Petit Trianon – Versailles, France

Nestled within its own gardens carved out of the larger Palace of Versailles grounds is the Petit Trianon, located some distance away from the main palace. It’s most famous for being the sanctuary for Marie Antoinette when she wanted respite from the formal royal court.

I’ve been critical of the main palace’s architecture, and while the Petit Trianon is equally restrained in ornamentation, I find its proportions beautiful. The compactness and understated design work well.

While it’s called the Small Trianon, there is a larger Trianon nearby; this structure is still substantial. In today’s terms, it would make a grand McMansion in the Texas suburbs, although with infinitely better quality and detailing.

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