Besides the luxurious and symmetrical gardens at Versailles, he originated the designs of those at the royal houses at Trianon, Saint-Cloud, Merly, Clagny, Chantilly and the Tuileries.  The Parterre of the Tiber at Fontainebleau also added to his high reputation.  For a long period the style of garden perfected by Le Notre was taken as a model and imitated throughout Europe.  In 1678 he went to Italy on a mission for the King, who desired him to make researches there.  While at Rome the eminent artist from France was commissioned to plan the gardens of the Quirinal, the Vatican and the villas Ludovisi and Albani.  The Elector of Brandenburg summoned him to design the garden at Oranienburg; Kensington Park in London is still another example of Le Notre’s skill.  In his genius were reflected the qualities that distinguished the art of his century:  regularity of design, harmony, dignity and richness of materials.  Louis XIV had an enduring admiration for the work and character of the Chief Gardener—­a man at all times honest, retiring, and inspired by enthusiasm for his calling.

We are told by a French chronicler that “when Le Notre had traced out his ideas, he brought Louis XIV to the spot to judge the distribution of the principal parts of their ornamentation.  He began with two grand basins which are on the terrace in front of the chateau, with their magnificent decorations.  He explained next his idea of the double flight of stairs, which is opposite the center of the palace, adorned with yew-trees and with statues, and gave in detail all the pieces that were to enrich the space that it included.  He passed then to the Allee du Tapis Vert, and to that grand place where we see the head of the canal, of which he described the size and shape, and at the extremities of whose arms he placed the Trianon and the Menagerie.  At each of the grand pieces whose position Le Notre marked, and whose future beauties he described, Louis XIV interrupted him, saying, ’Le Notre, I give you twenty thousand francs.’  This magnificent approbation was so frequently repeated that it annoyed Le Notre, whose soul was as noble and disinterested as that of his master was generous.  At the fourth interruption he stopped, and said brusquely to the King, ’Sire, Your Majesty shall hear no more.  I shall ruin you.’”

In 1695 the King ennobled Le Notre and bestowed upon him the Order of St. Michael.  Later, Le Notre presented to his sovereign his collection of pictures and bronzes, for which he had previously received an offer of 80,000 francs, or about $16,000.  This collection was placed in one of the King’s intimate rooms among the rarest objects in his possession.  On occasion, when about to make a tour of the gardens, Louis liked to command a rolling chair similar to his own for the aged Le Notre.  Discussing new projects, appraising those that were finished, they made the promenade together.