The Palace of Versailles has been rightfully regarded as the epitome of French artworks, sculptures, enchanting gardens and fountains due to their architectural beauty. Of all the eye-catching establishments such as large fountains and archs, the gardens of Versailles not only catch the utmost attention but also provide a peaceful space to the visitors. There are at least 8 or 10 gardens across the palace which have been listed as a World Heritage since 1979.
Palace of Versailles tickets- To take a walk around the heartsoothing groves, visitors will require to book their Palace of Versailles tickets. An advance online booking is suggested to avoid any last minute hassle. Numerous variants of the tickets are available while some allow entry only to gardens, others include attractions such as the King’s Private Apartments and the whole palace.
The Gardens of Versailles
The beautiful gardens of Versailles, created by Andre Le Notre had often witnessed many events over the course of history and modified over a dozen times to attain ethereal beauty. Fountains, little parks within the woods are major attractions in these gardens. These groves were created under the reign of King Louis XIV, and had contrasting and surprising diversity, giving its viewers a never felt before experience.
- Enchanting Queen’s groove– This groove was installed in 1775-1776 as a replacement to the Labyrinth Grove, and became a sensenational beauty in the Palace of Versailles. Simple yet elegant, this groove never failed to disappoint its viewers with its diversity. It was given a revised layout to incorporate the newly found tree, the Virginia tulip, as its centre.
- Spend time at Ballroom Groove– The last garden to be laid out by Le Notre, this masterpiece took five years to complete. It was designed as an amphitheatre of greenery, which explains its mesmerizing beauty. This groove was intended for dance purposes, and was punctuated with marble ramps and decorated with millstones and shells. It also had space for spectators which were highlighted by boxwood hedges.
- Take a walk at the Girandole Grove– Along with its correspondent in the North, this groove was one of the first to be laid down by Le Notre in 1663. One of the best features of the garden was an exceptional way in which the water jets converged towards the centre of the pool. A water sprout sprang from a metal basket of flowers in the middle of the garden in a lifelike style. Unfortunately during 1760, it disappeared because of the replantation but was restored during 2000.
- Go around the Colonnade Grove– This garden was commenced in 1685 by Jules Hardouin Mansart and replaced the Spring Grove created by Le Notre. Regards as one of the most charming gardens of Versailles, it offers some of the brightest colour contrast to its viewers. The colour scheme offers the amazing view of white Carrara marble in arcades and vases on cornice. In the middle, the original pool was replaced in 1696 by a group of sculptures called Girardon and was called The Abduction of Prosperine by Pluto, which is also an exceptional piece of sculpture.
- Gallery of Chestnut Grove– The layout of the grove is closely similar to that of a verdant gallery with fountain at each end and was meant to be a replacement to a grove made by Le Notre in 1678. The beauty of this open air museum was supplemented with beautiful fountains. However during 1704, the fountains were replaced by two rows of chestnut trees. Yet, the beauty of this groove remains mesmerizing.
- Enjoy the dusk at Grove of the domes– It was created by Le Notre in 1675 and witnessed many refashions. It has an amphitheatre design with the central area occupied with an hexagonal pool. The groove got its name from three sculpture groups from the Grotto of Thetis and came to be known as Apollo’s Bath Grove. In 1708, the central fountain was replaced with a giant marble bowl. As of this day, the garden remains a great attraction because of its rich history and the fulfilling scenes of dusk it offers.
- The symmetrical Enceladus Grove– Constructed with a large pool at the centre, the grove was made byGaspard Marsy between 1675 to 1677. Its architecture draws inspiration from the fall of Titans under Olympus rocks by gods they wished to defeat.This groove attracts many tourists because of its beautiful portrayal of tales of fall of Titans and exotic architectural style. Inside the pool one can see the reflection of the blue sky, thus creating a beautiful symmetrical view.
- Roaming at the Obelisk Grove– Known as the Feasting Chamber Grove laid out by Le Notre between 1671 and 1674, it was completely redesigned by Jules Hardouin Mansart in 1705-1706. The architectural changes installed a vast rectangular pool on two levels with water jets forming a liquid obelisk. However, what remains today are only the general outlines of the once mesmerzing groove as well as the most suitable one for roaming around due to its vastness.
Other Relevant Information
- There are two Eatries available in the premises of the palace at La Girandole and La Flottille Takeway located near the center of the Garden and the Grand Canal, respectively.
- Bike rentals and small electric vehicles to tour around are available.
- The facility of free mobile charging stations and safety deposit boxes are provided
- Visitors can upgrade their Palace of Versailles tickets to enjoy fountain shows and musinal gardens.
- The palace allows visitors throughout the week except on Monday between 7 AM to 8:30 PM.
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