Last Wednesday, I returned home from a ten-day adventure in France, and it was nothing short of magical. The trip included a mix of antique hunting for the shop and hosting our second Antique Buying Tour, where I had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful group of fellow antique lovers through some of Paris’ best antique shops.

The Gardens

Amidst all the antique excitement, I also celebrated my birthday in the most enchanting way—by visiting the stunning Jardins du Château de Versailles. Instead of exploring the palace interiors which I’ve admired many times before, this time I was drawn to the expansive and meticulously designed gardens, which have a charm all their own. The parterres (ornamental gardens with paths between the beds), along with sculptures, fountains and the grand canal, are even more breathtaking in person.

The Versailles Planter Box

Did you know that the iconic planters found in Le Jardin de L’Orangerie are horticultural masterpieces? The “green boxes” were designed in 1670 by André Le Nôtre, chief gardener for Louis XIV at Versailles, created to protect and ensure the survival of delicate and exotic fruit trees at the palace. These celebrated oak planter boxes are still manufactured exclusively by Le Jardin du Roi Soleil.

These famous planters, seen in elegant gardens throughout Europe and around the world, are not only beautiful, but also practical. Thanks to their open-bottom design, they allow for exceptional drainage and airflow. The removable side panels provide easy access to the roots, helping the greenery thrive, year after year. It’s fascinating how centuries of expert gardening have led to such innovation.

Beyond the Gardens of Versailles

To top off my birthday celebrations, I met up with my friend Molly Wilkinson, a talented American pâtissière (pastry chef) who trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Not only is Molly the author of French Pastry Made Simple, a best seller at Les Fleurs, but she’s also become an expert on all things Versailles. It was such a joy to spend the day exploring her favorite spots – yes, there’s so much more to discover beyond the Château itself! If you’re ever curious, Molly has put together a wonderful guide to Versailles, the city she now calls home.

Tour Inspiration

One of the highlights of the day was visiting La Boutique Royale, a charming concept store near the Château in the Cour des Senteurs (Court of Scents), which showcases Versailles' expertise in fragrances, Toile de Jouy, food, and so much more. La Boutique Royale is also where Molly and I will be hosting a baking demonstration as part of Les Fleurs' Parisian Experience Tour in April 2025!

I enjoyed this birthday adventure so much that I’ve woven its magic into our upcoming tour, which will feature a similar blend of history, gardening, and French culinary delights.

While our September 2025 Antique Buying Tour is already sold out, there are still a few spots left on the Parisian Experience Tour. So, if you’re dreaming of a fabulous adventure in Paris and Versailles, we’d love for you to join us!

À bientôt,
Sandra

To learn more about Molly’s Versailles Guide, click here.