How about a splash of history right here at Réservoir de Chèvreloup? This reservoir is more than just a body of water. It is an integral piece of Versailles’ history.
In 1680, Louis XIV ordered its construction. He wanted to enhance the water system for the Versailles and Trianon gardens. André Le Nôtre, the royal gardener, designed the reservoir. It measured 195 meters long and 97 meters wide. It was 2.5 meters deep. The reservoir held 15,000 cubic meters of water.
Water flowed into Réservoir de Chèvreloup from Rocquencourt reservoir and Bailly plain. Two pipes then carried the water to the Trèfle Reservoir. This supplied water to the Trianon fountains.
However, the Réservoir de Chèvreloup wasn’t always in perfect condition. It underwent several repairs. By the end of the 19th century, it was abandoned. Sadly, it is no longer watertight.
Look around you. Notice the double row of red horse chestnut trees. There are 128 of them. They add to the charm of the Réservoir de Chèvreloup. These trees are not just any chestnuts. They are Aesculus ×carnea ‘Briotii’. Pierre-Louis Briot cultivated this variety in 1858. He was in charge of the Trianon nurseries. The nurseries once extended to the Chèvreloup plain.
Briot selected this variety from many seedlings. It is a hybrid. The parents were the European chestnut and an American chestnut. Jean-Jacques Moser, a Versailles horticulturist, marketed the tree. He named it ‘Briotii’ in honor of its breeder.
The ‘Briotii’ chestnut is known for its vigor. Its flowers are the darkest red of all red horse chestnuts. Its foliage is a dark green and resists pests. Grafting propagates this variety. They graft it onto common horse chestnut trunks. These trees give the Réservoir de Chèvreloup a special historical connection.
Imagine Louis XIV strolling here. Picture the water flowing to his magnificent fountains. Think of Briot selecting his famous chestnut variety. The Réservoir de Chèvreloup connects us to these moments. It showcases the ingenuity and beauty of Versailles.
Although the reservoir is no longer watertight, it remains a significant landmark. The Réservoir de Chèvreloup stands as a testament to the grand vision of Louis XIV. It also reminds us of the horticultural achievements of the 19th century. Take a moment to appreciate this blend of history, horticulture, and natural beauty.