The Grand Trianon

Historical Context

Louis XIV built the Grand Trianon in 1687 as an escape from Versailles' formality—ironic since Versailles itself was built to escape Paris. This pink marble palace allowed the king to dine without the public watching and to spend time with his secret wife, Madame de Maintenon.

Time Needed: 45-60 minutes

Exterior Architecture

The building's unique features: - Pink Marble: From Languedoc quarries, changes color with light - Single Story: Unusual for royal residences, creating intimacy - Colonnade: Called "Peristyle," originally open to elements - Gardens Integration: Rooms open directly to private gardens

Photo Opportunity: The peristyle frames perfect garden views

Interior Highlights

The Mirror Room - More intimate than Hall of Mirrors - South-facing for natural light - Original furniture placement marks visible - Napoleon's decorative changes evident

The Empress's Bedchamber - Used by Napoleon's wife Marie-Louise - Empire style contrasts with Louis XIV decor - Hidden door to emperor's room - Cradle for Napoleon's son displayed

The Malachite Room - Gifts from Tsar Alexander I - Spectacular green stone fixtures - Diplomatic gift-giving traditions - Symbol of French-Russian relations

Louis-Philippe's Family Rooms - More recent 19th-century additions - Paintings of royal children - Intimate family portraits - Shows palace evolution

The Cotelle Gallery

This 50-meter gallery features: - 24 paintings of Versailles gardens in their prime - Views showing original fountain designs - Mythological scenes in garden settings - Comparison opportunity with current gardens

Lesser-Known Detail: The paintings show gardens features that no longer exist, making this a time machine to 17th-century Versailles.

Grand Trianon Gardens

French Garden - Geometric flower beds changed seasonally - 100,000+ plants replaced annually - Traditional patterns maintained - Best photographed from palace windows

Lower Garden - More English style with curves - Rare tree species collected - Peaceful water features - Often empty of tourists

Accessibility: Main floor fully accessible, gardens have both paved and gravel paths.