Le Gala des Fleurs d’Oranger brought the American Friends of Versailles (AFV) to France

Le Gala des Fleurs d’Oranger brought the American Friends of Versailles (AFV) to France for a series of events highlighted by a grand gala in the Château’s historic Orangerie.

Founded over two decades ago, this international philanthropic organization supports the preservation of Versailles and its magnificent park while fostering Franco-American friendships and cultural bonds. AFV’s inaugural restoration project, the Bosquet des Trois Fontaines, reclaimed Louis XIV’s treasured mini-garden with three tiers of fountain cascades amid rocaille-lined pools, which had all lain in ruin since the early 1800s. Today, it is the most visited grove at Versailles. Subsequent AFV projects include the restoration of the Pavillon Frais, the fresco ceiling of the Queen's Guards Room, and the contribution of Virginia Tulip Trees at the center of the Queen’s Bosquet, once reserved for Marie Antoinette.

Guests in elegant evening attire swirled through the Hall of Mirrors, passed the Apartments of Marie Antoinette, and proceeded to the Orangerie for dinner and dancing among fruit and floral displays, accompanied by strolling gold-clad violinists. American Ambassador to France, Denise Bauer, the new President of Versailles, Christophe Leribault, and the French Ambassador to the States, Laurent Bili, greeted the guests and new AFV President Alicia Bryan of San Antonio, Texas. She introduced her father, JP Bryan, who recounted the legacy of French-Texan history. A splendid fireworks display set to baroque music concluded the dinner.

AFV members returned to Versailles to visit the splendid Bosquet des Trois Fontaines, now with waters flowing and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the Petit Trianon domain near the Pavillon Frais. Other events included a dinner at the royal bijoux château within the Bois de Boulogne, the Château de Bagatelle, with evening co-chairmen Marie de Noailles and Michele Fouan. Guests were serenaded by noted French actor-baritone David Serero. AFV co-founder Vicomte de Rohan led visitors on a private tour of the 18th-century Hôtel de Soubise et de Rohan, established by his noble ancestors and now serving as the Archives Nationales. A farewell reception was hosted by distinguished architect Juan-Pablo Molyneux and his wife Pilar at their lavishly restored hôtel particulier in the Marais.

Launching their newest restoration project of the critical Charles LeBrun ceiling of the Château’s Salon de Diane, the American Friends of Versailles encourage current and new supporters to contribute financially and join them in future excursions of learning and friendship. Visit www.americanfriendsofversailles.org for more information.