Do I need separate tickets for visiting the gardens and fountains of Versailles?

Yes, tickets for the Palace and the Gardens are separate. Standard admission tickets do not include access to the gardens and fountains. However, with the <jumplink title="Passport ticket" targetBlockId="6a70d70aa057c0177ff5ac12" id="Msz0Twk6" />, you will be able to visit the entire estate, including the palace, the gardens, and the fountain shows.

What is the Versailles Passport ticket?

The <experience type="Popup" tgid="7654" title="Versailles Passport ticket" id="44agckIT" /> is a ticket variant that gives you access to all of the estate. With the Versailles Passport, you will be able to visit the Palace with audioguide, the estate of Trianon, temporary exhibitions, the Gardens and the Park, the Musical Fountains Shows or the Musical Gardens and the Coach Gallery.

Can I have a picnic in the palace gardens?

Yes, picnics are permitted only in the designated area near the Water Walk, located in the Marmousets Hall. This area also provides convenient restroom facilities.

Is there a map or guide available for navigating the palace gardens?

Yes, you can refer to the <link linkType="custom" newTab="false" url="https://bienvenue.chateauversailles.fr/en/accueil" id="VRxlODtQ" shortCodeType="link" text="interactive guide" /> "Bienvenue" to help you explore the palace and estate at your own pace.

Do I need to buy a separate ticket just for the Orangery?

No. There is no independent ticket available for the Orangery. It is visited as part of the broader estate grounds.

Can you walk inside the actual Orangery building?

No. The interior vaulted galleries are closed to the general public to protect the overwintering trees, opening only for special events.

When are the orange trees placed outside in the gardens?

The historic citrus trees are rolled out into the parterre from mid-May through mid-October, depending on current weather conditions.

Spanning over 800 hectares, the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles are among the world's finest examples of French formal landscaping. Designed by André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV, the estate combines geometric avenues, ornamental fountains, sculpted groves, and tranquil lakes with architectural masterpieces like the Versailles Orangery. Whether you're visiting during the Musical Fountain Shows or wandering the gardens at your own pace, this guide covers the highlights, the Orangery, ticket options, and practical tips for planning your visit.

Quick Overview

Designed by André Le Nôtre beginning in 1661
Home to more than 50 fountains, ornamental groves, and sculptures
The Orangery sits below the South Parterre and was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart
Most gardens are open daily; some areas require paid access during Fountain and Musical Garden Show days
Accessible with Palace Passport ticket and selected guided tours
Allow 2–4 hours to comfortably explore the gardens

Louvre Museum with gardens and flowers in Paris.

Highlights of the Versailles Gardens

André Le Nôtre's masterpiece

Commissioned by Louis XIV, André Le Nôtre transformed the palace grounds into a masterpiece of symmetry, perspective, and geometric design. The gardens were carefully planned to extend the grandeur of the palace into the landscape.

The King's Garden (Jardin du Roi)

Originally reserved for Louis XIV, this intimate garden offered the king a quieter retreat away from the formal avenues. Its secluded setting contrasts beautifully with the scale of the surrounding gardens.

Water Theater Grove

Located on the western side of the gardens, this area combines sculptural pools with modern artistic installations inspired by the historic Water Theater.

The Orangery

Situated beneath the South Parterre, the Orangery protected thousands of citrus trees during winter. Today, visitors admire its monumental staircases, elegant architecture, and seasonal displays while overlooking one of Versailles' most impressive garden spaces.

Must-see fountains in the Gardens

The Four Seasons fountains

The monumental Four Fountains, dedicated to the seasons, mark the entrance to the Royal Way. The Spring and Summer Fountains grace the northern side of the alleys, while Autumn and Winter adorn the south.

Fountains of the Fight of the Animals

The fountain demonstrates a fight between animals. A lion is shown defeating a wolf and wild boar, a tiger defeating a bear and a bloodhound bringing down a stag. Water jets sprout out of the animal's mouths, with the jet of the victorious animal falling into the upper basin and the jet of the victim falls into the lower basin.

