Palace of Versailles Gardens - France - Gardens, Parks, Squares and Open Spaces Presented by PlantsGalore.Com

The Palace of Versailles located southwest of the City of Paris was created by French King Louis XIII. The massive residence which contains the famous Hall of Mirrors, was the last palace to be inhabited by French Kings. Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, lived their before the uprising of the people during the French Revolution. Formal gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre may be viewed from within the palace and the view stretches into the distance along straight lined pools. Magnificent water fountains provide a wonderful display on special occasions. We also visited the Grand and Petite Trianon, two small castles constructed on the grounds after the original palace was completed.

Boy, those French Kings really knew how to live! Unfortunately for them anyway, their extravagance eventually contributed to a trip to the guillotine. Looking out the back windows of the Palace, the formal, well maintained gardens are a prime example of the type of garden made famous in this part of the world.

If you get a chance, walk out along the canal (where the royals used to play at sea battles) and take a look at the forested area. Many of the huge, ancient trees were knocked over by the hurricane speed winds that swept through in 1989.