0002 FRANCE (Île-de-France) - Palace and Park of Versailles (UNESCO WHS)

To my surprise, the first who responded to my request, addressed to all my acquaintances living outside Romania or who travel frequently, was Marius, a high school friend whom I haven’t seen for years. So is not true that out of sight is out of mind. I received two postcards from him, both coming from France.

In recent decades, since tourism has become sport for some and business for others, Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) became a compulsory destination for anyone who gets in Paris, be it American, European or Oriental. Without the slightest doubt, the castle worth visiting, but I dare to say that the historical events which took place there within the last two centuries overshadow its artistic and cultural value.

Le Bassin de Latone, designed by André Le Nôtre, sculpted by Gaspard and Balthazar Marsy, and erected between 1668–1670, is located on the east-west axis of the Gardens of Versailles and depicts an episode from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. In 1979 Palace and Park of Versailles were inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the stamp
The stamp is part of The Marianne et l'Europe (or Marianne of Beaujard) series, a definitive postage stamp set, issued on July 1, 2008 in Metropolitan France and the four overseas departments. The design created and engraved by Yves Beaujard marked the beginning of France Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Happiness for some, concern for others, French or another nationality. Marianne, the allegory of the French Republic, wearing a Phrygian cap, is presented in profile, looking to the left. Around her head are stars, evoking the European flag, one of these stars replacing a tricolor cockade.

Sender: Marius Vasilescu 

Sent from Paris (France), on 19.09.2011