Gardens of Versailles, French formal garden in Versailles, France
The Gardens of Versailles cover 800 hectares and present geometric patterns, fountains, marble statues, and precisely trimmed hedges along wide paths. The grounds divide into several sections, including groves, alleys, and open parterres, all linked by a clear, symmetrical grid.
André Le Nôtre designed the grounds from 1661 onward under the commission of Louis XIV, transforming marshy terrain into an exemplar of French garden art. The works continued for several decades and fundamentally altered the natural landscape.
The Apollo Fountain honors the sun god and underscores Louis XIV's connection to this mythological figure. The sculptures show the deity rising from the water on his chariot to mark the start of a new day.
Visitors enter the park through several gates, including the Queen's Gate. On days with fountain displays, different access conditions apply compared to ordinary opening days.
The Machine de Marly pumped water from the Seine and supplied the fountain system over a distance of several kilometers. This engineering structure was considered one of the largest mechanical installations of the 17th century.
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