Many people, who visit the fabulous Chateau de Versailles just outside of Paris, do not have the time to visit the chateau’s two smaller palaces, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon. On this visit, I planned to focus on getting out to these two petite gems.
You can catch a tram after exiting the Chateau Versailles into the formal gardens. The tram ride along the axis of the huge formal gardens, less formal forest and pastures filled with sheep really brings home the immensity of the palace grounds.
You can catch a tram after exiting the Chateau Versailles into the formal gardens. The tram ride along the axis of the huge formal gardens, less formal forest and pastures filled with sheep really brings home the immensity of the palace grounds.
This post explores the Grand Trianon, originally built in 1687 to replace an earlier “Petit Porcelain” palace built by Louis XIV to get away from the pomp and rigid formality of the court and spend time with his favorite mistress, Madam de Montespan.
The architecture was designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart with the heavy input from Louis XIV and is primarily influenced by the Italianate style. The exterior is built from warm pink marble and while grand and elegant, its single story creates a feeling of intimacy.
A beautiful open peristyle gallery tiled in check patterned marble connects the two wings of the palace, and from the gallery the view of the formal gardens are stunning.
A beautiful open peristyle gallery tiled in check patterned marble connects the two wings of the palace, and from the gallery the view of the formal gardens are stunning.
Above and below: The Peristyle
The Grand Trianon was used not only as a get-away for the royal family during the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, but also at times, as a residence for royal relatives such as the King's sister-in-law, Dowager Duchess of Orléans and her son Philippe d’Orleans, future son-in-law of Louis XIV.
Visiting dignitaries also stayed at the palace, such as Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia, who resided at the Grand Trianon in 1717 to study the French gardens.
Marie Antoinette gave some performances at the Grand Trianon, but she preferred to spend her time at the Petit Trianon, which was a gift from her husband Louis XVI.
During the French Revolution in 1789, the Grand Trianon was left to neglect and the original royal furnishings were lost, but at the time of the First French Empire, Napoleon had the palace restored, made it one of his residences and furnished it in the Empire Style. This is the way the palace is furnished when you visit it today.
Visiting dignitaries also stayed at the palace, such as Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia, who resided at the Grand Trianon in 1717 to study the French gardens.
Marie Antoinette gave some performances at the Grand Trianon, but she preferred to spend her time at the Petit Trianon, which was a gift from her husband Louis XVI.
During the French Revolution in 1789, the Grand Trianon was left to neglect and the original royal furnishings were lost, but at the time of the First French Empire, Napoleon had the palace restored, made it one of his residences and furnished it in the Empire Style. This is the way the palace is furnished when you visit it today.
Above: The Round Room
Above: The Room of Malachites
Above: The Family Room
Above: The Cool Room Fireplace
Above: The Room of Mirrors
Above: The Empresses Bedroom
I loved wandering through the beautifully decorated, elegant rooms just imagining what life would have been like in this lovely little palace.
When you visit, don’t forget to check out the Grand Trianon at the far end of the palace gardens at Versailles. In many ways, it is equally if not more beautiful than the Royal Chateau de Versailles itself!
When you visit, don’t forget to check out the Grand Trianon at the far end of the palace gardens at Versailles. In many ways, it is equally if not more beautiful than the Royal Chateau de Versailles itself!
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