Grand Trianon — Attraction in Versailles

I got to go back to Versailles and this time I decided to explore the gardens, the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate. The palace gardens alone are so huge, it took me several hours to wander through!

All throughout the gardens classical music is playing, which gives it such a lovely atmosphere. And I happened to be lucky with the weather as well. Not too hot, not too cold, nice and sunny but not overly so, it was just perfect for a long stroll through the gardens.

And what lavish gardens they are! From the gorgeous orangerie over a plethora of smaller gardens with fountains and statues, absolutely stunning. I could have easily spent a whole day here, the opulence and grandeur are just superb!

After wandering for several hours, I finally made my way to the Grand Trianon and the adjacent gardens, which are quite large as well, but not quite as opulently extravagant as the Versailles gardens. Still, they are vast, very well maintained and beautiful.

The gardens of the Grand and Petit Trianon are connected and while the Trianon buildings are quite nice to see, the gardens are the true highlight here. Especially the Queen’s Hamlet and Petit Trianon estates are just gorgeous! Beautifully maintained parks with a few pretty buildings, statues and landscaping features.

All in all I spent a full day in the gardens and estates and am absolutely stunned by the beauty and vastness of this...

It was a nice smaller palace to visit. Definitely not nearly as opulent as the palace proper. But, not a lot of visitors at the moment, so that was nice.

The way from the grand trianon to the petite trianon and the hamlet could be a little better marked, but I found my way eventually. The petit trianon is also very modestly (compared to the palace) decorated. The linens in Marie Antoinette's bedroom are beautifully done.

Inside the hamlet, there are cute little buildings (sadly, you can't go in them), and they still keep animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, roosters, chicken, goats, 2 kinds of pigs, donkeys, and horses). It's not a petting zoo - you can't touch the animals - but they're fun to look at, and seem to be well treated/have a decent amount of space.

Outside the petit trianon (once you exit, you can't go back in, so plan accordingly), there is a little cafe with the typical French sandwiches and pastries, and the really thick (almost like soup) hot chocolate. A little ways past the cafe there are bathrooms that are relatively clean.

The grounds are very large, and it is much like walking through a wooded park area - trees, bushes, grasses, wildflowers. Not as many planned gardens as the palace proper, but still a very nice...

Visiting the Grand Trianon was a delightful experience that added a touch of elegance to my trip to Versailles. Nestled within the expansive grounds of the Palace of Versailles, this stunning pink marble pavilion offers a serene contrast to the opulence of the main palace.

Upon arrival, the architectural beauty of the Grand Trianon is immediately striking. The blend of classical and baroque styles creates a charming and intimate atmosphere. The gardens surrounding the pavilion are meticulously maintained, filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Inside, the rooms are beautifully decorated, showcasing exquisite furniture and artworks that reflect the lifestyle of French royalty. I particularly enjoyed the gallery and the views of the gardens from the large windows, which made for some lovely photo opportunities.

Exploring the Grand Trianon felt like stepping back in time. The quieter, more personal setting allowed me to appreciate the history and the tranquil beauty of the area away from the larger crowds at the main palace.

Overall, my visit to the Grand Trianon was a highlight of my Versailles experience. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the elegance of French history and...