Audio GuidePetit Trianon

Welcome to the Petit Trianon, a delightful retreat nestled within the expansive grounds of the Palace of Versailles. This graceful estate was constructed from seventeen sixty-two to seventeen sixty-eight under the expert eye of the celebrated architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Initially commissioned by King Louis the Fifteenth, it later became a treasured private sanctuary for Queen Marie Antoinette, providing her with a peaceful refuge from the formalities of court life.

Marko Groß

The design of the Petit Trianon represents a shift from the lavish Rococo style to the more elegant and restrained neoclassical aesthetics popular in the late eighteenth century. Its clean, square design is accentuated by elegant Corinthian columns and meticulously arranged facades that frame views of the enchanting gardens. Within, visitors are welcomed by a grand staircase and cosy reception rooms adorned with period furniture. Unique features like the boudoir, equipped with a pioneering moving mirror mechanism, reflect the sophisticated yet comfortable lifestyle of the French royal court.

yasu miya

The gardens outside offer a blend of the formal precision of French style planting with the relaxed charm of English landscapes. Geometric parterres and tree-lined avenues contrast with whimsical follies and rustic features, including the charming Queen’s Hamlet. This small cluster of farmhouses and gardens once allowed the queen an escape from the rigid protocols of court life.

Davorka Geršić

Throughout its history, the Petit Trianon has witnessed significant events, including the turmoil of the French Revolution. Careful restoration efforts have preserved its authentic charm, ensuring its ongoing role as a glimpse into eighteenth-century royal life. Today, this intimate château provides not only a fascinating insight into France’s illustrious past but also continues to inspire art, literature, and film, making it an essential visit for those keen to explore a unique piece of history.

Pádraig Brosnan