Versailles | Andre Le Notre (1619-1700)

___________________________________________________

L’Allée royale, The Royal Walk

The Royal Walk measures 335 meters long and 40 meters wide. L’Allée royale is almost 400 years old and dates from the reign of Louis XIII (1601 – 1643). The architect,  Andre Le Nôtre (1613-1700), expanded The Royal Walk and added twelve statues and vases, placed in symmetrical pairs. Many of the seventeenth century statues are works created by students attending the Academy of France in Rome. 

From both sides, walkway paths allow access to groves and separate garden rooms designed by Le Nortre, adding to the magnificence. 

You might also enjoy Green Orangerie Planter Boxes

The Saturn fountain, above, is in perfect symmetry with the Flora fountain. The Saturn fountain is located in the south end of the gardens and was sculpted by Francois Girardon. Saturn is surrounded by small cupids on an island sprinkled with shellfish. The Roman God, Saturn symbolizes the season of winter.

The Hall of Mirrors looks out over the gardens.

References.                                                          

Andre Le Nôtre in perspective
Edited by Patricia Bouchenot-Dechin and Georges Farhat,  Editions Hazan, 2013

440 pages; 400 col. ill.

ISBN 9780300199390 (hardcover) 

Grassroots Horticulture

2021

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________