The Versailles Fountains and Shows

Le Nôtre, appointed by King Louis XIV, envisioned the gardens as an extension of the palace itself. He used a symmetrical layout with central axes radiating outwards, emphasizing perspective and grandeur. The gardens were designed to be viewed from the palace windows, offering a sense of order and control over nature.

This private garden, located near the Orangery, was designed specifically for King Louis XIV's enjoyment. Enclosed by walls and featuring a more intimate layout, it offered the king a tranquil escape from the grandeur of the main gardens. Here, he could relax, tend to his own plants, and enjoy a more personal connection with nature.

This unique feature, located at the western end of the main garden, is a marvel of engineering and artistry. Composed of cascading pools, fountains, and sculptures that come alive with water displays synchronized to music, the Water Theater offers a captivating spectacle and a fitting finale to a walk through the gardens.

This impressive building, located on the south side of the palace, served as a winter home for the palace's orange trees. The Orangery's grand architecture, with its high ceilings and large windows, provided the ideal environment for these delicate trees to flourish during the colder months. Today, the Orangery houses exhibitions and cultural events.

The monumental Four Fountains, dedicated to the seasons, mark the entrance to the Royal Way. The Spring and Summer Fountains grace the northern side of the alleys, while Autumn and Winter adorn the south.

The fountain demonstrates a fight between animals. A lion is shown defeating a wolf and wild boar, a tiger defeating a bear and a bloodhound bringing down a stag. Water jets sprout out of the animal's mouths, with the jet of the victorious animal falling into the upper basin and the jet of the victim falls into the lower basin.

A majestic piece of art, the Dragon Fountain represents an episode from the legend of Apollo, where young Apollo shot and killed a serpent Python with an arrow.  This is the tallest fountain in the Gardens of Versailles, with the main water jet reaching a height of 27 meters.

Made between 1679 and 1682, the construction of the Neptune Fountain was overseen by André le Nôtre and officially opened by Louis XV.  Admired for its size, the fountain is also an extraordinary hydraulic system featuring 99 jets.

Illustrating the story of Apollo's mother Latona, the fountain depicts her protecting her children from the insults of peasants and pleading with the gods to avenge her. The gods oblige and turn the peasants into frogs and lizards. The fountain features figures of peasants in mid-transformation with 24 frogs surrounding the fountain.

Built between 1668 and 1670, the fountain is based on the legend of Apollo, the sun god. Designed by Charles Le Brun, It features Apollo rising from the sea on a four-horse chariot, surrounded by tritons and leaping dolphins.