French garden design is a style of gardening which calls for great control of the garden and the natural environment. Symmetry and geometry are key to achieving this style. It is a very formal garden design style.
The French garden design style achieved great popularity with the completion of the gardens of the Palace de Versailles by the great André Le Notre. The style was copied by nobility throughout France and can still be seen at many of the great chateaus of France.
Usually the focus of the French formal garden is the house and avenues and paths radiate out from this.
Paths tend to be gravel and will be edged by avenues of trees, long clipped hedges, or immaculately trimmed topiaries. Water is often an integral feature and reflective pools and long rectangular ponds of water are very common. Often with fountains or cascades added for interest.
Traditionally French garden design was all about impressing the visitor, a demonstration of wealth and power. Statues by leading artists were incorporated, follies and pavilions built by leading architects. » Read more: French Garden Design – A Formal Approach to Gardening
