Bosquet des Bains d’Apollon (Grove of Apollo's Baths), Versailles

Originally created in 1670, this area was initially designed with a rectangular pool surrounded by a grassy border. The pool was adorned with metal reeds and swan figures that discreetly housed multiple water jets. In its early incarnation, a central iron tree, from which water flowed, was the focal point, earning it the name Grove of the Green Oak.

By 1705, the original design was replaced with the Grove of Apollo’s Baths. This transformation included the relocation of statues from the Grotto of Thetis to the newly designed grove. The centerpiece of this new arrangement was a grand and elaborate setting that reflected the grandeur of Apollo, the god of the sun and arts, aligning with the classical themes prevalent in the gardens at that time.

During the reign of Louis XVI, the Grove of Apollo’s Baths underwent another significant transformation. Hubert Robert, a renowned landscape architect, redesigned the grove to feature a cave-like environment that showcased the Marsy statues, adding a dramatic and artistic touch to the setting. This remodeling solidified the grove’s identity as a classical and mythological space.