Restoration of the South Parterre plant embroideries

© EPV/Thomas Garnier

Overlooking the Orangery, the South Parterre is currently undergoing a major restoration. The Palace of  Versailles is launching a new patronage campaign to preserve this composition of boxwood plant embroidery, carved in foliage, palmettes and arabesques motifs.

A HISTORIC PARTERRE

The South Parterre is one of three large parterres in the immediate vicinity of the Palace of Versailles, along with the Water Parterre to the west and the North Parterre. Created by architect Le Nôtre in 1661, the parterre was initially laid out on a terrace overlooking the first Orangery designed by Le Vau between 1663 and 1664, then doubled in size in 1687 following the construction of Mansart's Orangery.

The South Parterre (2021)

© EPV, Thomas Garnier

The parterre is distinguished by the north-south axial driveway, planted with topiaries, and by the two central basins around which four compartments are arranged. Inside the compartments, flowerbeds cut boxwood embroidery motifs into foliage, palmettes or arabesques, set against a mineral background in the ochre tones of crushed brick and the black of Golzinne marble. These compartments are bordered by box-tree lined strips of cut grass or flowers, punctuated by topiaries or other pruned shrubs.

During the first phase of this restoration project, the general composition was implemented: general earthworks with the addition of new topsoil to limit sanitary concerns, installation of the cantilevers delimiting the boxwood borders and flowerbeds, planting of the yew topiaries, restoration of the paths and walkways around the ponds.

The South Parterre during the first phase of restoration (April 2024)

© EPV, Thomas Garnier

The South Parterre during the first phase of restoration (April 2024)

© EPV, Thomas Garnier

The entire plant layout has been redesigned to restore the parterre to the elegance it has enjoyed since its origins in the 17th century. The parterre's plant embroidery will now be restored:

  • Laying out the markers for the design motifs

  • Boxwood planting and initial pruning: earthworks, supply of topsoil, supply and planting of boxwood, sanitary treatment and watering

  • Installation of mineral flooring: chamottes (crushed brick) and Golzinne black marble aggregates.

Definition of flowerbeds in the South Parterre with ground cover flowers (July 2024)

© EPV, Thomas Garnier

Layout of the first plant motifs for the South Parterre (October 2024)

© EPV, Thomas Garnier

This project is supported by the departments of Yvelines and Hauts-de-Seine.

Become a patron of the restoration

Participate in the preservation of these unique settings and contribute to the reputation of the gardens of Versailles by making a donation of the amount of your choice. Where applicable, you will benefit from a tax deduction.

You are An individual A company
Tax reduction 66% 60%
Benefits 73 € 25% of the amount of your donation

 

Support the restoration of the South Parterre

Show

Fountains Shows and Musical Gardens

From April 1st to October 31st 2023, enjoy the Musical Gardens and the Great Musical Waters in the gardens and groves opened for the occasion. Every Saturday evening from 10 June to 23 September, Friday 14 July and Tuesday 15 August, discover the Gardens in the evening with the The Night Fountains Show.

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Adopt a topiary of the South Parterre

Adopt a topiary of the beautiful South Parterre in order to support the green heritage of the Palace of Versailles.