Dragon fountain

A majestic piece of art, the Dragon Fountain represents an episode from the legend of Apollo, where young Apollo shot and killed a serpent Python with an arrow. This is the tallest fountain in the Gardens of Versailles, with the main water jet reaching a height of 27 meters.

Neptune fountain

Made between 1679 and 1682, the construction of the Neptune Fountain was overseen by André le Nôtre and officially opened by Louis XV. Admired for its size, the fountain is also an extraordinary hydraulic system featuring 99 jets.

Latona's fountain

Illustrating the story of Apollo's mother Latona, the fountain depicts her protecting her children from the insults of peasants and pleading with the gods to avenge her. The gods oblige and turn the peasants into frogs and lizards. The fountain features figures of peasants in mid-transformation with 24 frogs surrounding the fountain.

Apollo's fountain

Built between 1668 and 1670, the fountain is based on the legend of Apollo, the sun god. Designed by Charles Le Brun, It features Apollo rising from the sea on a four-horse chariot, surrounded by tritons and leaping dolphins.

Discover the Versailles Orangery

Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the Orangery was designed to shelter the palace's prized citrus collection during the colder months. Hidden below the South Parterre, its grand stone staircases, vaulted galleries, and elegant proportions make it one of the finest architectural features within the gardens. During warmer months, many of the orange and citrus trees are displayed outdoors, while the surrounding lawns provide some of the estate's most picturesque views.

Plan your visit to the Gardens & Orangery

Best time to visit

Visit early in the morning for quieter pathways or during the Musical Fountain Shows to experience the gardens at their liveliest.

How long to spend

Set aside at least 2–3 hours to see the major fountains and gardens. Visitors exploring the Orangery, groves, and Grand Canal should allow closer to 4 hours.

Suggested route

Palace → South Parterre → Orangery → Swiss Guard Lake → Apollo Fountain → Grand Canal → Neptune Fountain

Crowd tips

Weekends and Fountain Show days are the busiest. Arriving early provides the best opportunity for photography and a more peaceful visit.

If you're short on time

Prioritize the South Parterre, Orangery, Latona Fountain, Apollo Fountain, and the Grand Canal for a rewarding visit.

Discover opening hours, Musical Fountain Show schedules, the best entrances, and practical visitor tips before you go.

Best tickets for the Gardens & Orangery

Ticket	Best for
Palace Passport	Access to the palace, gardens, park, and Orangery
Palace Guided Tour	Expert insights plus access to the gardens after your tour
Gardens -only Ticket	Ideal during Fountain or Musical Garden Show days

Why visit the Orangery?

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Monumental architecture

Its sweeping staircases and classical design are among Jules Hardouin-Mansart's finest works at Versailles.

Seasonal citrus collection

Originally created to protect thousands of orange trees, the Orangery continues this historic tradition.

Panoramic viewpoints

The South Parterre and Orangery terraces provide some of the best perspectives of the palace gardens.

Peaceful atmosphere

Compared with the busiest parts of the estate, the Orangery offers a quieter setting to appreciate Versailles' landscape design.

History of the Gardens & Orangery

Statue in front of the Palace of Versailles with reflecting pool and building facade.

1661 – André Le Nôtre begins designing the formal gardens for Louis XIV.

Late 17th century – Jules Hardouin-Mansart constructs the Orangery beneath the South Parterre.

17th–18th centuries – Additional fountains, groves, and sculptures expand the gardens into one of Europe's greatest royal landscapes.

Today – The gardens remain one of Versailles' most visited attractions, hosting the Musical Fountain Shows while the Orangery continues to preserve its historic character.

Know before you go

The Orangery is located beneath the South Parterre and is reached via the grand staircases.
Access to the gardens is included with many Palace tickets, though Fountain and Musical Garden Show days may require specific admission.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the estate covers a large area.
Photography is permitted throughout most outdoor areas.
Allow extra time if visiting the Grand Canal or attending seasonal fountain performances.