Main Garden Routes

The Classic Route (2-3 hours)

1. Water Parterre (15 minutes) - Start at palace terrace for overview - Bronze statues representing French rivers - Best photo spot for palace facade

2. Latona Fountain (20 minutes) - Story of Apollo's mother protecting her children - Recently restored gold details - Central viewpoint for garden perspectives

3. Royal Avenue (10 minutes walk) - Grand lawn called "Tapis Vert" (Green Carpet) - 335 meters long, 40 meters wide - Flanked by statues and vases

4. Apollo Fountain (20 minutes) - Sun god rising from water with horses - Most spectacular during fountain shows - Rest areas nearby

5. Grand Canal (30 minutes) - Cross-shaped waterway, 1.67 km long - Boat rentals available (summer) - Picnic areas on banks - Walking/cycling paths alongside

The Romantic Route (2 hours)

Perfect for couples or those seeking quieter spaces:

1. Queen's Grove (20 minutes) - Shaded paths with seasonal flowers - Replica of Bernini's sculptures - Often missed by crowds

2. Ballroom Grove (15 minutes) - Natural amphitheater with cascading water - Shells and stones create acoustic effects - Closed in winter

3. Colonnade (15 minutes) - Circular peristyle with 32 columns - Hidden space perfect for proposals - Girardon sculpture in center

4. Garden of Love (20 minutes) - Intimate spaces with cupid sculptures - Fragrant flowers in season - Benches for quiet moments

The Family Route (1.5 hours)

Designed for shorter attention spans:

1. Orangery (15 minutes) - 1,000+ trees in boxes - Warm in winter visits - Space for children to explore

2. Swiss Lake (20 minutes) - Ducks and swans to watch - Safe barriers around water - Playground nearby (modern addition)

3. Dauphin's Grove (15 minutes) - Open spaces for running - Simple fountains at child eye-level - Picnic possibilities

4. Back via shortcuts (20 minutes) - Multiple paths to palace - Ice cream vendors in summer