The Grand Trianon is a smaller version of the palace. A lot of rooms to tour and these actually have more furnishings that the rooms in the main palace. There is a lot to see here, so you will need about 45 minutes for the tour. Photography is allowed.
After going through the Palace of Versailles, we waked down and rented bicycles to get through the gardens Trianons and Hamlet. I did enjoy the bike ride and the buildings. The grounds were not as beautiful as others have commented, but I think it was because it was November and the fountains weren't on and the statues were covered. You can just walk/jog the grounds for free, but to get into anything you must pay. And of course you have to pay to rent the bikes.
We took a tour called "Marie Antoinette’s Estate Tour" with paristoversailles.com , she told me she learn a lot about MA and enjoyed a tour in a very peaceful park full of lovely animals!Trianons et le hameau seems to be a must to see in Versailles!
Take time to walk to the Hamlet and see Marie Antoinette's "play farm." It is a nice stroll and worth while.
We had seen the Trianons the previous year so we visited the hamlet this time. It was a nice sunny afternoon and the whole experience was relaxing, almost a step back to when it was in its pomp. Make sure you also take in the farm, butting goats were comical. You could see why the queen spent long hours here, away from the crowds at the Palace, nothing changes!
Wear comfortable shoes! Everything about this place was enjoyable. I was so tired by the end of it but i didnt care. Instead of walking back all the way to the entrance, there's a bus shuttle that brings everyone back to the train station.
A marvelous walk through the gardens leads one up to the hamlet which was said to be the queen's own project.The hamlet itself is set up as an English village, extremely well maintained, with swans and ducks in the water bodies, this area of the Palace of Versailles gives a lot of opportunities for great photography.Try to get to the hamlet while the sun-sets for the best colours and sights.
For me visiting the Hamlet was a highlight of Versailles. Juxtaposed against the gaudy and outlandish main palace, this was a pace of simplicity and tranquility. Less people visit so you have more room to explore, and the gardens were levelly, even in winter.
If the Chateau de Versailles was meant to represent the masculine, public image of French royalty, then the Trianons would represent its feminine, more private side. Not that it was intended to even exist but Marie Antoinette's distaste for court life at the Chateau resulted in the Grand Trianon and the hamlet being built to serve as her retreat. Despite the 'desire' for a country-style life, the fittings at both Trianons could hardly be said to be shabby but they certainly reflect a softer style of interior decoration. The Petit Trianon, located on the grounds of the Grand Trianon's park, came to be as a residence for Louis XIV's mistresses, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry.It's not a short walk from Chateau de Versailles to the Trianons - almost 2 kilometres via the quiet walking trails, so don't underestimate how long it will take to get there and back. A useful alternative is the small train for a fee but do check with the information desk on the details of its operation.
We had a great time, been there 4x times now. Must ensure you check their website and only go the days they have music in the garden while the fountains are flowing...it is the only way to see Versailles and The Hamlet! Go early and get to the front of the line.