Les jardins de Versailles

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In 1990, a vast restoration project was initiated for the park at Versailles, which aimed at restoring the gardens to their original layout. This newly revised and updated book celebrates the event and presents a detailed history of the gardens, from the hunting estate acquired by Louis XIII to the park of today, where floods of visitors are drawn by the unique and sumptuous era of the legendary Sun King. The age of Louis XV saw the Trianon become one of the favourite haunts of the Court, and the reign of Louis XVI saw its surroundings transformed into one of the most extraordinary jardin anglais produced in France during the 18th century. Throughout the 19th century, the gardens were maintained, restored and replanted, and today they are being further restored to reflect the most significant contributions made by each of the preceding periods. This new edition of the book first published in 1995 shows the evolution of the restoration work and the results of the first re-plantings 20 years ago. New illustrations and specially commissioned photography contrast with the plans, drawings, paintings and engravings of the era, resulting in a fascinating comparison of then and now. Each is accompanied by a short explanation that encourages the reader to relive the centuries that reflect the gardens.