I’ve visited Versailles Palace, located in the western suburbs of Paris, a couple of times and it was on the second visit that I finally got to see the famous fountains.
Versailles is one of the biggest tourist attractions in France and the crowds shuffling through the opulent palace towards the famous Hall of Mirrors. Yes the queues outside and the crowds inside are overwhelming but it is still exciting to imagine the decadent lifestyle of the French court and the setting for so many historic events.
The best part of a visit to Versailles, however, is wandering through the magnificent gardens created by Louis XIV in the 17th Century. I fell in love with the gardens of Versailles on my first visit (back in 2000) and was annoyed with myself for not leaving enough time to properly explore the gardens. And the fountains weren’t playing, which was disappointing.
On my second visit to Versailles I headed straight for the gardens but still no waterworks. Nevertheless, I took my time following the multitude of pathways and enjoyed all the clever perspectives of what was the apogee of French Garden style. Landscape architect Andre Le Notre designed the gardens at Versailles based on the principle of imposing order over nature and his work here was to be influential throughout Europe.
I was just wandering through the last parterre towards the exit when suddenly the sound of a rush of water filled my ears. The fountains had started! So I went back and went everywhere again, taking photos of the same fountains again, enjoying the magic of the fountains at Versailles with water!
The water glistening on the bronze bottoms of mythical creatures and the glories of the Fountain de Latone – simply stunning. With the sun slanting through under a brooding sky it was clear beyond doubt that these fountains are meant to be seen with water!
By Natasha von Geldern
Did you mange to time your visit to Versailles with a fountain show?
The fountains of Versailles are activated at weekends from 30 March to 27 October 2013, Tuesdays from 21 May to 25 June 2013 as well as on some additional public holiday dates (Friday 29 March, Wednesday 8 May, Thursdays 9 May and 15 August 2013). The fountains run from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:30 to 5:00 pm (Neptune Fountain from 5:20 to 5:30 pm). On Tuesdays and on 29 March the afternoon show is from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.
Great job capturing the magic of the fountains. I toured Versailles many years ago – I think in 2002 – but I don’t think we went out into the gardens…maybe bad weather? I can’t remember…
These are gorgeous! Great photos! I’ve always wanted to go to Versailles.
I’ve been to Versailles but a very long time ago. Would love to be able to roam the grounds very early (or very late), and also see the fountains. It’s a beautiful (if megalomaniac) palace. Love your fountain detail photos.
I’ve been to Versailles but a long time ago when the fountains probably wouldn’t have interested me. Now with a camera in hand I understand their allure. Great photos.
Beautiful shots of the fountain! I love all the detail and the way that you can see the effects of age. It gives the place so much more authenticity and a real sense of history.
What great photos! Such energy!
Kind of reminds me of the Bellagio in Las Vegas, but certainly much more spectacular because of that’s around it – a definite stop during my next trip to Paris.
Wow! I could never get water pictures to come out half that pretty. Looks stunning. And strangely, in all my trips to Europe/Paris, I’ve never been to Versailles!
I love the pictures of the fountains. They remind a little of Peterhof in St Petersburg.
Thanks for sharing.
The Peterhof fountains are also glorious! Thanks for your comment 🙂