Orangery of the Palace of Versailles: History, Description, Tickets

I welcome you to the enchanting world of theOrangery of the Palace of Versailles, one of the most brilliant gems of the majestic gardens surrounding the famous French palace. In this article we will explore together the history of this extraordinary structure, discovering its unique architectural features and revealing the most fascinating curiosities surrounding it.

I will take you on a journey through the centuries, from its founding back in 1663 to the present day, examining the crucial role the Orangery has played in Europe’s cultural and horticultural landscape.

You will discover how this elegant structure has not only provided a haven for the rarest exotic plants, but has also housed important works of art and entertained royalty and dignitaries from around the world.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Orangery of Versailles and appreciate its extraordinary historical and artistic legacy. Already ready? Then let’s get going!

ALT! Before you discover all the secrets of the Orangery of Versailles, let me share with you an unmissable opportunity: by purchasing your tickets online, you can avoid long lines at the ticket offices and save precious time. Don’t miss your chance for an exclusive and unforgettable experience: book your tickets now and get ready to discover the enchantment of the Orangery of Versailles!

Orangerie Versailles: history and description

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The Orangery of Versailles is one of the most fascinating and historic structures on the estate of the Palace of Versailles.

Its history is rooted in the 17th century, when it was commissioned by Louis XIV to house a large collection of exotic plants and citrus trees during the winter months. Its original construction dates back to 1663, when it was completed under the supervision of architect Louis Le Vau.

However, it was not until the following years, under the leadership of renowned architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, that the Orangery underwent a major expansion and renovation. Expansion work began in 1678 and was completed in 1688, doubling the size of the original structure. This expansion included the addition of three side galleries under the “Escaliers des Cent Marches” and the enrichment of the Parterre Bas with an extensive collection of exotic plants.

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The main feature of the Orangery is its central gallery, 155 meters long and 13 meters high, facing south to maximize thewarming effect of the sun. The thick walls, which reach a thickness of 4-5 meters, together with double-glazed windows, create an ideal environment to protect exotic plants from the winter cold without the use of artificial heating.

The Parterre Bas is surrounded by a balustrade that overlooks Saint-Cyr-l’École and separates the Orangerie from the Pièce d’eau des Suisses (the Swiss Water Mirror). This parterre features a large circular pool with a water jet in the center, surrounded by formal lawns and plant sculptures characteristic oftopiary art. During the spring and summer months, exotic plants are displayed outdoors, further enriching the atmosphere of the magnificent gardens of Versailles.

In addition, the Orangery is also renowned for its works of art and statues. Among the most famous is the equestrian statue of Louis XIV by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which was later transformed to represent the Roman hero Marcus Curtius.

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Interesting facts about the Orangery of Versailles

The Orangery of Versailles is steeped in charm and mystery, and it holds within it a number of curiosities that further enrich its history and atmosphere. Let us discover together some of the most fascinating secrets related to this extraordinary structure:

The transformation of the equestrian statue of Louis XIV

One of the most interesting curiosities concerns the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, originally made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The king, curiously dissatisfied with the result, first relegated the work to a remote corner of the gardens, then ordered the artist François Girardon to transform the statue so that it represented the Roman hero Marcus Curtius.

Louis XIV’s love of citrus fruits

It is said that Louis XIV developed a special love for citrus trees, preferring them to flowers because of an allergy he developed in old age.

To perfume the air of his magnificent palace at Versailles, he had citrus trees planted in solid silver tubs, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the environment.

The orange grove at Vaux-le-Vicomte

After the condemnation of Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet in 1664, more than 1,000 orange trees from the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (commissioned by him) were transferred to the Orangery of Versailles.

This transfer helped enrich the facility’s collection of exotic plants and underscored the king’s power and authority.

How to visit the Orangery of Versailles

If you are ready to immerse yourself in the enchanted atmosphere of the Orangery at the Palace of Versailles, here is everything you need to know to plan your visit optimally:

Buy tickets

First, be sure to purchase your tickets for access to the gardens of Versailles, which also include admission to the Orangery.

Consider that on days with no special events, entry to the Gardens is generally free.

You can choose to purchase tickets conveniently and securely directly online. To avoid long lines, I recommend opting for skip-the-line tickets, which will grant you priority access without unnecessary waiting.

Here is our selection of tickets that might be right for you:

Opening Hours

Check the opening hours of the Orangery and Gardens of Versailles before planning your visit.

The Orangery is generally open during the same hours as the gardens, but there may be seasonal or special event variations. Be sure to check our website for up-to-date information on opening hours:

• In high season (April 1 to October 31): Daily from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m
• In low season (November 1 to March 31): Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m

Guided tours

To deepen your knowledge of the Orangery and the gardens of Versailles, you might consider joining a guided tour.

Many tour agencies offer specialized tours that include a visit to the Orangery and provide interesting commentary and historical information about the facility and its surroundings.

Here is our selection of the most promising tours:

By following these simple tips, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable experience visiting the Orangery at the Palace of Versailles.

Orangery of the Gardens of Versailles: frequently asked questions

Conclusions

Here we are at the end of our journey through the enchanting Orangery of the Palace of Versailles. During our journey, we explored the history of this extraordinary structure, admired its unique architectural features and discovered the most fascinating curiosities surrounding it.

In the section on the history and description of the Orangery, we explored the structure’s origins, historical significance, and architectural features, while in the section on curiosities , we revealed fascinating secrets and anecdotes related to life inside this majestic estate.

In the next part, I have provided you with valuable information on how to visit the Orangery, from tips onpurchasing tickets to guided tour options, ensuring an optimal and stress-free visiting experience.

Finally, we concluded our journey by answering frequently asked questions.

If you have any questions or curiosity about the Orangery of the Palace of Versailles, please feel free to leave a comment below.

On the other hand, if you are ready to visit this beautiful corner of the Palace Gardens, don’t miss the opportunity to book your skip-the-line tickets in advance so you can avoid long waits and ensure a stress-free visit!