Versailles Attractions

Venue: Chateau de Versailles    When: Daily

The gardens of Versailles are a fantastic example of French formal gardening - controlling, harnessing and recreating nature - effected by a supremely confident King Louis XIV in the 17th century. These excessive, extravagant gardens dazzle visitors.

The gardens were masterminded by the garden design guru Le Nôtre to reflect the extraordinary power appropriated by his patron Louis XIV - otherwise known as the Sun King.

Built between 1661 and 1715, the grounds surrounding the château were originally described as barren; without water, without a view and without woods. These environmental setbacks did not discourage the Sun King. He developed a garden which revolves around water. At the heart of the garden is an epic mile long canal and there is also an abundance of fountains.

To solve the problem of trees, a machine was developed to transplant trees of as much as 1.5 metres in circumference from the local forest into the groves on either side of the main axes. Visit the Jardin du Roi which boasts parterres of floral embroidery, or the Orangery Parterre, where oranges and palms are displayed in the summer months. In the gardens of the Grand Trianon, Louis indulged his passion for planting.

Annual highlights include the regular Fountain shows, the occasional Fetes de Nuit (Night festivals) and changing exhibitions on the king's gardens. It is also a treat to visit the Chateau itself. This places the gardens in their historical and political context and provides a delightfully personal insight into the French monarchy before they were given the chop. You can still see the nook where Louis XV made coffee or chocolate for guests in his private cabinets!

Versailles is easy to reach from Paris and should be an essential component of any holiday itinerary.