Alone..(well almost) in Versailles 'Hall of Mirrors" after Royal Opera House triumphe

My American friend Alex drove me from Paris to Versailles Palace. Finding a park near the gates, we teetered across the cobbles in our heels past the throngs of hawkers and noisy tourist lines. It was a gorgeous feeling to be dressed up going to an event in such a romantic Palace. Later, sipping a coup de champagne in the long hall lined with pale statues of past Kings and Queens of France, we mingled with other guests. Meeting up with my friends Gerard and Roberto from Canada, we moved into the Opera House, taking our seats on turquoise tapestry in a little gilt box with upholstered door behind us. Fabulous crystal chandeliers blazed, gilded decorations glowed, the house was packed for the final performance of Lully's Persee presented at Versailles by Opera Atelier from Toronto. My friend Gerard Gauci is set designer.  I made this trip to Paris especially to join him at the Opera.

Roberto and I inside the Opera House (top left) The chapel at Versailles (bottom right) The palace viewed from the gardens (top right) Sipping champagne before the Opera. 

Gerard's opulent painted curtain shrouded centre stage. His marble floor stretched out beneath. From curtain up to the last tumultuous curtain call Gerard's wonderful artistry set the scene for glorious music and costumes.

The opera was a great triumph and it was wonderful to see my friend up on the stage taking his bow with the Opera Director and conductor.

Gerard Gauci (far left) and Marshall Pynkoski take a bow with the cast of Persee. 

Later Alex and I gate crashed the second only private photo shoot in the Hall of Mirrors, Annie Leibowitz being the only other photographer granted such a privilege. This famous room without people was suddenly golden and intimate and wildly glamorous!

With Roberto (at left) and Gerard in the Hall of Mirrors. 

Alex in front of Versailles and in the Hall of Mirrors. 

I couldn't resist!

A private tour of the kings apartments followed then our own photo shoot.  Alex and I slipped away down the time worn stone spiral staircase and wandered through empty apartments. Finally we found someone to unlock the Palace.

Seeing the gardens deserted we walked out and watched the sunset at 10.30pm! What an extraordinary feeling to have the Palace and Gardens virtually to ourselves. Silence broken only by birdsong and the crunch of pale gravel underfoot!

The whole evening was a pinch yourself moment and we loved every minute!