By Jacques Vichet
The Grand Trianon was designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart in 1687, on the site of the ? Porcelain Trianon ?, which had been constructed in 1670 under the orders of Louis XIV. He wanted to construct a private residence, where he could escape from the pomp and show of the court, and enjoy time with his mistress Mme de Montespan. Built in pink marble, whence the nick-name ? the Marble Trianon ?, the Grand Trianon is undoubtedly the most refined group of buildings within the Versailles Estate. The Petit Trianon was built under Louis XV, close to the Grand Trianon, in compliance with the demands of his favourite mistress: Madame de Pompadour. However, Madame de Pompadour, for whom the chateau was built, died on the 15th April 1764, without ever having seen the completed work. It was with his new favourite, Madame du Barry, that Louis XV inaugurated the Petit Trianon. Marie-Antoinette, the wife of Louis XVI, liked to go to this chateau, which had been given to her by the King, to seek out a more simple lifestyle, away from the formality of Versailles. The Queen's Hamlet, not far away, was made up of a dozen farm buildings, in the traditional Norman style. The hamlet gives us a glimpse of Marie Antoinette's true character. The Queen enjoyed coming here to milk the cows and goats, which were meticulously cared for
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