The Petit Trianon of Versailles, part III !!!

The beautiful Petit Trianon of Versailles. You know if reading my blog, I lived here for 9 + years! sublime but more importantly for me , the Petit Trianon was my hanging out area, we jogged here, and ate on the little Angelina open air terrace; so many family memories. Do go along with me on this new journey on the history of this wonderful little castle! Glad to have found older paper pictures that even if not perfect brings about lots of memories that should be in my blog, Therefore, again, my take on the Petit Trianon of Versailles, part III !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

The Petit Trianon is a castle located in the Domaine de Versailles.(name that includes the castle ,trianons, hameau etc all) . Built by the architect of King Louis XV, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, from 1762 to 1768, it is considered a masterpiece of neo Classicism, combining the most modern taste and integration with the surrounding nature.  Built for Madame de Pompadour who died before seeing it completed, it was inaugurated by Madame du Barry in 1768, almost 20 years after the first installations of the new garden of the king. It was offered by king Louis XVI, as soon as he came, to his young wife Marie-Antoinette who gave her imprint, associating for ever, in the imagination of the public, the castle and the Queen.

The Salon Circulaire or pavillon Français is a room decorated with objects of fishing,hunting,and gardening. It was the favorite room of Louis XV coming here to rest on his daily routine. It was completed in 1750 base on the country house of Madame de Pompadour, set up so folks can play on the allée de la Fontaine with ducks.

Versailles Petit Trianon, cour intérieure salon circulaire pavillon français c2010

Versailles Petit Trianon salon circulaire pavillon français interior c2010

The nice Chambre de Madame Campan, or bedroom of Mrs Campan, 1st floor and on top of the bedroom of Marie Antoinette. The rooms of the two most personal persons of her entourage.The lady of Honor, and the first lady of the bedroom. In 1786 Madame Campan replaces the previous lady of the bedroom, and became famous by her memoirs. She was the reading teacher of the daughters of Louis XV. By 1770 she was already the second woman in charge. During all this period she knows all the intimite moves of Marie Antoinette and thanks to her memoirs published in 1822 that the history now looks more gentle towards Marie Antoinette.  Madame Campan was the founder of a girls school in Saint Germain en Laye in 1794; She was in charge of the Imperial house of Ecouén for the daughters of the officers of the legion of honneur. She ended up very poor having her schools closed by Louis XVIII that never forgave her affinity towards the Napoleonic regimes.

Versailles Petit Trianon chambre de Mme Campan c2010

The Maison de Richard or also known as the Pavillon de Jussieu.  It was the house of the gardener Claude Richard and his son Antoine,when the father came here in 1754 on the wishes of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour. Thanks to the grains of plants sent by Duke de Noailles, from many corners of the world, the botanical richness of the place were the most extraordinary collection of botanical work in Europe; more than 4000 exotic varieties florished here. Here for the first time we saw pineapples grow in France!  Marie Antoinette saved this treasure and asked Richard to transfer the plants to the Kings garden in Paris (the actual jardin des plantes-see post). The Richards stayed close to the Queen, and Claude Richard past away in 1784 at the Petit Trianon, and Antoine Richard lives past the French revolution and help save the gardens of Versailles from the auction block. A true hero ,and one my son is studying this profession, and did stage there!

Versailles Petit Trianon maison de Richard o pavillon de jussieu c2010

At the far edge of the Domaine de Trianon estate stand the astonishing icehouses. These spaces were used to store the ice harvested in winter to refresh drinks, or to prepare sorbets and ice cream in summer. The Glacières are small constructions, two, are located on the Domaine du Petit Trianon (see pic), The two at Trianon, underground and condemned by a double -door system, are installed by Louis XIV in 1686 and operated until 1909. It was not until 1982 that Trianon coolers were completely renovated thanks to a donation by Christian Dior !

Versailles Domaine de Trianon glacières c2010

The Château de Versailles on the Petit Trianon : https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/estate/estate-trianon/petit-trianon

The city of Versailles tourist office on the Petit Trianon: https://en.versailles-tourisme.com/the-petit-trianon.html

There you go folks,  Versailles is Royal, magnificent, gorgeous, historical, architectural wonders and the history of France and the world. You need to spent more time, there are a lot of wonderful architecturally stunning full of incredible history to see in my dear Versailles. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Petit Trianon of Versailles, part III !!! as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.