Located in the west of the Palace of Versailles, gardens with an area of 800 hectares, were built by Andre Le Notre. In addition carefully tended lawns, the flower beds, and sculptures is another factor that contributed to the uniqueness of Versailles Garden but also the fountains built since the time of Lois XIV. In 1979 together with the Palace of Versailles the Gardens were included in the UNESCO World Heritage. The Gardens receive approximately 6 million of annual visitor, being one of the most visited tourist attractions in France.
The best approach to a visit is made following the sides of the castle or the cardinal points. In the east there is a terrace formed by basins of water which seems to extend in front of the castle. This part of the garden was changed several times before receiving final form in 1685. A part of sculpture went to Charles Le Brun as each pool was decorated with 4 statues symbolizing rivers and rivers of France. Besides these statues were added 4 nymphs. Staircase leading to the Latonia basin is framed by 6 statues, Day, Evening, air, sun, water and spring.
The Gardens centered in the south of the palace can be seen perfectly from the huge terrace. At the
foot of the terrace stretches a huge fountain called Latonia fountain, whose construction was inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphosis. A central statue embodies the Latonia and her children and was initially placed facing the palace, now geared towards the Grand Canal. The basin is surrounded by 6 urchin exit at the half of the water and another 24 placed on the platform on the lawn. Steps leading to the royal Alley is flanked by 18 statues, each 9 on each side. Called green carpet of grass strips in the middle because it is 335m long and 40m wide. At the end of royal alley is the basin of Apollo and its clear lead plated statue. The statue was made by Tuby between 1668 and 1670 by Le Brun’s sketches.
Gardens themselves, meaning plenty of greenery and different species of plants are in the north. And this theme is found throughout the basin water dragon whose water jet reaches 27m high and the basin of Neptune. The latter was astonishing by the 89 water effects achieved with the hydraulic system. All four statues are grouped, as are highlighted four seasons, four continents, four temperaments etc.. There is a central alley flanked by a large shrubbery. Near it is situated the Grotto of Tethys and a pyramid which is the equivalent of Latonia Basin. The Pyramid was made by Girardon after a drawing of Le Brun, and its construction lasted 3-4 years. It is made of marble floors supported by Triton and dolphins in the lead. An interesting place is the so-called bath of nymphs. It is decorated with bas-reliefs made by Girardon, Le Hongre and Le Gros .