Les Grandes Eaux Musicales de Versailles

Waterfalls and cascades, gushing fountains, canals, pools, grottoes and lily ponds, miroirs d'eau calmly reflecting the light: the water displays at Versailles are as varied as the secrets of its groves. They express the genius of the landscape architect Le Nôtre, who wanted water features and sculptures to decorate and animate the gardens he designed. For thirty years, Versailles and its gardens were expressions of the king's power and of his tastes. Louis would go out walking in the park each day, building up his dream, and even before the palace was furnished, the layout of the walks and groves was a constant priority. At Versailles we find Apollo, the sun god, riding his chariot amidst the spray, Neptune, the god of water and the sea, unleashing a storm, Enceladus punished for challenging Jupiter, the king of the gods...ancient mythology is used to express the greatness of Louis XIV. And the visitor today has the extraordinary experience of following an itinerary, punctuated by 'wa