Nestled just beyond the grandeur of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, hidden worlds of horticultural wonders await. While most visitors marvel at the opulent palace halls and famous gardens, few venture outside the garden’s walls to discover the more intimate King’s Kitchen Garden, the enchanting Museum of Trees, or the fragrant Courtyard of Scents.
These quiet corners of Versailles offer a glimpse into the royal obsession with nature, cultivation, and sustainability long before it was fashionable. From the vibrant rows of vegetables that once fed the Sun King’s court, to the towering ancient trees that keep secrets of centuries past, and the fragrant Garden de Senteurs, where every breeze carries the essence of rare and aromatic plants, these serene escapes are a must-see for those who crave a different type of majestic grandeur.
Join me as we delve into the rich history and verdant beauty of these lesser-known gardens of Versailles.
The Best Versailles Gardens to Visit
The King’s Kitchen Garden: From the Garden to the King’s Table
Le Potager du Roi, originally created for King Louis XIV, is now open to the public and continues to flourish just as it did centuries ago. Spanning 22 acres (slightly larger today due to the addition of the asparagus patch, clos aux asperges), the garden lies to the left (south) of the Château de Versailles.
If you’re walking from the train station (Versailles Chateau – Rive Gauche) toward the Château, turn left onto the pedestrian street, Rue de Satory, where you’ll find charming restaurants, boutiques, and bars. When you reach Rue de l’Orangerie, the King’s Kitchen Garden is on your right, with the majestic cathedral of St. Louis on your left.
A Garden for the King
Le Potager du Roi was established in 1670 by Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie, who had once been a lawyer before discovering his passion for horticulture during travels to Italy. King Louis XIV appointed him Director of the Royal Vegetable and Fruit Garden, and from 1678 to 1683, La Quintinie transformed swampy land into the royal kitchen garden. His statue still proudly surveys this Versailles garden’s grounds.
The Garden Today
Visiting this garden is one of the best things to do in Versailles. Le Potager du Roi continues to produce over 30 tons of fruit and 20 tons of vegetables annually. They still prune more than 60 forms of fruit trees using the historical pruning methods!
With over 400 varieties of fruit trees and 300-400 varieties of vegetables, the garden preserves both its rich history and a diverse array of produce. While not 100% organic, certain areas of the garden have adopted organic practices for over six years as part of an ongoing effort to incorporate organic methods throughout the gardens.
Designated as a UNESCO historic monument, the garden still supplies fruits and vegetables as it did during Louis XIV’s reign, contributing to the grand feasts that made his court famous.
From Swamp to Garden
Le Potager du Roi was transformed into one of the most beautiful gardens of Versailles. La Quintinie overcame the challenge of converting marshland into a kitchen garden by installing an underground aqueduct, rubble drains, and raised beds.
A Stunning Design
Le Potager du Roi is not just functional; it’s a masterpiece of garden design. The espaliered fruit trees, trained against the walls, absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night to protect the crops. The walls also provide shade, helping regulate this garden’s microclimate.
Ten full-time dedicated gardeners, assisted by seasonal workers, keep this living piece of history thriving. The garden also offers classes and tours, with guided visits available on weekends at 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Check their website for details.
Don’t Miss the Fresh Produce
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the fruits and vegetables harvested from the garden are available to purchase at a small shop near the entrance. The shop opens at 10 a.m., and the best produce is usually gone by lunchtime, so arrive early!
Plan Your Visit to the King’s Kitchen Garden
- Le Potager du Roi
www.potager-du-roi.fr
+33 (0)1 39 24 62 62
April through October (closed on May 1st)
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (also at 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays)
Admission: €4.50, free for children under 12
The Museum of Trees: A Leafy Oasis
Nestled in the expansive estate of Versailles lies the Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup, a hidden gem for nature lovers and botanical enthusiasts alike. This 200-hectare “Museum of Trees” is exactly that — a stunning collection of over 2,500 tree species from around the globe.
In company with Paris’ Museum of Natural History (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle), this living museum showcases trees grouped by geographic origin, allowing visitors to experience the plant life of various continents without ever leaving France!
You can explore the arboretum either on foot or by bike. As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter towering oaks, vibrant rhododendrons, magnificent sequoias, and even quirky cultivars—species that don’t exist in the wild but have been carefully bred by humans.
The tree museum’s park also serves as a sanctuary for local wildlife– cementing its legacy as one of the best Versailles gardens. You’ll find various species of birds and maybe even some foxes, hedgehogs, and deer in the forests.
Discover Exotic Plants
For those seeking an extra-special experience, the arboretum’s greenhouses, which span over 6,000 square meters, house a collection of tropical and Mediterranean species such as orchids, fuchsias, and pelargoniums. These greenhouses are primarily used for conservation and research, and they open their doors to the public during special events, offering a rare glimpse of the plant world’s hidden wonders.
With its exceptional variety of flora and tranquil setting, the Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy nature’s beauty and diversity just outside Paris. Whether you’re a casual stroller or a passionate botanist, this tree museum promises a day of discovery, serenity, and inspiration.
Take a look for yourself below.
Plan Your Visit to the Museum of Trees
- Arboretum de Versailles-Chevreloup
www.arboretumdeversailleschevreloup.fr
+33 (0)1 39 55 53 80
April through November
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays in low season and on May 1st.
Guided tours available on request
Admission: Full price: €7, Reduced price: €5, Free for children under 3
The Courtyard of Scents: Delight Your Senses
When it comes to the best Versailles gardens, the Cour des Senteurs, or Courtyard of Scents, is a stellar spot offering a unique sensory experience for visitors. Located just a short distance from the Palace of Versailles, this charming garden and shopping area pays homage to the art of French perfumery, a craft that has been deeply intertwined with the history of Versailles since the time of Louis XIV.
Opened in 2013, the Cour des Senteurs was designed to highlight the influence of Versailles on the world of perfume. During the reign of Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” perfumes became an integral part of the court’s daily life, with Versailles setting trends in fragrances that influenced Europe. The garden is a celebration of this cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience in the world of scents. “The Maison des Parfums” has been replaced by charming boutiques and cafes.
The Garden Itself
The Cour des Senteurs features a beautifully landscaped garden designed to stimulate the senses. It showcases a variety of fragrant plants and flowers, like roses, lavender, jasmine, and aromatic herbs, reflecting the types of ingredients that have been used for centuries in the production of perfumes. The garden’s design invites visitors to take a peaceful, sensory stroll, enjoying the fragrances that change with the seasons.
Boutiques
Around the small garden, you’ll be able to purchase prestigious perfumes in the local boutiques. These are wonderful souvenirs to take home. Notable names include:
- Guerlain: One of the most iconic French perfume houses, showcasing their creations inspired by Versailles.
- Diptyque: Known for their luxury candles and fragrances, offering a variety of products rooted in the world of scents.
Architecture
The courtyard itself is designed in a clean and elegant style, with a subtle nod to the classical architecture of Versailles. It’s a blend of modern landscaping with historical charm, providing a tranquil spot away from the crowds of the palace.
Visiting the Cour des Senteurs gives you a different perspective of Versailles, where you can indulge in the sensory experiences of fragrance, beauty, and a little piece of history often overshadowed by the typical tourist routes.
Plan Your Visit to the Courtyard of Scents
La Cour des Senteurs (The Courtyard of Scents)
www.versailles-tourisme.com
+33 (0)1 39 24 88 88
April through October (best time to go is in the Springtime, when the flowers are in bloom)
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed on May 1st.
Admission: Free entry
Explore the garden and discover iconic perfumes, the history of French fragrance, and sensory experiences.
