Grand Trianon
Louis XIV's elegant pink marble retreat, offering a more intimate and serene experience within the Versailles estate.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Grand Trianon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Louis XIV's elegant pink marble retreat, offering a more intimate and serene experience within the Versailles estate.
"It's a lot less crowded here and you can really breathe and enjoy the scenery."
🚶♀️ Walk to the Trianons
Enjoy a scenic 30-min walk through the gardens from the main palace to reach the Grand Trianon.
🎟️ Included with Versailles Ticket
Access to the Grand Trianon is usually included with your main Palace of Versailles ticket.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pink Marble Facade
Exterior
Admire the striking pink marble exterior, a signature feature that sets the Grand Trianon apart.

Marie Antoinette's Retreat
Interior and Gardens
Step into the more intimate royal apartments and explore the tranquil gardens that were a personal escape.

Hall of Mirrors (Petit Trianon)
Petit Trianon
Experience a smaller, yet equally elegant, Hall of Mirrors offering a glimpse into royal life.

The Grand Gardens
Exterior
Wander through the beautifully manicured gardens, a peaceful counterpoint to the main palace's grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at the Grand Trianon
Getting to the Grand Trianon
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
My experience May 2025: do NOT waste your time at Versailles
🚶♀️ Walk to the Trianons
Enjoy a scenic 30-min walk through the gardens from the main palace to reach the Grand Trianon.
🎟️ Included with Versailles Ticket
Access to the Grand Trianon is usually included with your main Palace of Versailles ticket.
Seeking Versailles advice - what if we skip the Palace?
Palace of Versailles -- Grand Trianon entrance
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
📸 Capture the Pink Facade
The unique pink marble exterior is a must-photograph spot!
Is Versailles doable without a guide?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk to the Trianons
Enjoy a scenic 30-min walk through the gardens from the main palace to reach the Grand Trianon.
🎟️ Included with Versailles Ticket
Access to the Grand Trianon is usually included with your main Palace of Versailles ticket.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
📸 Capture the Pink Facade
The unique pink marble exterior is a must-photograph spot!
🕰️ Allow ample time
A day isn't enough to see everything; prioritize what interests you most.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Grand Trianon for its stunning pink marble facade and more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere compared to the main palace. It's seen as a beautiful and historically rich part of the Versailles estate, offering a pleasant escape and a chance to step back in time. Some note that a full day is barely enough to see everything within the vast estate.
"Grand Trianon was absolutely stunning. Love the pink facade and all the marble. It is very grand and would be an attraction on its own. Don't forget to walk out the back to see the gardens and the lake.
It's a lot less crowded here and you can really breathe and enjoy the scenery."
James
"This part of the palace of versailles, I spent a day here with my wife. We had been looking forward to this vist and we where not disappointed,there is so much history here to look at and take in from the hall of mirror to the wonderful garden's the only downside side is a day is not enough time to see everything."
Paul Kay
"Included in your ticket to access the palace. We enjoyed the grounds as it was much quieter and less crowded. Nice to walk around and step back in time."
Blake Ericson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grand Trianon is located about a 30-minute walk through the gardens from the main Palace of Versailles. You can also opt for the estate's mini-train or rent a golf cart for a quicker journey.
Parking is available at the main Palace of Versailles. From there, you will need to walk or take an internal transport option to reach the Grand Trianon.
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off at the main Palace of Versailles entrance. You'll then need to make your way to the Grand Trianon within the estate grounds.
Many visitors enjoy walking to fully appreciate the gardens. For those with limited mobility or time, the estate's electric train is a convenient option.
The Grand Trianon is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the main Palace of Versailles, a pleasant walk through the expansive gardens.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, access to the Grand Trianon is included with your general admission ticket to the Palace of Versailles. Always check the official website for the most current ticket information.
Yes, the Grand Trianon is often included in the Paris Museum Pass, but it's essential to verify this before your visit as inclusions can change.
The Grand Trianon generally follows the opening hours of the Palace of Versailles estate, but it's best to check the official Versailles website for specific daily hours and any seasonal variations.
While time slots are often mandatory for the main Palace of Versailles, the Grand Trianon is usually less crowded and may not require a specific time slot reservation. However, it's wise to check the official booking platform.
Entry to the gardens is often free on certain days, but access to the palaces, including the Grand Trianon, usually requires a ticket. Check the official Versailles website for any special offers or free entry days.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography without flash is generally permitted inside the Grand Trianon, allowing you to capture its elegant decor. Always look for signage indicating specific restrictions.
The pink marble facade is iconic. Also, capture the symmetry of the gardens from the terraces and the intimate interiors.
Drones are strictly prohibited within the entire Palace of Versailles estate, including the Grand Trianon and its gardens, for security and preservation reasons.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the pink marble and garden landscapes. Early mornings can also provide softer light and fewer people.
Professional photoshoots typically require special permits and advance arrangements with the Versailles administration. Casual personal photography is usually allowed.
🎫 👑 Royal History
Louis XIV commissioned the Grand Trianon as a more intimate retreat from the grandeur of the main Palace of Versailles, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. It was intended for his private life and to host guests away from courtly protocol.
It served as a royal residence for various members of the French monarchy, including Louis XIV, and later became a favored retreat for Marie Antoinette. It also hosted significant diplomatic events.
The Grand Trianon is a larger, more formal palace built by Louis XIV, while the Petit Trianon was a smaller, more rustic estate gifted to Marie Antoinette by Louis XVI, offering a more private and pastoral escape.
While the Petit Trianon is more directly associated with Marie Antoinette's personal life, the Grand Trianon also houses exhibits and rooms that reflect the royal lifestyle of her era and the periods before her.
Yes, Napoleon Bonaparte later used the Grand Trianon as a residence and ordered renovations. It continued to be used by the French imperial family.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Design of the Grand Trianon
Inside, the Grand Trianon features a series of sumptuous apartments and salons, decorated with exquisite frescoes, marble, and gilded woodwork. While it served as a royal residence, it was designed for more private gatherings and leisure. The layout is more intimate, allowing for a sense of personal space that was often lacking in the main palace. The careful integration of the building with its surrounding gardens further enhances this feeling of a tranquil retreat, making it a significant example of French Baroque architecture adapted for personal comfort.
Marie Antoinette's Connection to the Trianons
However, Marie Antoinette's most significant personal domain within the Versailles estate was the Petit Trianon. This smaller, more rustic château was gifted to her by Louis XVI and became her sanctuary. Here, she created her famous Hameau de la Reine (Queen's Hamlet), a picturesque village designed to mimic rural life, where she could play at being a shepherdess away from the strict etiquette of Versailles. Visiting both the Grand and Petit Trianons offers a fascinating contrast in royal lifestyles and personal preferences.
Exploring the Gardens and Estate
When visiting the Grand Trianon, it's highly recommended to allocate time to explore the broader Versailles estate. This includes the Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet, each offering unique insights into royal life and personal retreats. The sheer scale of the estate means that a full day is often needed to truly appreciate its various facets. Consider using the estate's internal transport options, like the mini-train, if you wish to cover more ground without extensive walking.
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