shot even with a wide angle lense.
The next day (and what a stark comparison) we went to Disneyland. This was supposedly for Tieve and Seren’s benefit but I am not so sure...
Tieve and Seren went on a few rides and enjoyed the parade but the highlight for Glen and Lianne (and OK me as well) was Space Mountain. Here we were catapulted into space and experienced a range of G forces in alternating complete black followed by streaming lights. At the start of the queue those with a weak heart were advised not to go on the ride and as I survived I concluded that my heart was OK.
This is Lianne prior to the ride….
I did not get a shot after the event! 
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