The Senate

A grand palace now housing the workings of government. It is on one edge of the Luxembourg Gardens and is usually so well guarded by armed men and women that you even look at it with caution. 

So to be able to go inside today, and at no cost, was an invitation difficult to refuse. 

We went toward the queue, but the normal path was fenced off. To gain access you needed to exit the gardens and rejoin them further round. 

First the armed check on your bags. Then a half hour wait in the queue (not too bad on a nice day). 

Blocks of queuing people were released along the fenced path to the entrance. Once inside, all accessories went through the x-Ray machine and us through the metal detector. 

If anyone used to own this place before the French government did, they have been completely forgotten. Everything here is French government, even down to the amazingly painted ceilings, and at times, the walls. 

Here are some phone pictures. The library, the reception hall and central dome, and the senate meeting room itself. I have often seen this in the news, it looks just the same in reality but the high half dome is out of shot. 

We walked round it all and retired home well walked out. 

The Senate. 

Sent from Terence's iPhone