Gardens of Palace of Versailles

The Gardens of Versailles are known for their intricate parterres and paths that beautifully reflect the grandeur of the palace. The Water Parterre is located at the foot of the Hall of Mirrors and features two large pools. These pools are bordered by four bronze figures - The Loire and The Loiret , The Rhône and The Saône, The Seine and The Marne and The Garonne and The Dordogne.

The North Parterre has two large circular pools which lead to the Pyramid Fountain, a stunning structure with tiered basins and Tritons. The South Parterre, also known as the Flower Garden, offers picturesque views of the Orangery Parterre. At the centre of the Versailles Gardens is Latona's Parterre which illustrates the myth of Latona.

It was restored to its original 17th-century design in 2015. André Le Nôtre was the mastermind behind these designs who harmonized natural elements like light, and shade, and intricate plant patterns to create these stunning parterres and paths.

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The Orangery at Versailles is located just below the Palace and is a masterpiece by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. It was built initially by Louis Le Vau in 1663 and was later expanded by Hardouin-Mansart to create a grand structure in double the original size. The central gallery spans over 150 meters with a 13-meter-high vaulted ceiling and is flanked by side galleries under the Hundred Steps staircases. The thick walls, double windows, and south-facing orientation keep the temperature above 5°C in winter and provide a perfect environment for the trees. 

Louis XIV stocked the Orangery with orange trees from royal estates and newly acquired ones from Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Courtiers often gifted orange trees to the King and thus contributed to the largest collection in Europe. 

The Orangery parterre now spans three hectares and is open to the public. It features four grass sections and a circular pool. During summer, 1055 containers with orange, palm, oleander, pomegranate, and Eugenia trees are displayed outside/ During winters, they are housed inside to preserve their beauty and historical significance.

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The groves of Versailles are small gardens, enclosed by walls of greenery or trellises and accessed by discreet paths. They served as venues for many court entertainments and were adorned with fountains, vases, and statues. Under Louis XIV, there were fifteen groves, each with unique designs and decorations. Le Nôtre created most of them, but some were modified by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. However, maintenance costs led to the deterioration and disappearance of several groves by the 18th century.

The Queen's Grove, originally the Labyrinth Grove, features a Virginia tulip tree and was restored recently. The Ballroom Grove includes a cascade and an island for dancing. The Girandole and Dauphin's Groves were created in 1663 and were restored in 2000. The Colonnade Grove showcases a circular peristyle with marble columns and fountains. The Chestnut Grove replaced an earlier grove with ancient sculptures. Other notable groves include the Enceladus Grove which features a fountain of the fallen Titan, and the Obelisk Grove and is known for its cascading water jets. 

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The Gardens of Versailles is built around two primary axes - the north-south and east-west. The Water Walk, also known as the Infant’s Walk is a key feature in the north-south axis and was constructed in 1664. It starts at the Neptune Fountain and extends to the Orangery and Lake of the Swiss Guards. The walk looks magnificent and features 14 fountains depicting children, tritons, and satyrs. These fountains were originally made of lead and later cast in bronze with basins of red Languedoc marble.

The east-west axis, known as the Grande Perspective bisects the gardens symmetrically. It begins at Leto's Fountain, traverses through the Royal Way and ends at the Grand Canal. The Royal Way dates back to Louis XIII's era and ends at Apollo’s Fountain. It was Initially designed to be a narrow, steep alley and was later widened and leveled in 1665. Under Louis XVI, horse chestnut trees were added. The alley features several amazing sculptures like Milo of Croton and Perseus and Andromeda, by Puget.

The King's Garden Grove was created in 1817, replacing the swampy Royal Isle Fountain under the orders of Louis XVIII to improve the drainage and aesthetics of the garden.

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The fountains of Versailles are a spectacular showcase of Baroque artistry and mythology and reflect the grandeur of the French monarchy. The Four Seasons Fountains were created between 1672 and 1679 and depict the deities Flora, Ceres, Bacchus, and Saturn. The Fountains of the Fight of the Animals is another interesting fountain crafted in 1687.

It illustrates the dramatic animal battles with intricate sculptures. The Dragon Fountain represents Apollo's victory over Python and the central jet here reaches 27 meters. The Neptune Fountain was finished in the 1740s and features 99 jets and a variety of marine sculptures. Latona's Fountain is centered on the myth of Latona and her children and showcases her transformation of Lycian peasants into frogs.

Apollo's Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains at Versailles Gardens and it depicts Apollo rising from the sea in his chariot. The Mirror Pool is a serene pool that is surrounded by lush green lawns and trees. The Nymphs' Bath here is fed by the waters of the Pyramid Fountains and is adorned with bas-reliefs.

The Gardens of Versailles houses 386 artworks, including 221 sculptures and hence, it is the largest open-air sculpture museum in the world. Early sculptures installed in the Versailles Gardens celebrated love and gallantry, while later works focused on Apollo, the sun god. The first group of sculptures, created in 1664 included stone figures of fauns, dancers, and nymphs, depicting a burlesque and amorous mood. In the later years, sculptures depicting Apollo's life and his role as the controller of the cosmos, reinforcing the king's power were created.

The Great Commission of 1674 saw the creation of marble figures representing elements and times of the day portraying the king's image as a universal ruler. Post-1678, themes shifted to celebrate the king's victories, and new groves were created. By 1682, antiquity-inspired sculptures, including Roman replicas, became prominent, turning Versailles into an open-air museum. Bronze sculptures, representing French rivers and fighting animals, were added later, symbolizing national territory. In Louis XIV's later years, playful putti and child figures appeared, reflecting a spirit of joy and relaxation.