If you were looking for information about the Grand Trianon of the splendid Versailles estate, you have come to just the right place. In this article we will explore in detail the fascinating history and breathtaking architecture of this hidden gem of the Versailles estate.
We will begin by immersing ourselves in the history of the Marble Trianon, discovering its origins as a private retreat for King Louis XIV and its transformation under the reign of Louis XV. Next, we will explore the rooms of the palace, from the elegant Hall of Mirrors to the luxurious royal residences.
I will not fail to provide you with useful tips on how to organize your visit, and finally, in the FAQ section, I will answer the most common curiosities about this extraordinary historical place.
Be catapulted back in time and be swept away by the charm and grandeur of the Grand Trianon of Versailles!
Ready to have an unforgettable experience at the Marble Trianon? Then don’t waste your time in line. Purchase your skip-the-line tickets through our website and secure privileged access to this extraordinary royal palace. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the history, art, and architecture of one of the most fascinating places in the Palace of Versailles. Click here to book now and get ready for a journey into the luxury and beauty of the Grand Trianon!
Palace of Versailles: Entrance Ticket + Gardens and Estate of Trianon
Purchase online. Choose your preferred time. Visit the Palace of Versailles and the halls of the Palace, access the beautiful gardens and the stunning Trianon Estate.
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Table of Contents
Grand Trianon of Versailles: history in brief
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At the heart of the sumptuous Palace of Versailles complex, the Grand Trianon emerges as an oasis of sophistication and luxury.
Commissioned by King Louis XIV, this architectural masterpiece was erected by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1687 on the site of the former Porcelain Trianon, and still holds a rich history.
The Grand Trianon was conceived as a private retreat for the king, a place to escape the rigidity of court etiquette and cultivate his relationship with Madame de Montespan.
Jules Hardouin-Mansart, scrupulously adhering to Louis XIV’s instructions, designed a palace of pink marble and porphyry surrounded by marvelous gardens, set among brilliant terraces with thousands of aromatic flowers. This combination of refined architecture and orderly gardens helped create a timeless atmosphere of beauty and serenity.
The influence of Italian architecture is clearly reflected in the design of the Grand Trianon, with its single floor flanked by a courtyard on one side and gardens on the other. A balustrade surrounds the flat roof, once decorated with sculptures and ornamental vases, while the interior of the palace reveals the elegance and luxury typical of royal taste.
Over the centuries, the Grand Trianon has hosted several prominent historical figures, from Maria Leszczynska to Napoleon, each of whom left their mark on this architectural gem.
Today, the palace is open to visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the history and beauty of the Palace of Versailles, offering a unique experience that combines past and present.
Ready to visit the most beautiful rooms of the Grand Trianon? Read on!
The rooms of the Grand Trianon
Welcome to the sumptuous interiors of the Marble Trianon, where history and luxury come together in a timeless experience. In this section we will explore the main rooms of the palace, witnesses to the grandeur and elegance of French rulers and their illustrious guests.
The Empress’s apartments
Inside the Grand Trianon, the royal apartments in the left wing are connected to those in the right wing by the majestic Peristyle, an arrangement that recalls the organization of the royal apartments in the Palace of Versailles. This architectural structure, inspired by the royalty of the sovereigns, conveys a sense of continuity and grandeur within the palace.
During the period of the First Empire, the Marble Trianon was completely redecorated by Napoleon, who spent time there with Empress Marie-Louise. The original furnishings were lost during the Revolution, but today the apartments look as they did during the Napoleonic period.
The Empress’s bedroom
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Formerly used as Louis XIV’s bedroom, this room is a sublime example of elegance and refinement.
During the period of the First Empire, it was divided in two to create a more intimate room and sitting room for Empress Marie-Louise, where it is possible to admire the furniture personally chosen by her.
Of particular note is the bed, which once belonged to Napoleon and was later used as a death bed by Louis XVIII.
The Hall of Mirrors
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With its breathtaking view of the Grand Canal and mirror-covered walls, the Hall of Mirrors is undoubtedly one of the most valuable rooms in the south wing of the Grand Trianon.
Used as a council chamber by Louis XIV, this room has retained its original design, although the original furniture was replaced during the Napoleonic period.
The Chapel Hall
Originally conceived as a chapel, this room was converted into an antechamber during the reign of Louis XIV.
However, it still retains traces of its religious vocation, with an altar hidden behind a back door.
