Parterre of the OrangeryAndré Le Nôtre

This formal garden (c. 1670) arranges lawns, parterres (ornamental beds edged by paths), and terraces in strict geometric patterns aligned on a central axis. Its layout follows the jardin à la française (formal French garden) model, which uses symmetry and long vistas to organize space. The Orangery functioned as both botanical conservatory and staged setting for royal display, demonstrating controlled nature as a tool of monarchy.