Friday
Versailles

Thursday was a free day, a time for all of us to enjoy being tourists. It’s hard to say how many different tourist venues a bunch of organists could scatter out and see in one day. Whatever the number, we can be pretty sure everyone had a great time.

On Friday morning, we took the RER to Versailles, to visit the chateau in the company of perhaps a few thousand other tourists.

A private tour of the Opera and Chapel gave us a close look at eighteenth-century opulence, without the press of crowds found elsewhere in chateau and grounds.

Gérard Sablier was a most gracious host as he introduced us to the beautiful case from the early eighteenth century. We also played the new Boisseau-Cattiaux organ housed in the case.

Sunday
Paris

Saturday was another free day, with even more places to visit. Sunday morning was spent attending Mass at St. Sulpice and hearing Daniel Roth play.

After the Noon Mass, M. Roth took the time to give us a close-up look at the organ.

Sunday evening, we heard Jean Guillou play Widor in recital and improvise to the accompaniment of birds during Mass.

The next morning, we boarded a bus and started the long journey home.