Versailles is a symbol of the most opulent times in France. The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous royal residences in the world. It was built as a hunting lodge but later on became the main residence of the Kings of France from 1682 to 1789. Versailles Gardens are considered as one of the best examples of French Baroque gardens. They were designed by André Le Nôtre, who remains to this day one of the greatest landscape architects ever known. This article will provide you with information about Versailles Garden and its historical significance.
Who is André Le Nôtre?
He is the most famous French Baroque gardener, who designed the Gardens of Versailles. He was the first gardener-king, who designed the gardens in Versailles. Le Nôtre was also responsible for redesigning the gardens at Vaux-le-Vicomte. He is known as the “founding father of French gardening” by the gardening world. His most famous creations are the Gardens of Versailles, the gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the gardens of Villandry. He also created several gardens at the Palace of Versailles for King Louis XIV and his successors.
The Symbolism of Versailles Gardens
The Gardens of Versailles represent the political and cultural ambitions of the King of France. They are very well known for the symbolism associated with them. The most important elements are the Grand Canal, the Grand Basin, the parterres, the fountains, the groves and the sculptures. The Grand Canal symbolizes the King’s power over France. It starts at the royal hunting lodge and ends at the Grand Basin. The Grand Basin was a focal point for the fêtes given by the King. Beyond the Grand Basin is the Long Border, a long parterre (flowerbed) planted with orange trees, olive trees and lemon trees. Behind the Long Border is the Grand Allée , the axis of the gardens. On either side of the Grand Allée are the Striped Border and the Rose Border two other long parterres.
Why visit the Versailles Gardens?
The Gardens of Versailles are the most famous gardens in France. They are considered to be the best examples of French Baroque gardens ever designed. They were designed by André Le Nôtre, who remains to this day one of the greatest landscape architects ever known. Le Nôtre was the first gardener-king, who designed the gardens in Versailles. Le Nôtre was also responsible for redesigning the gardens at Vaux-le-Vicomte. He is known as the “founding father of French gardening” by the gardening world. The Gardens of Versailles are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous royal residences in the world. It was built as a hunting lodge but later on became the main residence of the Kings of France from 1682 to 1789. The Gardens of Versailles are famous for the symbolism associated with them. The Grand Canal symbolizes the King’s power over France. It starts at the royal hunting lodge and ends at the Grand Basin. The Grand Basin was a focal point for the fêtes given by the King. Beyond the Grand Basin is the Long Border a long parterre (flowerbed) planted with orange trees, olive trees and lemon trees. Behind the Long Border is the Grand Allée the axis of the gardens. On either side of the Grand Allée are the Striped Border and the Rose Border two other long parterres.
How to get to the Versailles Gardens?
You can travel to the Gardens of Versailles by car, bus or train. It is a very easy journey. By car, take the A10 motorway towards Bordeaux and then take the A11 towards Paris. There are also several national and international coach operators with services to Versailles. You can travel to the Gardens of Versailles by train from the Paris Gare de Lyon and from the RER - line C. Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon take about 40 minutes to reach Versailles Rive Droite station. Trains from RER line C take about 25 minutes to reach Versailles Rive Droite station. You can also travel to the Gardens of Versailles by RER B and then take a shuttle train from the RER station to the Gardens of Versailles. The journey by train takes about 35-40 minutes.
Conclusion
The Gardens of Versailles are considered as one of the best examples of French Baroque gardens. They were designed by André Le Nôtre, who remains to this day one of the greatest landscape architects ever known. The Gardens of Versailles are famous for the symbolism associated with them. The Grand Canal, the Grand Basin and the fountains represent the power of the King of France. The Grand Canal starts at the royal hunting lodge and ends at the Grand Basin. The Grand Basin was a focal point for the fêtes given by the King. Beyond the Grand Basin is the Long Border, a long parterre (flowerbed) planted with orange trees, olive trees and lemon trees. The Grand Allée is the axis of the gardens. On either side of the Grand Allée are the Striped Border and the Rose Border, two other long parterres. The Trianon Palaces and the Temple of Love are small palaces built for the King. The Grand Trianon is a large château built for the King.
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