Gazing across the Bassin d’Apollon, can you sense the grandeur of the Sun God? This magnificent fountain, the Bassin d’Apollon, isn’t just a body of water. It’s a stage. A stage set for the dramatic arrival of Apollo. The centerpiece, sculpted by Charles Le Brun, depicts Apollo rising from the sea in a chariot pulled by four horses. It embodies the dawn, a popular theme in 17th-century European art. Originally, this spot held a more humble pond, known as the Pond of the Swans. King Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, ordered its expansion in 1671. The pond’s east-west alignment, coupled with Louis XIV’s association with Apollo, inspired Le Brun’s design. The Bassin d’Apollon was constructed between 1668 and 1671. Interestingly, the fountain depicts Apollo rising in the west, a geographical inaccuracy. Yet, this doesn’t diminish the fountain’s power. It remains a symbol of Louis XIV’s ambition and the artistic splendor of his reign. The Bassin d’Apollon at Versailles even inspired a full-scale replica. This replica resides at the entrance of the Chimei Museum in Tainan, Taiwan, unveiled in 2014. The replica, however, corrects the original’s geographical misstep, showing Apollo rising in the east. As you stand here, contemplating the Bassin d’Apollon, imagine the Sun King strolling through his gardens. Picture him admiring this watery spectacle, a testament to his own glory. The Bassin d’Apollon serves as a captivating centerpiece of the Gardens of Versailles, a must-see for any visitor.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.