King's Kitchen Garden

Built between 1678 and 1683 at the request of Louis XIV, the Potager du Roi (the King’s Kitchen Garden) is a unique example of the French food garden of the Baroque era, and its original missions remain alive today: to produce, to experiment, and to pass on knowledge.
In the heart of Versailles, covering 9 hectares, this kitchen garden is a masterpiece of the French formal garden style, designed for productivity. It was created by Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie at the request of the Sun King. Today, it is listed as a Historic Monument and proudly bears the prestigious “Remarkable Garden” label. As an integral part of the Versailles Estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the King’s Kitchen Garden has, since the 17th century, been home to gardeners who perpetuate the art of pruning and cultivate an impressive variety of fruits and vegetables.

Open to the public since 1991, the Potager du Roi is also the historic site of the École nationale supérieure de paysage (National School of Landscape Architecture), which ensures its preservation, management, and development. In today’s context of ecological transition, this connection allows the site to reaffirm its pioneering identity: urban production focused on short supply chains, experimental cultivation using innovative techniques such as agroecology, and a strong commitment to education, research, and creativity.

A rich and varied program

The King’s Kitchen Garden is a true place of exchange, culture, and community. Here you can enjoy activities for all ages: gardening, cooking, dance, theater, music, art… and much more! In partnership with the city of Versailles, events such as Esprit Jardin bring together gardening enthusiasts. The Mois Molière festival allows you to (re)discover classical plays in an extraordinary setting. And with Les Saveurs du Potager, the spotlight is placed on the fruits and vegetables grown right here.

Visits, workshops, and training

Every weekend from April to October, at 11 am, 2:30 pm, and 4 pm, you can join guided tours to discover the richness of the garden alongside professional guides, passionate gardeners, or landscape students. In addition, a wide range of workshops and short training sessions are available to the public, such as The Natural Garden, Design and Cultivate Your Garden, or Medicinal Plants. (Tours available in French only).

Become part of the Potager with the Clé du Potager

Thanks to the annual Clé du Potager membership card, you can enjoy year-round access to the garden and benefit from exclusive discounts at the on-site boutique-bookshop.

Get involved as a volunteer

Would you like to get more involved? Become a volunteer and take part in various garden activities: maintenance tasks, gardening support, or cultural event assistance—a unique way to experience the Potager from the inside!

The boutique-bookshop

The Potager’s shop offers fresh produce harvested directly from the garden, along with products such as juices, jams, honey, coulis, and even plant-based cosmetics! Depending on the season and market days, you’ll find a wide selection of quality goods. The bookshop also features more than 800 specialized titles on gardening, ecology, cooking, agriculture, and landscape design.