In 1661 Louis XIV entrusted André Le Nôtre with the creation and renovation of the gardens of Versailles, which he considered just as important as the Palace. Work on the gardens was started at the same time as the work on the palace and lasted for 40 or so years. During this time André Le Nôtre collaborated with the likes of Jean-Baptiste Colbert: Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683) was one of Louis XIV’s most important ministers. He succeeded Mazarin in 1661… Find out more, Superintendant of Buildings to the King from 1664 to 1683, who managed the project, and Charles Le Brun: Charles Le Brun (1619-1690) was First Painter to King Louis XIV. He is famous for the Hall of Mirrors… Find out more, who was made First Painter to the King in January 1664 and provided the drawings for a large number of the statues and fountains. Last but not least, each project was reviewed by the King himself, who was keen to see “every detail”.