Even before we lose ourselves in the perfectly symmetrical paths of Versailles or contemplate the plant embroidery of Vaux-le-Vicomte, one name stands out: André Le Nôtre. Today, we follow in his footsteps through the majestic gardens of theÎle-de-France region, as we follow the thread of a geometrical thought that has become poetry. To follow in his footsteps is to rediscover the way in which a Parisian gardener's son became the architect of Louis XIV's plant dream, imposing a style that still shines throughout the world.
It all began in Paris, where he was born in 1613 into a family in the service of kings. From an early age, he learned to wield the compass as well as the spade. He frequented the workshops of the greatest artists of his time, honing his eye and hand, before revealing his genius at Vaux-le-Vicomte. This creation, alongside Le Vau and Le Brun, fascinated the king... and changed the gardener's destiny. Le Nôtre entered the service of Louis XIV, and from then on, the garden became a tool of power, a total work of art conceived on a landscape scale.
His masterpiece? Versailles, of course, which he shaped for over twenty years. But he didn't stop there. Everywhere in the Paris region, he left his mark: Tuileries, Sceaux, Saint-Cloud, Meudon, and even theroyal axis of the Champs-Élysées, nothing escaped his mastery. It's a vision: that of a garden that obeys reason, ordered, symmetrical, open to infinity. This is the French garden.
Through these walks, we rediscover an era when designing a garden meant telling the world. We take you along the paths laid out by Le Nôtre, from Paris to the surrounding area, in search of his living, lush and luminous legacy.
The Domaine de Saint Cloud, a huge park with many fountains near Paris
The Domaine de Saint-Cloud is the magnificent park of the now-defunct Château de Saint-Cloud. Even today, this magical place remains synonymous with festivities in the daily lives of local residents and Paris lovers alike. This historic 460-hectare park, classified as a Remarkable Garden, offers a variety of events throughout the year. [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
The Museum of National Archaeology - Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, high up in the Yvelines, was one of the royal residences of François I. Today, it houses the national archaeology museum. Today, it houses the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, with over 29,000 objects on display! [Read more]
The Château de Vaux le Vicomte and its gardens, a fabulous estate in Seine-et-Marne
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 50 km from Paris, is one of the jewels of the Île-de-France region: its beauty even inspired the Château de Versailles. Come and visit this French heritage treasure, and its gardens, which offer great walks and activities for children. [Read more]
Domaine national de Meudon (92): a royal walk through history, nature and curiosities
Just a stone's throw from Paris, the Château de Meudon estate offers a wonderful escape between royal remains, French parkland and a museum of art and history. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a Sunday stroller or just curious about the stars, this site perched on the heights of the Hauts-de-Seine region is full of surprises. A timeless stroll, between grand perspectives, hidden secrets and breathtaking views of the capital. [Read more]
The Parc du Domaine de Sceaux and its Château: history and programming
In the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, the Parc du Domaine de Sceaux is a must-see. This gigantic green setting, dominated by its château, attracts nature lovers and history buffs alike. [Read more]
The Tuileries Gardens, the ideal place in Paris to go green
The Tuileries Gardens are a must-see in Paris! This 23-hectare green space runs alongside the Rue de Rivoli and the Seine, linking the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Classified as a historic monument in 1914, it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. It features magnificent historical statues, accompanied by works of art. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From July 22, 2025 to December 31, 2028
