Domaine de Trianon
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Domaine Trianon - by anonymous on Google
Description
The Domaine de Trianon comprises the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet; it is part of the Versailles complex, alongside the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. The Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles in French) is an historical monument part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was mostly developed under Louis XIV, the famous Roi-Soleil (Sun King), to accommodate the entire royal court and is truly massive in scale. The Grand Trianon is a French Baroque style château built as a retreat for the King Louis XIV and his mistress at the time (the Marquise de Montespan). It is set within its own park, which includes the Petit Trianon, a neoclassical style château built in the mid-18th century during the reign of Louis XV. This review is for a visit of the Domaine of Trianon.
Access & Transport
Versailles is about 20km to the southwest of Paris. For full flexibility, the best is to take the train - there are 3 options (do not let that confuse you, more optionality is better): a) RER C until Versailles Rive Gauche (500m walk), b) train from St Lazare station until Versailles Rive Droite (15mins walk) and c) train from Montparnasse to Versailles Chantier (15mins walk). There is also the Versailles Express bus from the Eiffel Tower, but timing is fixed (both ways) - please check on their website directly for additional information. Going by car is also straightforward but parking can be expensive - options include Place d'Armes in front of the Chateau or in the Domaine de Trianon (much cheaper but involves crossing the gardens).
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommend allocating at least half a day for a visit to Versailles: 2h return in transport and 3.5h for chateau + gardens. If you add the Domaine de Trianon (slightly discounted entry "Passport" price for both), then plan of spending your entire day there. Do not forget to take some water and snacks with you.
Environmental & Social
We have little data on the energy consumption required to operate the domain, but the gardens are environmentally friendly. The activity has a positive social impact, not only does it preserve the country's cultural heritage but it employs directly and indirectly hundreds of people (building restauration and maintenance, gardeners, etc.) and is the economic heart of the town of Versailles.
Conclusion
The Domaine de Trianon makes for a great half day outing or complement to a visit of the Versailles Palace for a full day trip. If you are pressed for time and need to choose however, we would recommend the Palace, unless you really want to stay away from the crowds.
Key positive
The history of the buildings provides some insights on the way the court lived in Versailles
Located right next to the Palace with access to the Gardens
Elegant building façades
Key negative
The interior of the châteaux can feel a little bare
Potentially a long walk across the Gardens to access the Domain
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but children under 12 are likely to find the visit boring quickly. The two châteaux and the gardens are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:2h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY12:00 - 18:30
WEDNESDAY12:00 - 18:30
THURSDAY12:00 - 18:30
FRIDAY12:00 - 18:30
SATURDAY12:00 - 18:30
SUNDAY12:00 - 18:30
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY12:00 - 17:30
WEDNESDAY12:00 - 17:30
THURSDAY12:00 - 17:30
FRIDAY12:00 - 17:30
SATURDAY12:00 - 17:30
SUNDAY12:00 - 17:30