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Welcome to Versailles, a city in northern France that is synonymous with the awe-inspiring palace and gardens built there by Louis XIV in the 17th century. It is located just 40 minutes outside of Paris and is one of the primary destinations of visitors in France. The grand Palace, as well as the two smaller palaces--the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon--are representational of the French Classical style at its peak. The extensive and exceptionally landscaped grounds feature a multitude of fountains, groves, gardens, as well as mythological and allegorical sculptures and statues. The Fountains Show is a coordinated display of operating fountains set to music in specific "sound areas" of the gardens. Let's take a tour of Versailles, one of the greatest achievements in the history of architecture and design.
Parterre d"Eau
Tour stop audio transcript
The Parterre d'Eau is known as the terrace of the palace and can be found above the Latona Fountain. It is situated on the north-south axis of the Versailles Gardens and serves as a transition between them and the palace. Two large basins of water reflect light, illuminating the famous Hall of Mirrors in the background. Louis XIV ordered twenty-eight classical statues to be constructed in this area, a commission called the "Grande Commande"; in 1684, however, many of the statues were moved to other parts of the gardens.
Latone Fountain and Parterre
Tour stop audio transcript
Within the Versailles gardens are many fountains, including the Latone Fountain. This magnificent fountain was created by brothers Gaspard and Balthazar Marsy, and took approximately two years to complete. Its individual structures hail from Ovid's Metamorphoses, when Latona and her children, Apollo and Diana, are being afflicted by the mud slinging of angry Lycian peasants. Latona pleaded to Zeus for help, and he subsequently transformed the peasants into frogs. This allegorical tale alludes to the "revolts of the Fronde" that occurred during the Louis XIV era.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Apollo Fountain is the focal point of the East-West axis of the gardens and is located in the Rondeau, the first body of water encountered. The grand Apollo Fountain shows Apollo, god of the sun, driving a chariot led by four horses and flanked by Tritons and dolphins. Water emerges from fleurs-de-lis, which are the primary symbol of French royalty; the scene evokes force and zeal, as Apollo prepares to light the sky. This is just one of several Apollo statues at Versailles, all of which represent Louis XIV, who was called the Sun King.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Apollo Fountain is the focal point of the East-West axis of the gardens and is located in the Rondeau, the first body of water encountered. The grand Apollo Fountain shows Apollo, god of the sun, driving a chariot led by four horses and flanked by Tritons and dolphins. Water emerges from fleurs-de-lis, which are the primary symbol of French royalty; the scene evokes force and zeal, as Apollo prepares to light the sky. This is just one of several Apollo statues at Versailles, all of which represent Louis XIV, who was called the Sun King.
Apollo Fountain
Tour stop audio transcript
The Apollo Fountain is the focal point of the East-West axis of the gardens and is located in the Rondeau, the first body of water encountered. The grand Apollo Fountain shows Apollo, god of the sun, driving a chariot led by four horses and flanked by Tritons and dolphins. Water emerges from fleurs-de-lis, which are the primary symbol of French royalty; the scene evokes force and zeal, as Apollo prepares to light the sky. This is just one of several Apollo statues at Versailles, all of which represent Louis XIV, who was called the Sun King.
Grand Trianon
Tour stop audio transcript
Reportedly built for his family, the two-story Grand Trianon is a magnificent work designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. It is constructed from pink Languedoc marble in the Italianate-style, with beautiful ornate embellishments. The south wing originally served as the private residence of Louis XIV, while the north wing contained entranceways to both the upper garden and the King's garden. The Grand Trianon underwent many aesthetic changes while Louis XIV's family inhabited it as well as afterwards: a theater was removed during the reign of Louis XV and Napoleon I called for significant remodeling. Today, the structure is a designated official residence of the French president.
Tour stop audio transcript
Located near the Grand Trianon is the Petit Trianon, which combined with the French Pavilion, Queen's Theater, and Hamlet, all comprise Marie-Antoinette's Estate. Marie-Antoinette, who was Louis XVI's wife, loved the outdoors and longed for a peaceful respite from the pomp and circumstance of court life. The Petit Trianon is a three-story square building featuring an elaborate wrought iron banister, reception rooms, and the Queen's apartment. A French garden just outside contains a chapel as well as a theatre that was utilized by the Queen and her friends. There are many other structures considered part of the Estate, including a Billiard Room, Barn, Refreshments Dairy, and the Marlborough Tower.