The furnishings and frescoes reflect the sacredness of the room, testifying to the religious fervor of the French rulers.
The Peristyle
Opening onto the courtyard on one side and the gardens on the other, the Peristyle is a sheltered colonnade that serves as a majestic link between the two wings of the Grand Trianon. This architectural structure was commissioned directly by King Louis XIV during the construction of the Grand Trianon in 1687.
Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, commissioned to realize the king’s vision, scrupulously followed the instructions of Louis XIV, who closely monitored the progress of the work. The colonnade, although not a true peristyle in the architectural sense of the term, helps give the Grand Trianon a feeling of light and transparency, facilitating a smooth transition between the courtyard and the gardens.
Napoleon made changes to the Peristyle in 1810, adding windows on both sides to make the transition from his rooms to the Empress’s apartments in the opposite wing easier. These windows, although later removed in 1910, testify to the strategic importance of this structure within the Grand Trianon.
The state apartments of the Grand Trianon
In perfect symmetry with the Empress Apartments, connected by the striking Peristyle, the State Apartments stand majestically in the right wing of the Marble Trianon Palace.
This wing, later enlarged to house the Emperor’s Private Rooms and the Trianon-sous-Bois wing, embodies the elegance and luxury of French sovereigns.
The Trianon’s original furnishings were lost during the Revolution, and with few exceptions the palace today looks as it did during the First Empire period, thanks to the complete redecoration commissioned by Napoleon, who occasionally spent time there with Empress Marie-Louise.
The Round Hall
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This vestibule served as the entrance to Louis XIV’s first suite of apartments in the Trianon Palace, occupied by the king for only three years, from 1688 to 1691.
The Corinthian columns and marble floor slabs, along with the paintings on the walls, have survived this original incarnation.
The music room
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Formerly used as an antechamber to Louis XIV’s apartments, the Music Room hosted the king’s sumptuous dinners.
During the period of the First Empire, Napoleon transformed this room into the Officers’ Room, while Louis Philippe used it as a gaming room, enriching it with office furniture by Jacob-Desmalter and Beauvais upholstery.
Louis Philippe’s family room
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Created by Louis Philippe by joining two existing rooms, this spacious room represented the heart of family life at the Marble Trianon.
Furnished in the king’s contemporary style, the room was enhanced by card tables, upholstered armchairs and sofas covered in yellow brocade with blue patterns, providing a cozy and comfortable setting for evenings spent together.
The Malachite Hall
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Spacious and sumptuous, this space takes its name from the malachite sculptures given to Napoleon by Tsar Alexander I, which adorned the room and gave it an unparalleled elegance.
The Malachite Room thus became a symbol of prestige and refinement, a witness to the international relations and diplomatic exchanges of the time.
The cool hall
Named for its northern exposure, this room played an important role as a council chamber for Napoleon, as well as the historic place where Charles X took leave of his ministers in 1830.
The wood-paneled walls, decorated with carved vases and garlands of flowers, date from the reign of Louis XIV and contain priceless works of art, including Flora and Zephyr by Jean Jouvenet and Vertumno and Pomona by Nicolas Bertin.
The furnishings, dating from the First Empire period, lend a regal atmosphere to the room, with furniture by Jacob-Desmalter, a grandfather clock by Lepaute, andchairs upholstered in Beauvais tapestry.
The Cotelle Gallery
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Strategically placed to protect the Trianon’s flower beds from the winter weather, the Cotelle Gallery is a true jewel of architecture and landscape art.
Covered with twenty-four paintings, most of them by Jean Cotelle, the gallery offers a spectacular depiction of the groves of Versailles and Trianon as they appeared in 1687.
The niches, which once contained sofas, were replaced by two Languedoc marble basins, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the room.
The Garden Room
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At the opposite end of the Cotelle Gallery, the Salone dei Giardini opens onto the striking Chestnut Grove and offers a breathtaking view of the Grand Canal side canal.
A testament to court life during the reign of Louis XIV, the room was later converted to house a billiard table, while still retaining its timeless charm and beauty.
The Emperor’s private chambers
Let us now immerse ourselves in the sumptuous Emperor’s Private Rooms, a haven of luxury and sophistication that combines the charm of the past with the grandeur of the present.
The Emperor’s Map Room
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Originally overlooking the Spring Grove, this room has witnessed multiple transformations over the centuries.
