Rowing at picturesque Versailles

Le Chateâu de Versailles near Paris, France was the stunning backdrop for the Versailles International Regatta last weekend.

vintage boat display

The castle was built in 1667 for French King Louis XIV with the grounds including a 1,700 metre Grand Canal. Three hundred and eight years later the French Rowing Federation invited Poland, Great Britain, Australia and Germany to race in eights and quads on the canal.

Men’s eight race at Versailles

French rowing photographer Igor Meijer was on hand to capture this inaugural event.

Women’s eights ready to race