Ballroom Grove / Salle de Bal
Discover the enchanting Ballroom Grove in Versailles, a hidden garden gem with shell-adorned walls and spectacular musical fountain shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fountains and music shows
Ballroom Grove / Salle de Bal
Best Time
Fountains and music shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the enchanting Ballroom Grove in Versailles, a hidden garden gem with shell-adorned walls and spectacular musical fountain shows.
"The reward is great in my opinion whether or not there is a fountain or even if the door is closed."
📅 Check Fountain Schedule
Don't miss the show! Verify fountain operating days/times on the official Versailles website.
🗺️ Get a Garden Map
The Ballroom Grove is tucked away. A map or GPS is essential for finding this beautiful spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ballroom Grove
Versailles Gardens
An enchanting outdoor ballroom adorned with shell-decorated walls and water fountains, often accompanied by music.
Musical Fountains Show
Ballroom Grove
Witness the magical spectacle of water jets dancing to music, transforming the grove into a lively open-air ballroom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Ballroom Grove
Navigating the Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
My experience May 2025: do NOT waste your time at Versailles
📅 Check Fountain Schedule
Don't miss the show! Verify fountain operating days/times on the official Versailles website.
🗺️ Get a Garden Map
The Ballroom Grove is tucked away. A map or GPS is essential for finding this beautiful spot.
Versailles Tips
Versailles visit, bad experience
🚗 Rent a Golf Cart
Explore the vast gardens efficiently and reach the grove with ease. Highly recommended!
❄️ Avoid Winter Visits
The grove is typically closed during winter months. Plan your visit for warmer seasons.
Is Versailles really an all day thing?
Tips
from all over the internet
📅 Check Fountain Schedule
Don't miss the show! Verify fountain operating days/times on the official Versailles website.
🗺️ Get a Garden Map
The Ballroom Grove is tucked away. A map or GPS is essential for finding this beautiful spot.
🚗 Rent a Golf Cart
Explore the vast gardens efficiently and reach the grove with ease. Highly recommended!
❄️ Avoid Winter Visits
The grove is typically closed during winter months. Plan your visit for warmer seasons.
🎶 Enjoy the Music
When the fountains are on, they often play music, adding to the magical atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ballroom Grove as a beautiful and unique spot within the Versailles gardens, especially when the fountains are active with music. However, its secluded location and the need to meticulously check the fountain schedule are common points of caution.
"This is one of the best fountain to see I. Versailles.
The ballroom grove also know as bosquet de la salle de bal is located after tortuous passages. And you really have to look at a map to find it. The reward is great in my opinion whether or not there is a fountain or even if the door is closed when you travel in winter. ( you can still look though the fence )
Plan Ahead !!!! You cannot see it working every day, nor every hour when it is the right day.
Look online on Versailles website, and figure out exactly which day and at what time it’s on."
Ferit Onger
"Closed in Winter
An outdoor ballroom surrounded by walls decorated with shells and water fountains.
After watching the movie "The Gardener of Versailles" with Kate Winslet about the design and construction of this small part of the vast gardens, I wanted to see it. But to my disappointment the gate was locked and I could not go in.
Have to come back in the summer and I hope it will be open then?"
Ägyptische Rezepte
"The gardens of Versailles are marvelous. I’d recommend skipping going inside the palace and just go into the gardens. Rent a gold cart to be able to explore as much as possible and capitalize on your time there"
D Alva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ballroom Grove is located within the expansive Gardens of Versailles. You'll need to enter the gardens first. Consider using a map or GPS, as it can be a bit of a trek from the main palace. Renting a golf cart is a popular and efficient way to navigate the gardens and reach the grove.
It can be a bit challenging to find as it's tucked away in a specific section of the gardens. Having a map of the Versailles gardens or using a navigation app on your phone is highly recommended to avoid getting lost.
Yes, you can walk, but the gardens are vast. It's a significant walk, and you might miss other attractions along the way. Many visitors opt for a golf cart rental or even bicycles to cover more ground.
Many visitors suggest renting a gold cart to explore as much as possible and capitalize on your time there. This allows you to cover the large distances and easily locate specific groves like the Ballroom Grove.
While there are general directional signs within the gardens, specific signage for each grove can be sparse. It's best to have a dedicated garden map or use a digital navigation tool.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ballroom Grove is part of the general Gardens of Versailles. Your ticket to the gardens grants you access. However, to see the fountains working, you need to visit during the Musical Fountains Show times.
The fountains do not operate daily or at all hours. You must check the official Versailles website for the 'Musical Fountains Show' schedule. These shows are typically held on specific days during the summer season.
No, the Ballroom Grove is typically closed in winter. It's best to plan your visit during the spring, summer, or early autumn to experience the fountains and music.
The hours vary depending on the day and season. Always consult the official Versailles website for the most up-to-date schedule for the Musical Fountains Show.
Yes, you can usually still enter the grove and admire the architecture and shell decorations even when the fountains are not operating. However, the full spectacle is during the show times.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting. During the Musical Fountains Show, capturing the water jets with music can be magical, though it might be crowded.
Generally, photography is allowed in the gardens. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using tripods in crowded areas.
The unique shell-adorned walls, the elegant fountain designs, and the surrounding greenery create a picturesque setting. When the fountains are active, the dynamic water features add a captivating element to photos.
Absolutely! The grove's architecture and serene atmosphere are still very photogenic. Focus on the intricate shell details and the overall design of this unique garden feature.
Wide shots capturing the entire grove, close-ups of the shell decorations, and action shots of the fountains (if on) are all great options. Experiment with different angles to find unique perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out. While the grove itself is beautiful, the real magic for kids will be the fountain show. Ensure you check the schedule beforehand to avoid disappointment. The shell decorations might also spark curiosity and imagination in younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Take your time exploring the intricate shell designs and enjoy the unique atmosphere. It's an ideal location for photography, capturing the artistry of the gardens. Consider visiting during the Musical Fountains Show for a truly enchanting experience, or opt for a quieter time to simply soak in the serenity.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and focal lengths. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the textures and colors. If you're visiting during the Musical Fountains Show, be prepared for crowds and consider a faster shutter speed to freeze the water droplets. Even without the fountains, the grove's design offers ample opportunities for creative compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Ballroom Grove
What makes the Ballroom Grove particularly special is its integration with water features. When the Musical Fountains Show is active, the grove comes alive with jets of water dancing in time to music. This transforms the space into a dynamic spectacle, a true testament to the ingenuity of 17th-century garden design. Even when the fountains are not running, the grove retains its charm and offers a peaceful retreat from the busier parts of the gardens.
Visitors often describe it as a 'reward' after navigating the gardens, a hidden gem that requires a bit of effort to find but is well worth the discovery. The experience is enhanced by the possibility of music accompanying the water, creating a multisensory delight. It's a place that sparks imagination, transporting you back to the era of royal fêtes and garden parties.
Experiencing the Musical Fountains Show
During the show, the fountains are synchronized with classical music, creating a captivating performance. The water jets leap and dance, reflecting the sunlight and creating a magical atmosphere within the shell-adorned grove. It's a chance to witness a piece of history brought to life, showcasing the sophisticated hydraulic engineering and artistic vision of the time. The combination of water, music, and the unique setting makes for a memorable experience.
To make the most of the show, arrive a little early to secure a good viewing spot, especially if you plan to take photos. Be aware that these shows can draw crowds, so patience might be required. The experience is often described as 'spectacular' and 'pretty cool,' making the effort to time your visit worthwhile.
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