Set in the heart of the Gardens of Versailles, the Chestnut Grove is the very embodiment of the art of French formal gardens. Designed by André Le Nôtre in the late 17th century and reworked by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1704, the Grove is an intimate area ideal for enjoying a stroll and a spot of quiet contemplation. It is currently undergoing extensive restoration with a view to returning it to its full original historical coherence. Take part in this rebirth by adopting a bench in the Grove!
Adopt a bench in the chestnut grove
© EPV / Didier Saulnier
a grove under restoration
The Chestnut Grove, formerly known as the Water Gallery and then the Gallery of Antiques, is one of the highlights of the Gardens of Versailles .
Enclosed by trelliswork and dotted with sculptures, the Grove owes its unique atmosphere to the chestnut trees planted in the aerly 18th century. Secluded from the estate's sweeping vistas, it provides an ideal setting for a quiet break, where nature and architecture are in subtle dialogue.
Since December 2025, an ambitious restoration campaign has been underway, covering the entirety of the Grove and aiming to return it to its full historical harmony and coherence, thanks to the support of the Philanthropia Foundation and Maison Hennessy, as well as the generosity of Ms Marie-Catherine Anouilh.
Benches to adopt
Essential features in the composition envisaged in the 17th century, the benches structure the Grove and accompany the statuary.
The current project on restoring the Grove includes an ambitious intervention programme distinguishing two bench typologies.
Old benches to be restored
Four old benches made of grey-veined white marble from the Carrara quarries are set to be restored. Already among the Grove's features and testimonies to truly outstanding expertise, they Currently show distinct signs of ageing and require extensive repair work.
Their workshop restoration will involve cleaning and consolidating the marble as well as polishing it so as to bring back its full lustre. The benches will then be returnerd to their original locations in summer 2026.
Theses benches are available for adoption. By adopting an old bench, you will be prioritising a sustainable conservation approach, breathing new life into what already exists and helping safeguard a priceless heritage.
The new benches
Six new benches will complement the ensemble, in full respect of the genius loci.
Four white Carrara marble benches, set on newly restored old legs from the Palace, along with two red Languedoc marble benches, will be created and installed in the Grove. Their creation requires particulary precious and coslty materials and the deployment of specialised know-how.
For this reason, their adoption involves a special accompaniment procedure. Please contact the patronage department directly in order to find out how to participate.
become a patron
Adopting one of the Chestnut Grove's old benches to be restored costs €10,000.
Become a patron and give permanent expression to your support in the Versailles Gardens.
Old benches to be restored | ||
You are | An individual | A company |
Your donation | €10,000 | €10,000 |
Tax reduction | 66% | 60% |
Cost after tax deduction | €3,400 | €4,000 |
Rewards | A "1 year at Versailles" SOLO card | 25% of the amount of your donation |
