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Versailles Gardens
The Gardens of Versailles are among the most significant examples of the French formal garden style, meticulously designed by André Le Nôtre starting in 1661 under Louis XIV. Spanning nearly 800 hectares, the landscape features a perfectly symmetrical layout characterized by geometric paths, ornate flowerbeds, and the monumental Grand Canal. The design was not merely aesthetic but served as a powerful symbol of the Sun King’s absolute authority over nature and his kingdom. The gardens are home to over 50 fountains, including the famous Apollo and Latona fountains, which are still operated by a complex historical hydraulic system. Beyond the formal parterres, the estate includes the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and Marie Antoinette's photogenic rural retreat, the Hameau de la Reine. Since 1979, the gardens have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of global tourists. Maintaining the site requires a dedicated team of gardeners who preserve centuries-old techniques of topiary and horticultural design.
- Location: Île-de-France, France
- Top sights: Hall of Crusades · Chapel of the Palace of Versailles · North Wing of the Palace of Versailles
- Nearby: Saint-Cyr-l'École (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 50 | 54 | 41 | 65 | 58 | 55 | 58 | 42 | 61 | 64 | 71 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The total area of the gardens is about 800 hectares
- Designed starting in 1661 by architect André Le Nôtre
- Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979
- Features more than 50 ornate fountains
- The Grand Canal measures 1.67 kilometers in length
- Approximately 210,000 flowers are planted every year
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Versailles Gardens (10)
Aile Gabriel
Wing of the Palace of Versailles, named after the architect Gabriel.
Museum of the History of France🏛 museum
Museum in the Palace of Versailles about French history.
Galerie Pellat de Villedon
Gallery in the Palace of Versailles.
Palace of Versailles🏛 museum
Former French royal palace, now a museum.
Temple de Versailles
Meeting house located in Yvelines, in France.
Parterre du Midi
Garden south of the Palace of Versailles.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to the gardens free?
How large is the park area?
Are there means of transport within the gardens?
When do the fountain shows take place?
Is picnicking allowed in the gardens?
Versailles Gardens: where is it located?
Versailles Gardens: what is there to see?
Versailles Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
Versailles Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