Tour stop audio transcript
Located near the Grand Trianon is the Petit Trianon, which combined with the French Pavilion, Queen's Theater, and Hamlet, all comprise Marie-Antoinette's Estate. Marie-Antoinette, who was Louis XVI's wife, loved the outdoors and longed for a peaceful respite from the pomp and circumstance of court life. The Petit Trianon is a three-story square building featuring an elaborate wrought iron banister, reception rooms, and the Queen's apartment. A French garden just outside contains a chapel as well as a theatre that was utilized by the Queen and her friends. There are many other structures considered part of the Estate, including a Billiard Room, Barn, Refreshments Dairy, and the Marlborough Tower.
Marie Antoinnete's Estate
Tour stop audio transcript
Located near the Grand Trianon is the Petit Trianon, which combined with the French Pavilion, Queen's Theater, and Hamlet, all comprise Marie-Antoinette's Estate. Marie-Antoinette, who was Louis XVI's wife, loved the outdoors and longed for a peaceful respite from the pomp and circumstance of court life. The Petit Trianon is a three-story square building featuring an elaborate wrought iron banister, reception rooms, and the Queen's apartment. A French garden just outside contains a chapel as well as a theatre that was utilized by the Queen and her friends. There are many other structures considered part of the Estate, including a Billiard Room, Barn, Refreshments Dairy, and the Marlborough Tower.
Tour stop audio transcript
Located near the Grand Trianon is the Petit Trianon, which combined with the French Pavilion, Queen's Theater, and Hamlet, all comprise Marie-Antoinette's Estate. Marie-Antoinette, who was Louis XVI's wife, loved the outdoors and longed for a peaceful respite from the pomp and circumstance of court life. The Petit Trianon is a three-story square building featuring an elaborate wrought iron banister, reception rooms, and the Queen's apartment. A French garden just outside contains a chapel as well as a theatre that was utilized by the Queen and her friends. There are many other structures considered part of the Estate, including a Billiard Room, Barn, Refreshments Dairy, and the Marlborough Tower.
Tour stop audio transcript
A parterre is a formal garden typically landscaped in a symmetrical pattern; the North Parterre is found in front of the north wing of the palace. The expansive North Parterre Gardens feature flowering plants and diligently shaped topiaries; they extend for approximately 250 acres.
North Parterre
Tour stop audio transcript
A parterre is a formal garden typically landscaped in a symmetrical pattern; the North Parterre is found in front of the north wing of the palace. The expansive North Parterre Gardens feature flowering plants and diligently shaped topiaries; they extend for approximately 250 acres.
Pyramid
Tour stop audio transcript
Sculptor Francois Girardon based his design of the Pyramid Fountain at Versailles on a drawing by the French painter and art theorist, Charles Le Brun; Louis XIV called Le Brun "the greatest French artist of all time." The pyramid in the middle of the fountain is comprised of four lead bowls that decrease in size from bottom to top. The three-year construction of the Pyramid Fountain also included the sculpting of tritons, dolphins, and crayfish.
Tour stop audio transcript
Sculptor Francois Girardon based his design of the Pyramid Fountain at Versailles on a drawing by the French painter and art theorist, Charles Le Brun; Louis XIV called Le Brun "the greatest French artist of all time." The pyramid in the middle of the fountain is comprised of four lead bowls that decrease in size from bottom to top. The three-year construction of the Pyramid Fountain also included the sculpting of tritons, dolphins, and crayfish.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Dragon Fountain tells the story of young Apollo slaying a Python snake by means of an arrow. Dolphins and Cupids riding on swans, and holding bows and arrows, surround the snake. The dragon sends water upwards into the air through its mouth, making this particular fountain one of the most captivating at Versailles. Paths from the Dragon Fountain lead to two other Groves, the France Triumphant and the Three Fountains.
Dragon Fountain
Tour stop audio transcript
The Dragon Fountain tells the story of young Apollo slaying a Python snake by means of an arrow. Dolphins and Cupids riding on swans, and holding bows and arrows, surround the snake. The dragon sends water upwards into the air through its mouth, making this particular fountain one of the most captivating at Versailles. Paths from the Dragon Fountain lead to two other Groves, the France Triumphant and the Three Fountains.
Neptune Fountain
Tour stop audio transcript
The Neptune Fountain as it is today took approximately one hundred years to be completed; its sculptural attributes represent Neptune, who is the god of the sea, his wife, dragons, and Cupids. Its original construction was lead by Le Notre, followed by design modifications 60 years later by Jacques-Ange Gabriel, a very prominent French architect. Twenty-two jets stream from the middle of the fountain and twenty-two additional jets emerge from the heavily adorned vases that depict marine animals; these account for nearly 99 water effects for quite a spectacle.
Three Fountains Grove
Tour stop audio transcript
The Three Fountains Grove was designed in 1677 by Le Notre, and was recently restored in 2005. It comprises three terraces, each one featuring a different fountain. The jets of water from the lowest fountain form a fleur-de-lys pattern, and situated above this is a column of water created by a staggering 140 jets. The grove was purposely hidden by an extensive series of trellises; at the time, King Louis the Great had gout and could discreetly approach it while seated in a chair on wheels that was easily pushed up the grassy ramps. Today, visitors can walk up and down these same ramps, while classical music plays in the background.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Three Fountains Grove was designed in 1677 by Le Notre, and was recently restored in 2005. It comprises three terraces, each one featuring a different fountain. The jets of water from the lowest fountain form a fleur-de-lys pattern, and situated above this is a column of water created by a staggering 140 jets. The grove was purposely hidden by an extensive series of trellises; at the time, King Louis the Great had gout and could discreetly approach it while seated in a chair on wheels that was easily pushed up the grassy ramps. Today, visitors can walk up and down these same ramps, while classical music plays in the background.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Three Fountains Grove was designed in 1677 by Le Notre, and was recently restored in 2005. It comprises three terraces, each one featuring a different fountain. The jets of water from the lowest fountain form a fleur-de-lys pattern, and situated above this is a column of water created by a staggering 140 jets. The grove was purposely hidden by an extensive series of trellises; at the time, King Louis the Great had gout and could discreetly approach it while seated in a chair on wheels that was easily pushed up the grassy ramps. Today, visitors can walk up and down these same ramps, while classical music plays in the background.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Three Fountains Grove was designed in 1677 by Le Notre, and was recently restored in 2005. It comprises three terraces, each one featuring a different fountain. The jets of water from the lowest fountain form a fleur-de-lys pattern, and situated above this is a column of water created by a staggering 140 jets. The grove was purposely hidden by an extensive series of trellises; at the time, King Louis the Great had gout and could discreetly approach it while seated in a chair on wheels that was easily pushed up the grassy ramps. Today, visitors can walk up and down these same ramps, while classical music plays in the background.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Three Fountains Grove was designed in 1677 by Le Notre, and was recently restored in 2005. It comprises three terraces, each one featuring a different fountain. The jets of water from the lowest fountain form a fleur-de-lys pattern, and situated above this is a column of water created by a staggering 140 jets. The grove was purposely hidden by an extensive series of trellises; at the time, King Louis the Great had gout and could discreetly approach it while seated in a chair on wheels that was easily pushed up the grassy ramps. Today, visitors can walk up and down these same ramps, while classical music plays in the background.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Three Fountains Grove was designed in 1677 by Le Notre, and was recently restored in 2005. It comprises three terraces, each one featuring a different fountain. The jets of water from the lowest fountain form a fleur-de-lys pattern, and situated above this is a column of water created by a staggering 140 jets. The grove was purposely hidden by an extensive series of trellises; at the time, King Louis the Great had gout and could discreetly approach it while seated in a chair on wheels that was easily pushed up the grassy ramps. Today, visitors can walk up and down these same ramps, while classical music plays in the background.
Flora Fountain
Tour stop audio transcript
Wide stairs lead the way to the Obelisk Grove and its landmark feature, the Obelisk fountain. It was designed by French architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who is considered to be one of the most important architects of the 17th century. The Obelisk Grove replaced the old Festive Room in 1704, and is characterized by moulded lead sculptures and many decorative features.
Obelisk Grove
Tour stop audio transcript
Wide stairs lead the way to the Obelisk Grove and its landmark feature, the Obelisk fountain. It was designed by French architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who is considered to be one of the most important architects of the 17th century. The Obelisk Grove replaced the old Festive Room in 1704, and is characterized by moulded lead sculptures and many decorative features.
Enceladus Grove
Tour stop audio transcript
Found within the Encelade Grove is the Encelade Fountain, which was completed in 1677 by Gaspard Marsy. Created from lead, the fountain sculpture shows the fall of the Titans; they attempted to climb Mt. Olympus even though the Roman god Jupiter had prohibited it. Punishment for this defiance and pride resulted in burial under the rocks of Mt. Olympus, seen here in this striking depiction. This is yet another grand work of art in the Versailles Gardens that serves as an allegorical reference to Louis XIV's success in the Fronde, the mid-16th century series of civil wars in France.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Colonnade Grove was originally characterized by thirty-two arches and thirty-one fountains, with a singular stream of water emptying into a basin underneath each arch. In 1704, however, three entrances were added to the Colonnade Grove, which resulted in the removal of three fountains. At the center is a statue depicting the Abduction of Persephone, which was carried out by Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. Additional sculptural features include relief carvings of children between the arcades and arch stones adorned with nymphs.
