The 15-Minute Vacay: Versailles Edition

I think they could have added a little more detail, don’t you think? ;)

I think we're all rapidly tiring of our homes, but know we're still in a kind of limbo until things get under control on the health & economy front.

With that in mind, I'm starting a new series called The 15-Minute Vacay: a snippet of video, virtual tour, online exhibit, what-have-you to give you a dose of escapism.

I'll pair that tiny taste with some suggestions of what I'll incorporate into itineraries when I finally *can* plan trips to that destination again.

First up: Versailles.

For your escapism snack, Google Arts & Culture has a number of awesome virtual exhibits for Versailles; one that caught my eye is "How 1780s Dress Has Influenced Fashion Today."

I like to recommend that people actually stay overnight in Versailles one night - it gives you a better idea of the town, once the hordes have left, and gives you extra time to roam the gardens and grounds.

There's a hotel opening on the grounds of the Chateau itself, but at 16 rooms in a palace, I think it's likely out of reach for many of us.

The alternative? Still super posh, but surprisingly well-priced, the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace is my favorite choice. A Gordon Ramsay restaurant, a Guerlain spa, and a view right into the park where Marie Antoinette's goats grazed. It makes a great last-night stay for those flying out of Orly, too.

In terms of visiting the Chateau, I recommend either booking a private guide through one of my partners, doing a small group tour through Context Travel, or booking a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours (they take you through the local market first to pick up ingredients for a canal-side picnic).