Created in 1670, the Grand Canal is shaped like a large cross. The longer arm is 1 670m long and 62m wide, while the shorter one is 1 070m long. A few years ago, the 1 872 trees surrounding the canal were cut back to 15m to reveal the original vista. The surrounding woodland has been replanted (with hornbeam, yew, white chestnuts and linden trees), reflecting the diversity of the Grand Siècle. The nearby buildings make up Petite Venise, which housed the pilots and Venetian gondoliers of the king's fleet.