The Estate of Trianon is a beautiful and homely group of buildings and gardens located within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. It includes the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet. The Trianons are adorned with decorative ornaments, beautiful gardens, and architectural gems. Marie-Antoinette sought solace here, using it as her personal retreat.
The primary aim of these spaces was to provide the monarchs with private havens close to the Palace. Entry to this area of the Palace of Versailles is not free, and you will need an Estate of Trianon ticket.
Opening Hours
Closed on Mondays, the Estate of Trianon opening hours are 12 pm to 5.30 pm. The last admission is at 5 pm. You can visit the estate between 10 am and 6.30 pm from April to October. The Estate Of Trianon tickets offer access to the Trianon Palaces and the Estate of Marie Antoinette, starting at €11 per person.
Get the Palace of Versailles passport ticket to visit the whole property, including the Palace, Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s Estate, and Gardens. You can also update to see the famous Musical Gardens or Fountain Show during the summer.
The Grand Trianon
Due to the pink marble panels that lined the palace’s opulent façades, the Grand Trianon was previously known as the ‘Marble Trianon.’ Louis XIV, along with Jules Hardouin-Mansart, oversaw the building of this piece of the Trianon estate. The king also used the Grand Trianon for private meetings with Madame de Maintenon. At the time, the geometrically arranged flowerbeds, blooming with thousands of flowers, were a marvel to visitors.
The Petit Trianon
Historically, the Estate of Trianon is celebrated for its intimate connection with French monarchs. Louis XV dedicated this part of Trianon Estate to his passion for botanical sciences and as a secluded meeting place with his mistress, the Comtesse Du Barry. Later, Louis XVI gifted the Petit Trianon to Marie Antoinette, who used it to escape the formalities of the court and enjoy a more rustic, rural lifestyle. This construction is a masterpiece of the neo-classical movement by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel.
The Queen’s Hamlet
The Queen’s Hamlet in the Trianon Estate emulates a model village, drawing inspiration from Normandy’s historic architecture. It features various rooms, including a dining room, salon, billiards room, boudoir, windmill and dairy. Marie-Antoinette used the hamlet for promenades and entertaining guests. However, it was mainly used for her children’s schooling. Hamlet’s most enduring and untouched feature is the Queen’s Theatre, constructed in 1780. This private theater, reserved for the royal family and their guests, hosted plays, operas, and other performances. The Queen’s Theatre at the Estate of Trianon was designed neoclassical and could seat up to 300 people.
FAQs
1. Is the Estate of Trianon worth visiting?
Yes, the Estate of Trianon Paris, particularly the Grand Trianon, is worth a visit if you have the time. Unlike the bustling Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon offers a quieter yet equally splendid experience. Its highlight, the Peristyle, surrounded by gardens, is a captivating feature worth exploring.
2. Why did the kings of Versailles build the estate of Trianon?
The kings of Versailles created the Estate of Trianon as a private escape from the formalities of court life. Initially designed by Louis XV, it evolved under Marie-Antoinette’s touch into a personal sanctuary.Here, she could escape the pressures of royal duties and indulge in a pastoral lifestyle within a quaint hamlet setting.
3. Why is it called Trianon?
The name ‘Trianon’ comes from the French word for a small, elegant villa within the grounds of a larger estate. The Grand Trianon was constructed on the site of a hamlet named Trianon, while the Petit Trianon, a Neoclassical château, was built nearby during the reign of Louis XV.
4. Who lived at Trianon?
In the First French Empire, Napoleon resided at the Trianon, furnishing it in the Empire Style. He lived there with his second wife, Marie Louise of Austria.
Featured Image: Chateauversailles.fr
