In a captivating mix of history and horticulture, the Palace of Versailles unveiled on May 30 its latest attraction, the Perfume Garden. This aromatic oasis, nestled in the Orangerie Chateauneuf of the Grand Trianon, offers visitors an olfactory journey to the 17th century. , highlights the pivotal role of fragrance in the daily life of the court and international diplomacy.
Catherine Pegard, the president of the Palace of Versailles, emphasized the educational and sensory appeal of the garden, noting that many of the flowers that bloom today are direct descendants of those that once perfumed the air of the royal court. The garden is not only a testimony to the historical significance of the fragrance in Versailles, but also a tribute to the origins of the perfumery profession, which flourished under the patronage of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
Historical importance and diplomatic power
The Perfumer’s Garden is divided into four sections, each meticulously designed to revive the olfactory visions of Louis XIV. The king’s desire to fill his gardens with the scents of orange blossoms, hyacinth, tuberose and jasmine was driven by practical post-plague health concerns, as well as a means to manifest the power of France through the exotic appeal of foreign flowers.
Giovanni Delu, one of the creators of the garden, explained how these botanical efforts were not only a display of wealth and sophistication, but also a form of “olfactory diplomacy”. The exclusive and exotic nature of the flowers, many of which were brought to France from South Asia, served to impress visiting dignitaries and underscore France’s dominance on the global stage.
Stories of the Gardeners
The gardeners of Versailles are custodians of the palace’s floral heritage, each with stories that add layers of intrigue and humor to the garden’s vibrant flowers. From the stories of Louis XIV’s favorite perfume that made him swoon, to the discovery of a secret garden that now houses some of the most delicate and historically significant plant species, the gardeners’ narratives bring the past to life.
Among these botanical treasures is the firethorn, a plant with a delicious citrus scent and a propensity to ignite easily, and the calycanthus, known as Madame de Pompadour’s favorite flower. These anecdotes reveal the personal connections and passions that flowers can embody, transcending their aesthetic appeal.
Reflections on Marie Antoinette
The garden also touches on the controversial figure of Marie Antoinette, whose preferences for an English garden over scientific botanical research supported by Louis XV were viewed with disdain by some. However, as gardener Fulvia Grandizio notes, Marie Antoinette’s love of flowers and her role in the development of perfume offers a more nuanced understanding of her contributions to the horticultural history of Versailles.
Despite the critics, it is clear that Marie Antoinette played a role in continuing the floral legacy of Versailles, albeit in her own style. This reflects the evolving nature of the palace gardens, which have adapted and changed with each new resident, but always remain a focal point of beauty and innovation.
The inauguration of the Perfumery Garden, in collaboration with Maison Francis Kurkdjian, marks a new chapter in the historical history of Versailles, inviting visitors to experience the power and attraction of fragrance in an environment renowned for the its historical and cultural significance. For those interested in exploring the beauty and heritage of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens, more details can be found at The official site of Versailles and the Perfume garden page.