Initially connected to Madame de Maintenon’s private apartments, the room housed a valuable collection of maps personally chosen by Napoleon, thus transforming itself into a hall of maps, a symbol of the power and ambition of the era.
The antechamber
Also known as the“Room of the Rising Sun,” this room has a history rich in meaning and symbolism.
Originally used as a drawing room by Madame de Maintenon and later as a bedroom by various distinguished figures of the French court, the Anticamera has retained its charm and elegance through the centuries, becoming a place of historical and cultural significance.
The Private Chamber
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Known in the past as the Rest Room, this bedroom was the den of tranquility and rest for Madame de Maintenon.
Restored to its original size in 1813, the Private Room has been decorated with extreme care and attention to detail, testifying to the style and taste of the period.
The fine furnishings and artwork adorning the walls lend a timeless elegance to this intimate and personal space.
The bathroom
A symbol of luxury and refinement, this room marks the beginning of the Private Rooms furnished for Louis XV. The room was converted into a bathroom by order of Napoleon.
Its refined simplicity and elegant design made it a place of relaxation and well-being, where guests could immerse themselves in an atmosphere of pure tranquility.
The Emperor’s Bedroom
Originally the royal bedroom of Louis XV, this room has been transformed over the centuries to suit the tastes and needs of various rulers.
Furnished with fine furniture and adorned with priceless works of art, the Emperor’s Bedroom is an expression of the grandeur and magnificence of the court of Versailles.
The Breakfast Room
This fascinating room has a rich and varied history, reflecting the transformations and evolutions of the Grand Trianon over the centuries.
Originally part of the Buffet Room, this room and part of the adjacent room were part of the spaces set aside for Louis XIV’s sumptuous dinners. It was later during the reign of Louis XV that the room acquired its present size and was transformed into his personal office.
However, under Napoleon’s rule the room underwent a radical transformation, becoming his exclusive Breakfast Drawing Room, an intimate and refined place where the Emperor could enjoy his meals in an atmosphere of royalty and distinction.
The walls covered in blue and white damask silk, framed by elegant gold borders, create an atmosphere of luxury and refinement, while Jacob-Desmalter-designed chairs upholstered in the same fabric add a touch of elegance and comfort.
Thetemple-shaped clock, with its fine marble and intricate details, is a true masterpiece of engineering and design, a testament to the taste and style of the period.
Next to the clock, two Sèvres porcelain vases decorated with landscape scenes add a touch of refinement and beauty, while an oriental alabaster bowl lends an aura of mystery and exoticism to the room.
The round table, adorned with a procession of Muses, is a focal point of the room, bearing witness to the illustrious people who have passed through its doors over the centuries.
The painting on the wall, by royal artist Noël Coypel, depicts the Nymphs presenting a horn of plenty to Amalthea, an image that evokes the prosperity and abundance of the time. Taken from the Trianon-sous-Bois, this painting is a testament to the wealth and beauty that characterized the court of Versailles.
The Breakfast Room is connected to the Emperor’s Family Drawing Room, a room that was formerly Louis XV’s playroom.
The “trianon-sous-bois” wing
Twenty years after its creation, the Trianon Palace proved insufficient to accommodate the entire family of Louis XIV. Before his death in 1708, Jules Hardouin-Mansart was commissioned to build the Trianon-sous-Bois wing, characterized by a simplicity and elegance that anticipated the architectural trends of the 18th century.
This wing of the palace, distinguished from the others by the presence of a true second floor instead of only a mezzanine level, offered a series of apartments initially intended for the royal family.
Describing her rooms at the Palais du Trianon, Madame Palatine, sister-in-law of Louis XIV, painted a fascinating picture of her surroundings: a small grove so dense that it offered enough dense shade to prevent even the midday sun from penetrating it. The numerous springs that gushed from the ground formed small streams edged with grass, creating an idyllic setting perfect for moments of leisure.
The chapel
The Chapel, once the billiard room of Louis XIV, was transformed by Louis Philippe into a private chapel.
In this sacred abode, the marriage of his second daughter, Princess Marie, to Duke Alexander of Würtemberg was celebrated on October 17, 1837.
The columns around the altar, originally placed in the Grove of the Dome, and the stained glass panel, commissioned from the Manufacture de Sèvres and depicting theAssumption of the Virgin designed by Pierre-Paul Prud’hon, added a touch of sacredness and beauty to this place of worship.
