Florentine Orris

April 1687, The Orangery, Versailles. More than a thousand Mediterranean trees are housed in the cathedral-like galleries of the Orangery. Built by the King’s architect to impress courtiers, the tree-lined space became a theatrical setting to entertain the Court. Inside, the gardeners would build bonfires to keep the trees warm so when the Sun King visited, the heady scent of firewood blended with his beloved orange blossoms would emit a generous golden aura.