Versailles Gardens | Masterpiece of Landscape Design

France, the land of fashion, is also home to some of the most popular architectural wonders of the world. Amongst them, the Palace of Versailles tops the list. It is a testament to the 17th-century Renaissance movement and the masterminds behind this extravagant construction were French pioneers of art. One of the main attractions of this stunning destination is the Palace of Versailles Gardens which drives a huge footfall every year. 


Discover the vast expanse of 800 hectares of land and admire its magnificent views. While exploring the garden you will witness a range of stunning artifacts like fountains, sculptures, groves, and parterres. Strolling around these installations can take you back in time on a rich historical and cultural trip to Medieval France. Its pathways are lined with exquisite orange and lemon trees that are well-maintained. These trees are brought especially from parts of Spain, Italy, and Portugal to adorn this royal garden. Constructed almost half a century ago, the flora is re-planted every 100 years to maintain its stunning essence. The genius design of this landscape can leave you in awe, and is definitely a must-visit place while on your trip to France.

Parterres and Paths
Parterres and Paths

The Parterres and Paths in the Palace of Versailles Gardens were constructed at the foot of the palace, and consist of plant and flower beds, which have been arranged in symmetrical patterns and are connected by different paths. These paths typically consist of the open area that surrounds the palace.

Additionally, there are three parterres here, namely the North, South and the Water Parterres, in addition to other smaller ones which can be viewed from the upper floors of the palace. In addition to 2 rectangular pools in the Water Parterre, you can also enjoy views of the Orangery from the South Parterre, along with several statues of sphinxes, cupids as well as marble sculptures from the parterres and paths in the garden.

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The Orangery
The Orangery

The Orangery is one of the main highlights of the Gardens of Versailles. It is a huge conserve of orange trees, a vast majority of which have been brought from different parts of Portugal, Spain and Italy. Additionally, you can also see many lemon trees, oleander, palm, olives as well as pomegranate trees planted inside boxes in the Orangery during the winter season.

Some of the trees inside the Orangery are almost 200 years old, and were brought from different parts of the world, thereby making this place home to the largest collection of such trees in all of Europe. There are more than 1055 trees that are lined perfectly inside the Orangery, all of which face the direction of the south.

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The Groves
The Groves

The Groves of the Palace of Versailles Gardens are smaller parks that are home to a vast number of majestic fountains, vases as well as statues. There are over 10 groves in the Gardens, all of which are surrounded by wooden paths that lead visitors to these enclosed gardens. Boasting of many different rare species of trees, you can also see groves with different level cascades, marble ramps, shells and more.

A lot of these groves are also decorated with millstones and lead vases, which are accentuated by boxwood hedges and are surrounded by alley lines with chestnut trees and other beautiful elements. Some of the famous groves in the Gardens of Versailles are the Queen’s Grove, Ballroom Grove, Girandole Grove, Chestnut Grove and the Colonnade Grove located in the southern side. In the north, you can see the Grove of the Domes, Enceladus Grove, Obelisk Grove, Apollo’s Baths Grove, the Water Theatre Grove, Star Grove, the Grove of the Three Fountains and the Triumphal Arch Grove.

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The Walks
The Walks

The Gardens of Versailles are also known to house long beautiful walkways, lined with fountains, statues, waterways and some of the most spectacular compositions of flower beds and plants. Known as one of the best attractions inside the gardens as well as the Palace, the Walks are organised and constructed around the north-south and east-west axes.

One of the walkways starts from the Water Walk, beginning at the Neptune Fountain and ending at the Orangery and the Lake of the Swiss Guards. It is also lined with 14 stunning fountains. The Royal Way walk ends at the great Apollo’s fountain, and is lined with many chestnut trees, yew trees and hornbeams, along with a myriad of statues and sculptures.

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The Palace of Versailles, located in France, is an iconic testament to opulence and grandeur. Constructed in the 17th century under the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, it served as the principal royal residence and symbol of absolute monarchy. Its exquisite architecture, ornate interiors, and sprawling gardens are awe-inspiring. The Hall of Mirrors, a highlight, is adorned with countless mirrors and chandeliers, reflecting the palace's extravagance. Versailles played a pivotal role in history, hosting the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, ending World War I. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a global cultural treasure, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to marvel at its historical significance and architectural splendor.

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    The Gardens of Versailles symbolize the absolute power of the 17th century French king Louis XIV over everything, even nature.

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