The Versailles Orangerie (French: L′Orangerie du Château de Versailles) was built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart between 1684 and 1686, replacing Le Vaus design from 1663 - that is to say, before work on the palace had even begun. It is an example of many such prestigious extensions of grand gardens in Europe designed both to shelter tender plants and impress visitors. In the winter, the Versailles Orangerie houses more than a thousand trees in boxes. Most are citrus trees, but there are many tender Mediterranean plants including oleanders, olive, pomegranate, and palm trees, totaling over 1,055 altogether. From May to October, they are put outdoors in the Parterre Bas.To visit L'Orangerie on your holiday in Versailles, and find out what else Versailles has to offer, use our Versailles.
The sweet orange was introduced to Europe by the fifteenth or sixteenth century. At first, they were an expensive food item. Medieval cookbooks tell exactly how many orange slices a visiting dignitary was entitled to. Citrus soon became the fashion of the nobility and rich merchants. By the sixteenth century, sweet oranges had become well-established and had assumed commercial importance in Europe.
In France, the first orangerie was built and stocked by Charles VIII of France at the Château of Amboise. There is general agreement that the arrival of the sweet orange in Europe was linked with the activities of the Portuguese during the fifteenth century, and particularly by Vasco de Gama's voyages to the East. Although the Romans had been acquainted with lemons and probably sour oranges as well as citrons, the different types - sour oranges, lemons and sweet oranges - reached Europe centuries apart. By withholding water and nutrients, and by using pruning techniques, French gardeners were able to make citrus trees bloom throughout the year, to the delight of Louis XIV. Citrus motifs formed themes in sculpture, mosaics, embroidery, weaving, paintings, poems, and songs throughout history, and orange blossoms remain prized as floral ornaments at weddings.
Source
Create a full itinerary - for free!
L'Orangerie reviews
-
One of the benefits of traveling is that you get the see new places. One of my new words from France was "Orangerie". An Orangerie is a room inside a building where mostly orange & lemon trees or...
One of the benefits of traveling is that you get the see new places. One of my new words from France was "Orangerie". An Orangerie is a room inside a building where mostly orange & lemon trees or... more »
-
Like in many other Chateaus this is a perfect layout of water features, precisely manicured lawns and trees and amazing symmetry. It looked beautiful even on a cold and cloudy Jan day.
Like in many other Chateaus this is a perfect layout of water features, precisely manicured lawns and trees and amazing symmetry. It looked beautiful even on a cold and cloudy Jan day. more »
Plan your trip to Versailles
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Versailles
Side trips from Versailles
Hidden gems in Versailles
Historic Sites in Versailles
Shopping in Versailles
Trips in L'Orangerie by other users
14 days in Paris, Florence & Rome
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Paris
Florence
Rome
19 days in Paris, Nice & Saint-Tropez
BY A USER FROM BRAZIL
Paris
Nice
Saint-Tropez
47 days in Hungary & France
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Budapest
Paris
9 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Paris
15 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Palace of Versailles
Champs-Elysees
Arc de Triomphe
9 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Palace of Versailles
Champs-Elysees
Arc de Triomphe