Friday 29 August 2014

Weekend Reflections: le pavillon français (et le pavillon frais)

Pavillon Français Petit Trianon Versailles
The 'French pavilion' at Petit Trianon castle in the palace grounds was one of Marie-Antoinette's havens. It is seen here reflected in a fountain basin. VDP has always adored this little pavilion, built in 1750 by Ange-Jacques Gabriel for Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour. It is simple and yet so perfectly elegant. More Weekend Reflections are this way!

Le pavillon français au Petit Trianon était l'un des endroits préférés de Marie-Antoinette. Le voici se mirant dans le bassin d'une fontaine. VDP a toujours adoré ce petit pavillon, construit en 1750 par Ange-Jacques Gabriel pour Louis XV et Madame de Pompadour. Il est d'un classicisme tout simple et tellement élégant ! Tous les Reflets du Weekend sont par ici !
Pavillon Français Petit Trianon Versailles
Pavillon Français Petit Trianon Versailles

Pavillon Français Petit Trianon Versailles
Turn around 180° and you are looking at the pavillon frais ('fresh pavilion', so called because of its orientation to the north), built between 1751 and 1753, also by Gabriel and pictured below! Unlike the French pavilion, this one isn't the original that was destroyed in 1810. It was, however, entirely rebuilt as an exact copy!

Retournez vous et vous regardez le pavillon frais, ci-dessous, construit entre 1751 et 1753 par le même Gabriel. Ceci n'est pas l'original, détruit en 1810. Il a toutefois été fidèlement reconstruit !
Pavillon Frais Petit Trianon Versailles

24 comments:

Revrunner said...

I'd enjoy going inside.

William Kendall said...

Beautiful! I have heard of the French pavilion at some point in reading about the place.

RedPat said...

I could be quite happy dans le pavillon francais! It is so elegant and beautiful outside the window makes it even better!

Sunnybrook Farm said...

Such a nice little place, maybe they will let VDP spend a weekend there but you may have to dress in period clothes. You would also need servants.

Randy said...

Nice gardens.

Unknown said...

Lovely pictures

Thérèse said...

La première photo est d'une telle élégance!

Stefan Jansson said...

Great reflection snap.

Tanya Breese said...

what a beautiful historic place! incredible!!

Sharon said...

Both of those places are gorgeous and perfect little retreats.

VP said...

A nice reflection for a lovely building, and I like even more the 'fresh' side...

James said...

The reflection and beautiful sky are the perfect "settings" for this gem of a building.

P.S. I answered your question on my blog. :-)

Adrienne said...

Beautiful place ~ dreamy reflection!!

Adrienne said...

Beautiful place ~ dreamy reflection!!

'Tsuki said...

Ah le pavilon frais..; Que de souvenirs sur cette visite avec une amie, à l'époque ! Tes photos sont superbes, comme à l'accoutumée ; elles mettent parfaitement en valeur l'architecture. Tu n'aurais pas pu choisir plus joli reflet !

Jack said...

I favor the French pavilion, too. Love your photos. And you had blue skies with white puffy clouds!

EG CameraGirl said...

I can see why Marie Antoinette like the French Pavilion! I bet she loved the reflection too.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I can see why you love it so much Ciel, it really is perfect in every way, including reflection!

Fun60 said...

Large enough to be called grand and small enough to live in.

Louisette said...

C'est vraiment superbe.

Anonymous said...

Love the BIG sky too!

maryaustria said...

A wonderful series of photos! And the reflection is gorgeous!

Gunn said...

Fantastic!

Halcyon said...

A perfect reflection!