Palace of Versailles: Entrance ticket + Gardens and Trianon Estate
Purchase online. Choose your preferred time. Visit the Palace of Versailles and the halls of the Palace, access the beautiful gardens and the stunning Trianon Estate.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
Grand Trianon of Versailles: useful info and how to visit it
The Grand Trianon at Versailles, an architectural jewel set in the heart of the sumptuous royal gardens, is a must-see destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the history and magnificence of the ancient French court. Here is some useful information for your visit.
Opening Hours
The Marble Trianon is open daily except Mondays, from 12:00 to 6:30 pm. Hours may vary during peak season and special events, so it is advisable to check the updated hours on this website before visiting.
Tickets
To make your visit even more enjoyable and stress-free, I recommend buying tickets online.
You can choose from a variety of options, including tickets for an exclusive visit to the Grand Trianon and combination packages that includeaccess to the entire domain of Versailles, including the Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
By purchasing tickets online, you can avoid the queues at ticket counters and enjoy your experience to the fullest without wasting precious time.
Guided tours
For those who wish to deepen their experience, guided tours of the Grand Trianon led by experienced art historians are available.
These tours offer a unique perspective on the history and architecture of the palace, allowing visitors to discover details and curiosities not otherwise accessible. See our selection of guided tours at the Palace of Versailles.
Accessibility
The Grand Trianon is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. However, users with reduced mobility will only be able to visit the interior of the Marble Trianon.
Visiting tips
Visiting time
It is recommended to devote at least one hour to visit the Grand Trianon to fully admire its beauty and immerse yourself in its history.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the building, however, it is important to respect the restrictions placed on flashes and tripods.
Clothing
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, considering that part of the visit may take place outdoors in the surrounding gardens.
Directions
The Grand Trianon is located in the Palace of Versailles complex, and is easily accessible by public or private transportation. To learn more, see our article on how to get to Versailles.
Special Events
Throughout the year, the Grand Trianon hosts a number of special events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances.
These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the palace in a different context and discover new aspects of its history and culture. Check out our articles on events in Versailles to stay up-to-date!
Grand Trianon of Versailles: frequently asked questions
The Grand Trianon was built by Louis XIV as a private retreat where he could escape the rigors of court life at Versailles. It was used for short-term stays and as a place for intimate gatherings, private dinners and moments of relaxation with family and close friends.
The name “Trianon” comes from the small village of Trianon, which Louis XIV had demolished to build his first retreat, the Trianon de Porcelaine. Later, in its place, the Grand Trianon, or Marble Trianon, was erected, which retained the village’s original name.
The Palace of Versailles houses many significant artistic elements, including the Gallery of Mirrors, the State Apartments, the Gardens, theOpéra, the Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon, and the Museum of the History of France. These elements, along with many other works of art and architecture, make Versailles a place of extraordinary beauty and historical importance.
The Palace of Versailles was built primarily in the Baroque style. This architectural style is characterized by its grandeur, richness of detail, use of dynamic forms, and creation of monumental spaces.
Trianon Versailles: conclusions
Here we have come to the end of our exploration of the Grand Trianon at Versailles. We started with a brief historical overview, tracing the evolution of the palace from its construction under Louis XIV to the interventions of Napoleon and Louis Philippe.
We then delved into the must-see rooms, discovering the Empress’ splendid apartments, the Peristyle, the State Apartments, the Emperor’s Private Rooms, and theTrianon-sous-Bois wing, each with its own unique features and fascinating historical and artistic details.
Next, I have provided you with practical information on how to visit the Grand Trianon, including tips on tickets, visiting times, and useful advice on how to best plan your tour.
Finally, I answered frequently asked questions, offering a quick and clear guide to satisfy your curiosity about various aspects of the Marble Trianon and the Palace of Versailles.
With this information, you are finally ready to visit the Marble Trianon of Versailles. If you have further questions about the Grand Trianon, or any other curiosity, please feel free to leave a comment below.
And be sure not to forget to book your ticket now: this is the only way to avoid long waits at the ticket counters and ensure an unforgettable experience in the beautiful Grand Trianon.
Palace of Versailles: Entrance Ticket + Gardens and Estate of Trianon
Purchase online. Choose your preferred time. Visit the Palace of Versailles and the halls of the Palace, access the beautiful gardens and the stunning Trianon Estate.
You can cancel for free up to the day before your visit.
