LDS Temple in France

Kelly and I had just four days left in Paris after Kate and Carter left to tie up loose ends and do a few things remaining on our list.  Construction has begun on the Paris Temple in Le Chesnay, a village next to Versailles.  It is the first temple to be built in France.  We took the RER train out Monday afternoon to Versailles.  Although Versailles is closed on Mondays, the grounds and gardens are open.  We had a beautiful blue sky and temperatures in the 70s.

Kelly at the entrance to Versailles Palace

We walked around to the side of the palace overlooking a pretty fountain and gardens.

Kelly in the Gardens

We found the Allée de Mouton that we would follow to the Porte St. Antoine--St. Anthony's Gate--near Marie Antoinette's Hamlet.  It was a very long way to the other end.


Starting down the long path

We passed goats in a pasture along the path and there were places to picnic.  It was nice to be at Versailles without all the crowds.  We could see red cranes off in the distance and wondered if that was the temple construction sight.

Goats along the path

We finally made it to the end of the path to St. Anthony's Gate and walked out the other side.



Outside the gate

We walked about a half mile up the road past a Leader Price grocery store and apartment buildings and spotted the red cranes.

Approaching the temple construction site

It was a busy construction site.  I'm sure they were wondering why we were standing around taking pictures.  They were working on the underground parking.  It was exciting to see actual progress on the site.

 




We continued walking up through the town of Versailles to the train.  We walked a total of about two hours.  We definitely had tired feet when we arrived back at the empty, lonely apartment.  We can't wait until this temple is constructed and plan to return after it is finished in about two years.