Jardins du Chateau de Versailles

History

The gardens at Versailles were commissioned by Louis XIV back in the 17th century and took almost 40 years to finish. Designed by André Le Nôtre, they were meant to be admired from the palace windows, showcasing a perfect mix of symmetry and natural beauty. Over the years, the gardens have seen various enhancements, including Romantic and modern touches, making them a unique and fascinating place to explore.

How to Get There

Getting to the Chateau de Versailles from Paris is pretty straightforward by train. The nearest train stations are Versailles Chateau Rives Gauche, Versailles Chateau Rive Droite, and Versailles Chateau Montparnasse. From any of these stations, it’s just a short walk to the palace and gardens.

Attractions

1. **The Dauphin’s Grove:** One of the oldest groves in the gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre around 1660, featuring sculptures dedicated to the seasons and mythological gods.
2. **Apollo’s Fountain:** A gilded lead sculpture of Apollo on his chariot, created by Jean-Baptiste Tuby in 1671, inspired by the legend of the Sun god.
3. **Queen’s Grove:** A flower garden created in 1776 for Queen Marie-Antoinette, featuring non-native species like the Virginia tulip tree and white fringetree.
4. **Grove Of The Three Fountains:** Built by Le Nôtre in 1677, this grove is laid out over three distinct levels linked by cascades and features impressive water effects.
5. **Sphinx Ridden By A Putto:** A marble and bronze sculpture dating back to 1667/68, depicting a putto straddling a sphinx.
6. **Potager du Roi (Louis XIV’s Vegetable Garden):** A historic monument since 1926, showcasing artful vegetable beds and fruit trees maintained using ancient traditions.
7. **Musical Fountains and Gardens:** The gardens come alive with baroque music during the Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux events, featuring spectacular fountain shows.

Ticket Information

– **General Admission:** The gardens are open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM from November to March and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM from April to October. Admission is free except on days with Grandes Eaux Musicales and Jardins Musicaux events, when tickets cost €9.50 for the Musical Fountains show and €8.50 for the Musical Gardens events.
– **Passport Ticket:** A one or two-day pass that grants access to the whole Versailles estate, including the palace, Trianon palaces, temporary exhibitions, and events like the Musical Fountain and Musical Gardens shows.

Tips for Visiting

1. **Visit During the Week:** Avoid weekends and Tuesday mornings when the crowds are largest. Visiting between Wednesday and Friday will ensure a smoother experience.
2. **Buy Tickets Online:** Purchasing tickets in advance online allows you to go straight to Entrance A without stopping at the ticket office.
3. **Plan Your Day:** Set aside a whole day for your visit to make the most of this immense estate. Start with a tour of the palace, then head to the Trianon, which opens at 12:30 PM.
4. **Explore the Park:** Enjoy the magnificent park and gardens after visiting the palaces. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a leisurely promenade through the Potager du Roi.
5. **Take Guided Tours:** Consider guided tours to get the most out of your visit. Fat Tire Tours offers informative and fun visits by bike to cover the most ground possible.
6. **Picnic Area:** There are picnic areas available, making it convenient to enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful gardens.
7. **Accessibility:** The gardens are wheelchair accessible, with six adapted paths for visitors with mobility issues.

By following these tips and exploring the various attractions, anyone can have a memorable experience at the Jardins du Chateau de Versailles.