No trip to Paris is complete without a tour of the palace at Versailles, the French seat of beauty, decadence, ambition and artistry. The famed chateau was constructed and expanded under the reign of Louis XIV, who wished to employ the greatest architects, designers and artists of the time to create a palace worthy of a godly king.
Visit Château de Versailles on a Saturday or Sunday in warm weather (April through October) to see Les Grandes Eaux Musicales—the Musical Fountains Show. This unforgettable spectacle has each of the over 2400 fountains and waterworks throughout the palace grounds on and flowing to the rhythm of music. You can watch the jets of water rise and fall to the tune of Baroque operas and overtures, and marvel at the fact that 400-year-old engineering is still responsible for the playful movements of the water.
There are several paths to take through the gardens while you experience Les Grandes Eaux Musicales, but each one will give you spectacular views and the opportunity to find beautiful hidden corners throughout the grounds. You will not want to miss some of Versailles’s most famous fountains during this exhibition:
The Dragon fountain retells the story of Apollo slaying the Python snake, and it features a water jet that rises over 80 feet into the air.
The Latona Fountain was inspired by a story from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. This fountain illustrates the story of Leto, Apollo’s mother, shielding Apollo and his sister Artemis from the Lycian peasants who were slinging mud at them. Zeus intervened, turning the peasants into frogs. Count the frogs that surround the godly group on the central dais.
The Apollo Fountain completes the water storytelling of the god of the Sun (who was an important symbol for the Sun King). This fountain existed as the Swans Fountain under Louis XIII, and Louis XIV added the statuary of Apollo in his chariot to the impressive structure.
The Neptune Fountain was actually completed by Louis XIV’s son, Louis XV. This fountain features statues of Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, but its biggest claim to fame is the 99 different water effects that play over the sculptures. The combination of the water play and music during Les Grandes Eaux Musicales make the Neptune Fountain a crowd favorite.
Though Versailles is located outside of the city of Paris—Louis XIV wanted to separate his court from the hoi polloi—it is easily reached via train or car and is well worth the ride. When you plan your Parisian vacation, make Versailles and Les Grandes Eaux Musicales an important part of your visit. Not sure where to stay? Let New York Habitat be your host. You will live like a king in any one of their Paris vacation rentals or apartments. Start your search with one of these apartments:
This airy 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Trocadéro – Auteuil – Passy – Paris (PA-3956) features enormous windows, gorgeous hardwood floors, and a decadent bathroom that will make you feel like royalty.
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What is your favorite royal indulgence?
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