C. Hare
[Footnote: From "Days Near Paris."]
The Trianons may be reached in half an hour from the railway station, but
the distance is considerable, and a carriage very desirable, considering
all the walking inside of the palaces to be accomplished. Carriages take
the straight avenue from Bassin de Neptune. The pleasantest way for foot-
passengers is to follow the gardens of Versailles as far as the Bassin
d'Apollon, and then turn to the right. At the end of the right branch of
the grand canal, staircases lead to the park of the Grand Trianon; but
these staircases are railed in, and it is necessary to make a detour to
the Grille de la Grande Entree, whence an avenue leads directly to the
Grand Trianon, while the Petit Trianon lies immediately to the right,
behind the buildings of the Concierge and Corps de Garde.
The original palace of the Grand Trianon was a little chateau built by
Louis XIV., in 1670, as a refuge from the fatigues of the Court, on land
bought from the monks of St. Genevieve, and belonging to the parish of
Trianon. But in 1687 the humble chateau was pulled down, and the present
palace erected by Mansart in its place.
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