Explore the Versailles Park: Grand Canal, Lake & the Rivulet

André Le Nôtre's masterpiece, the Grand Canal, is the centerpiece of the Versailles gardens. This 1,670-meter waterway, a product of 11 years of ambitious construction from 1668 to 1679, dramatically reshaped the Palace landscape. The canal served as a vital element of the palace's hydraulic system. It hosted lavish royal events, from parties to boat rides, and an ice rink during winters. Today, the canal hosts special events like the annual July 14th fireworks display. In a contemporary touch, Danish artist Olafur Eliasson added a captivating waterfall to its eastern end in 2016, enhancing its allure for modern visitors

The 12-hectare body of water in the southern part of the Versailles Gardens was created between 1679 and 1686 to replace a marshy old pond. This ambitious project, undertaken to improve drainage, also marked the end of the main north-south axis of the gardens, culminating at the Neptune Fountain. Today, the lake remains a prominent feature of the Versailles landscape, offering visitors a serene escape. Enjoy peaceful walks along its shores, admire the surrounding greenery, and keep an eye out for small wildlife.

The Ru de Gally or Rivulet of Gally is a 22-kilometer stream originating in the Versailles Park, showcasing the Estate's biodiversity. Flowing from the Grand Canal, it meanders through diverse zones, offering sightings of frogs, dragonflies, and various bird species. A pleasant walk along its banks, especially in spring when water irises (resembling the royal fleur-de-lys) bloom, provides a tranquil escape within the grandeur of Versailles. The Palace encourages visitors to explore this unique ecosystem, highlighting its rich variety.