The Trianon estate

It all began with the Sun King, Louis XIV, who purchased the village of Trianon and had it demolished to build the Grand Trianon.

The Petit Trianon was gifted by Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette, and it became a place where she could escape the formalities and traditions of court life. In the gardens, she had a small village built in the Norman style, known as the Hameau de la Reine, or “Queen’s Hamlet.”

A walk from the Petit Trianon to the hamlet takes about 15 minutes, and it’s a peaceful and relaxing route. You can hear frogs along the landscaped streams, and the atmosphere feels worlds away from the busy main palace. A visit to the Trianon Estate is highly recommended!

A Quest for Perfection

According to architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV wanted to build “a small palace of pink marble and porphyry with charming gardens” in 1687.

This building made of pink marble is an architectural masterpiece, blending a truly majestic style with an intimate setting. The Grand Trianon is surrounded by gardens, filled with countless flowers and shrubs that create a tranquil atmosphere. When visiting the Grand Trianon, you can’t help but be enchanted by the charm of the French gardens with their perfectly geometric shapes. The pursuit of perfection became a kind of rite of passage, and the Sun King personally oversaw the construction.

The Grand Trianon served as a retreat for Louis XIV, a place where he could escape the constant bustle of the court and surround himself with a select circle. Being invited here was a privilege and an honour, reserved for only a few courtiers. Over the centuries, several famous figures have stayed here – including Napoleon.

A Sanctuary for Marie Antoinette

The Petit Trianon was originally commissioned by King Louis XV for his favourite mistress, Madame de Pompadour, who desired a charming retreat “to entertain the king.” It was completed in 1768 and inaugurated in 1769. However, the palace truly rose to prominence in the second half of the 18th century, when Louis XVI gifted it to his wife, Marie Antoinette.

The young queen had the palace renovated and replaced the old greenhouses with a garden in the English style. She often withdrew to the Petit Trianon to escape the rigid court etiquette and grandeur of Versailles, which at times felt overwhelming. There, she surrounded herself with close friends and held private gatherings, often disregarding the formalities of her rank and time.

Visiting the Petit Trianon offers a touching glimpse into the private life of Marie Antoinette – a queen with a deeply human side. Often criticised during her lifetime, she met a tragic fate at the guillotine during the French Revolution.

Today, visitors to Versailles can appreciate the elegant, refined, and eclectic style of the Petit Trianon. The palace was fully restored in 2008 and now reflects the atmosphere and aesthetic of Marie Antoinette’s era.

The Hameau de la Reine (The Queen’s Hamlet) is a charming, rustic village built at the request of Marie Antoinette in the gardens of the Petit Trianon. It was designed to offer the queen an escape from the rigid etiquette of court life and to allow her to role-play a simple, pastoral existence.

The hamlet consists of several cottages, a mill, a farm, and a pond, and presents an idyllic image of country life, far removed from the splendour and bustle of Versailles.

The Queen’s Theatre at the Petit Trianon estate is a small theatre built especially for Marie Antoinette. It was a private venue where the queen and her friends could enjoy intimate performances and occasionally take part themselves.

This theatre offered Marie Antoinette a chance to escape her public duties and indulge in her love of the arts. Tucked away in the gardens of the Petit Trianon, it reflects not only her passion for culture but also her desire for privacy and tranquillity.

– Book a Versailles Pass ticket now, which includes access to the Trianon Estate.
– You’ll find all ticket options, guided tours and combi-tickets on our ticket page.

Find out more: