The Grand Trianon is an elegant pavilion on the outskirts of Versailles that served as a place of refuge for the monarch and a secluded retreat for him to be alone with his mistress, Madame de Montespan. Designed by Louis Le Vau and built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1687, the beautiful balustraded building overlooks enchanting French-style geometrical gardens with landscaped terraces, blooming flowerbeds, green shrubs, and fragrant orange trees. Surrounded by a thick forest, the secluded palace allowed the King to escape from the drama of court. Today, the pavilion is part of the French Republic's presidential residence and hosts foreign officials.
Porte Saint-Antoine, Versailles, France, Phone: +33-1-30-83-78-00