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.