Jardin du Roi (King's Garden), Versailles

The King's Garden is a testament to the grandeur of early 19th-century landscape design. Created in 1817 by the architect Dufour under the commission of Louis XVIII, this garden was conceived in an English style, which was a departure from the more formal French garden designs of earlier periods. The layout was intended to evoke a sense of natural beauty and tranquility, featuring a variety of superb plant species that were meticulously arranged to enhance the garden’s aesthetic appeal.

The design of the King's Garden included lush plantings and innovative water features, most notably the Mirror Fountain, which remains a focal point of the garden today. This fountain was originally intended to reflect the surrounding beauty and create a serene, reflective atmosphere. The garden was celebrated for its diverse and elegant plant varieties, which contributed to its reputation as a picturesque and calming retreat.

Unfortunately, much of the garden’s original charm was lost during a severe storm in 1999, which caused significant damage to the vegetation and landscape. Despite this, the garden's layout and the Mirror Fountain have endured, serving as a poignant reminder of the King's Garden's former splendor. The surviving elements offer visitors a glimpse into the garden’s original design and continue to provide a serene space within the historic grounds of Versailles.