VERSAILLES, Trianon

After walking along the first section of the canal to the right, you come to the Allée de la Reine, a diagonal avenue behind the Fountain of Apollo; this is the queen's avenue, which brings you to the two enchanting Trianon.

This part of the Versailles park was built on land belonging to the village of Trianon, which was demolished to make room for royal palaces and a marvellous botanical garden.

It's interesting that Louis XIV initially had a "porcelain" pavilion constructed, decorated in the chinoiserie style that was in vogue at the time. But since the fragile structure soon showed signs of deterioration, the architect Hardouin-Mansart incorporated the remains of it in a newer, larger building called the Grand Trianon, or "Marble Trianon" because it was clad in pink and green marble.

Louis XIV supervised the work personally and also had the long portico built from which you can enjoy enchanting views of the gardens through the line of columns. The interiors have been frequently restored and retain their 17th-century appearance only in part: the decor has the recurring theme of flora and nature. The most interesting room is the mirror room, which was used by the Sun King as a council room.

The garden of the Grand Trianon has a predominantly 18th century aspect principally related to the memory of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour. Here too, as you can see, the avenues and flower beds are arranged in a regular fashion, with fountains and structures, including the delightful Pavillon Français in the rococo style....