Colonnade Grove
Tour stop audio transcript
The Colonnade Grove was originally characterized by thirty-two arches and thirty-one fountains, with a singular stream of water emptying into a basin underneath each arch. In 1704, however, three entrances were added to the Colonnade Grove, which resulted in the removal of three fountains. At the center is a statue depicting the Abduction of Persephone, which was carried out by Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. Additional sculptural features include relief carvings of children between the arcades and arch stones adorned with nymphs.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Colonnade Grove was originally characterized by thirty-two arches and thirty-one fountains, with a singular stream of water emptying into a basin underneath each arch. In 1704, however, three entrances were added to the Colonnade Grove, which resulted in the removal of three fountains. At the center is a statue depicting the Abduction of Persephone, which was carried out by Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. Additional sculptural features include relief carvings of children between the arcades and arch stones adorned with nymphs.
Saturne Fountain
Tour stop audio transcript
The Saturn Fountain resides directly across the Royal Pathway from the Flora Fountain; this pathway runs from the Palace to the Apollo Ornamental Lake. The Saturn Fountain forms perfect symmetry with the Flora Fountain in both its location and symbolism: it represents the season of winter while the Flora Fountain represents spring. The Roman god Saturn is seen perched on a throne in the center of the fountain, with cupids surrounding him on a shellfish-adorned island.
Mirror Fountain
Tour stop audio transcript
Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1702, the Mirror Fountain faces the King's Garden and is characterized by two sculpted dragons framing a large pool. The fountain was formerly located at one end of Cupid's Island, where small warship models were tested. Today, it leads to three separate paths and four statues, one of which is the sun god Apollo. The fountains here are included in the Fountains Show, which features "choreography" of water jets programmed to the sound of music.
Tour stop audio transcript
Contrary to the name, the Ballroom is an open-air space also called the Rocaille Grove. Water cascades over millstones and seashells that hail from several African countries. The Ballroom was designed and created by Andre Le Notre over a period of several years in the early 1680's. A marble island situated in the center was often used as a venue for dancing, at which Louis XIV was particularly skilled. Musicians typically played instruments while standing above the cascade, and the grassy "steps" were utilized as amphitheater style seats.
Ballroom
Tour stop audio transcript
Contrary to the name, the Ballroom is an open-air space also called the Rocaille Grove. Water cascades over millstones and seashells that hail from several African countries. The Ballroom was designed and created by Andre Le Notre over a period of several years in the early 1680's. A marble island situated in the center was often used as a venue for dancing, at which Louis XIV was particularly skilled. Musicians typically played instruments while standing above the cascade, and the grassy "steps" were utilized as amphitheater style seats.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Orangerie is a long gallery flanked by two additional galleries, located outside in the lower part of the palace, under the Parterre due Midi. It was created in the late 1600's before the palace existed. The Orangerie contains more than 1,000 trees, including orange, lemon, and pomegranate varieties, as well as a large circular pool with fountain. Oranges were introduced to Europeans not long before the Orangerie was designed; they were the fashionable citrus fruit of the nobility and particular numbers of them were given to dignitaries based on status.
Orangery
Tour stop audio transcript
The Orangerie is a long gallery flanked by two additional galleries, located outside in the lower part of the palace, under the Parterre due Midi. It was created in the late 1600's before the palace existed. The Orangerie contains more than 1,000 trees, including orange, lemon, and pomegranate varieties, as well as a large circular pool with fountain. Oranges were introduced to Europeans not long before the Orangerie was designed; they were the fashionable citrus fruit of the nobility and particular numbers of them were given to dignitaries based on status.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Orangerie is a long gallery flanked by two additional galleries, located outside in the lower part of the palace, under the Parterre due Midi. It was created in the late 1600's before the palace existed. The Orangerie contains more than 1,000 trees, including orange, lemon, and pomegranate varieties, as well as a large circular pool with fountain. Oranges were introduced to Europeans not long before the Orangerie was designed; they were the fashionable citrus fruit of the nobility and particular numbers of them were given to dignitaries based on status.
Tour stop audio transcript
The Orangerie is a long gallery flanked by two additional galleries, located outside in the lower part of the palace, under the Parterre due Midi. It was created in the late 1600's before the palace existed. The Orangerie contains more than 1,000 trees, including orange, lemon, and pomegranate varieties, as well as a large circular pool with fountain. Oranges were introduced to Europeans not long before the Orangerie was designed; they were the fashionable citrus fruit of the nobility and particular numbers of them were given to dignitaries based on status.
