The Perfume Parterre, new botanical creation at the Grand Trianon

Each year, an original botanical creation is made on the parterres of the Grand Trianon. This summer, visitors discover the Perfume Parterre, an echo of the Perfumer’s Garden open to the public in 2023. Transformed into a richly-scented and educational place to stroll featuring the colours of Provence, the cradle of perfumery, this parterre is created thanks to the patronage of Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

The perfume parterre

The Trianon gardeners have imagined a sensory botanical creation on the parterres of the Grand Trianon. The sensory experience begins with the view: across a broad vista, the ragged tops of cypress trees conjure up the panorama of a Mediterranean garden, with purple patches of lavender sprigs, globes of citrus fruit hanging from the branches of Seville orange trees, and star-shaped white jasmine flowers.

These colours precede the scents, whose fragrances then captivate the visitors. The walk quickly becomes a sort of discovery trail. Where does that smell of honey come from? Or that scent of mint? And is that enigmatic fragrance chamomile, hyssop or zinnia? It can be difficult to match each species to a scent. Some have mouthwatering aromas and names which conjure up tasty foods.

Visitors discover the smell of lemon bergamot (Monarda citriodora), chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus), pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) and candy leaf (Stevia rebaudiana). Some, such as basil, rosemary, chervil, and lemon balm have familiar scents which compete for our attention. Others require more effort to release their essence. In the case of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens), you have to get close and gently rub them between your fingers to release their sap.

As they continue to stroll along the upper parterre, visitors will delve deeper into the Mediterranean: a row of pots and crates planted with spices and medicinal herbs will transport them to Greece. There, for example, they can inhale the scent of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), which was used in Antiquity to weave the wreaths awarded to victors in sporting contests, or juniper (Juniperus communis), whose berries were incorporated into salves thought to help athletes’muscles recover.

The Perfumer'S garden

Visitors can also explore the Perfumer's Garden on a guided tour. Opened to the public in 2023 thanks to the patronage of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, it features hundreds of fragrant essences, cultivated in the spirit of the 17th century Trianon gardens, and offers insights into the history of perfume at the court of Versailles.

Information and reservations: https://billetterie.chateauversailles.fr/