Overview
Le Nôtre levelled marshland and cut a Grand Canal 1.6 kilometres long on the palace’s axis, so that the view west runs to the horizon. Fifty fountains and hundreds of statues punctuate the walks, and the whole layout is designed to be read from the palace’s central windows. Water was always the problem: at their peak the fountains could not all run at once, and attendants whistled ahead to switch them on as the king approached.
Highlights
Entry is free except on Musical Fountains days, which are the days to come — the fountains only run on schedule. Rent a bike or a rowing boat for the Grand Canal; the far end is a twenty-five minute walk from the palace. The groves, hidden behind hedges, are opened in rotation and hold the best sculpture.