Versailles has become internationally famous for its grandiose architecture and mesmerizing balls and other royal events that keep inspiring writers and filmmakers even centuries later. Naturally, finest food was an essential part of these overwhelming parties. Not many know, however, that many ingredients for these balls were grown nearby, at the “King’s vegetable garden”. Modern tourists are welcome to visit this part of the complex and even taste freshly produced fruits and vegetables. This garden unleashes a true genius of the King’s gardener, Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie. He built special walls and terraces that created a particular microclimate. Thanks to that invention, it was possible to grow more than 300 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The fabulous garden is located close to the grand palace of Versailles. It is a well-kept plot of land with flawlessly straight rows of plants, peddled paths, and a fine mist rising from the black earth. Just like centuries ago, young gardeners grow asparagus here – the King liked it very much. Nowadays, centuries later, not much has changed in the garden. Gardeners keep working and growing vegetables there, not paying attention to numerous tourists. The garden is, indeed, worth the attention. In the 17th century, it looked like a miracle that this garden could produce fruits and vegetables out of the season. King Louis XIV was delighted with strawberries in March, peas in April, and figs from June to
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