Dear Reader,

We made it to Versailles! Today, we had a free day to explore the beautiful palace. I couldn’t believe that Louis XIV roamed this incredible large palace. I was in awe of its vastness as it went on for miles. The city of Versailles is quaint and charming, with restaurants and shops to wander in and out of.

Today also served as a day of reflection as our writers ventured into the gardens to continue their writing projects. Many of our writers visited the Marie Antoinette House for inspiration (which had just opened to the public). Her house was filled with embroidered upholstery, intricate wall designs, and beautiful pieces of artwork, including a portrait of Antoinette herself. Some of our other writers wandered deeper into the groves of the palace and stumbled across the Queen’s Hamlet, which was used by Marie Antoinette as an extra space to relax and host guests. Personally, it reminded me of the cottage in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves; I even thought I saw her myself working throughout the assortment of gardens filled with growing vegetables and opulent flowers. The house also had a pond with a tower (with vines inching up its legs) overlooking it with fish waiting to be greeted. The space was certainly the queen’s own fairytale.

As I flâneused around, I couldn’t help but notice how each part of the castle grounds gleamed as the sun began to set. This whole palace made me channel my inner flâneur as I took note of the intricacies of each corner of the palace. I was especially intrigued with the Great Hall of Mirrors. The chandeliers sparkled reflecting off of the walls made of glass. I thought of past kings and queens roaming such an ornate place every day of their lives.

As the sun began to set, the castle grounds began to light up as the fountains danced to music. The light show had begun. Each statue was surrounded by a sea of lights. The night ended with a beautiful fireworks show. We all watched in awe, feeling invigorated in a place with so much history and beauty. I couldn’t help but to be grateful to be part of Cambridge Writers’ Workshop.

Sincerely,

Corrine Previte, Manager
Cambridge Writers’ Workshop