Visiting Versailles

Visiting Versailles these days demands meticulous planning, especially during holidays when the crowds swell to near-unmanageable levels. The serene experience of wandering the palace and gardens at leisure, once a hallmark of the visit, feels like a distant memory. Back then, the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors or the charm of the Petit Trianon could be savoured without the constant shuffle of tourists. Today, the overbooked slots and seemingly endless queues make it hard to fully immerse yourself in the splendour. If you’re planning a visit, an early start and pre-booked tickets are essential.

Reminds me of a famous quote attributed to Jean Mistler, a French writer and politician, known for his biting critique of mass tourism. What do you think?