André LE NÔTRE, (1613-1700), is the most well-known of all French landscape gardeners. His first major undertaking was the gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte. After this masterpiece, commissions poured in, mainly from landlords keen to modernize the surroundings of their hôtel or château, at Sceaux, Chantilly, Marly, St-Cloud, Bellvue, Meudon, Montjeu and elsewhere. Many examples have been destroyed. The most famous commission was for the park at Versailles where Le Nôtre executed the King's wishes. Characteristic of his work is a geometric plan, vast vistas and the use of fountains and statues creating an imposing setting for the age of elegance.
With the help of pupils and followers such as Desgots, Lebouteux, Leblond, Girard, and Charbonnier, his manner of handling space traveled abroad. The view from every palace in Europe was to be rewarded with a "jardin à la française".