The Gardens of Versailles are one of the most iconic landscapes in the world! Enjoy its grand parterres, sculpted groves, towering fountains, and spectacular water shows. Whether you’re planning your day, checking the fountain schedule, or mapping out the best walking routes, this guide gives you practical tips, ticket info, and the best times to visit so you can make the most of your Versailles experience.
History & design of the gardens
Louis XIII first created a small garden, but Louis XIV ordered a total transformation. The Gardens of Versailles are the first example of the jardin à la française (French formal garden). The gardens cover 800 hectares in symmetry and geometric patterns, 55 fountains, and 400+ statues. There is even a 5.57 km-long Grand Canal in the garden for boating in the summer.
Fun Fact: With over 400 statues, it’s the world’s largest open-air sculpture museum.
Tickets
Versailles Gardens Highlights
1) South Parterre
You’ll enter the garden through the South Parterre.
2) Orangery garden
This garden has over 1.200 boxes of oranges, lemons, pomegranates, and oleander trees during the summer.
3) Water Garden
The water garden has several statues that represent the rivers in France.
4) Latona’s Fountain and Parterre
Walk down to Latona’s Fountain, one of the gems of the Gardens of Versailles.
5) Mirror pool
The Mirror pool is built on 3 levels and is framed by 2 dragons.
6) King’s Garden
This garden has busts of Kings but the garden is pretty regular.
7) Collonade Grove
This grove is made out of marble.
8) Apollo’s Fountain
The fountain is inspired by the legend of the Sun God, with whom Louis XIV identified himself.
9) Grand Canal
The royal family took boat rides on this canal to enjoy their summer day.
Versailles fountain shows
Musical Gardens at Versailles feature classical music played throughout the gardens, with fountains generally inactive to focus more on nature.
Fountain Shows (Grandes Eaux) operate almost all fountains in synchronization with baroque music.
The fountains at the Gardens of Versailles generally run from April 1 to October 31, with the main Musical Fountain Shows occurring on weekends, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM to 7 PM.
The night fountains show runs on Saturdays from June to October (8.30 PM to 11 PM)
Specific fountains like the Mirror Basin run throughout the day (10 AM – 12 PM and 2.30 PM – 4 PM). The Neptune Basin operates at specific times until 5.45 PM.
Tickets
Access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountain shows and musical gardens.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Versailles
When are the fountains running at the Gardens of Versailles?
The fountains at the Gardens of Versailles generally run from April 1 to October 31, with the main Musical Fountain Shows occurring on weekends, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM to 7 PM.
How far is Versailles from Paris?
It’s a 40-minute train ride from Paris to Versailles. It’s a 15-minute walk to the palace from the station. Don’t buy your tickets there, but buy them online to skip 1 of the 2 waiting lines (the second one is to enter the building and go to security, no way of skipping this line).
Can I visit Versailles Gardens for free?
Access to the Gardens is free except on days of fountain shows and musical gardens.
What is the difference between Musical Gardens & Fountain Shows?
Musical Gardens at Versailles feature classical music played throughout the gardens, with fountains generally inactive to focus more on nature. Fountain Shows (Grandes Eaux) operate almost all fountains in synchronization with baroque music.
How long should I spend in Versailles?
A full day is recommended to experience the highlights of Versailles, including the Palace (2hrs), extensive Gardens (2hrs), and the Trianon Estate (2hrs).
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De tuinen van Versailles zijn zo mooi! Ik zou graag nog eens terug gaan in de zomer als alles in bloei is 🙂
Inderdaad!