Exterior view
by HARDOUIN-MANSART, Jules, Photo
The Grand Trianon was built in the park of Versailles by Hardouin-Mansart in only six months in 1687-88. It is a permanent structure with an open columned hall and extended single-storey wings. His light-spirited design based on Italian models.
The Trianon was a hub of flowers, opening onto parterres and beds of roses, gladioli, and tuberoses. It was essentially a small-scale version of Versailles: a ground floor with terrace roofs, two buildings linked by a portico. A long wing was later added to the north, in order to be as close as possible to the garden.