The Pavillon français by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, 1749-50

The “French Pavilion”, which was completed in 1750.

In 1749 Louis XV created the new “French Garden” with its characteristic geometrical and symmetrical lines. The flowerbeds were designed by architect Gabriel and the gardens were supervised by Claude Richard confirming the scientific vocation of the new estate. Vegetables, a fig garden, rare flowers and fruit complete the nursery.

French Pavilion

This pavilion is known as the “French” pavilion because it was located in the middle of one of those regular gardens which began to be known as “French” gardens in contrast with the budding trend of English gardens. Built by Gabriel in 1750, it was one of Louis XV’s first creations at Trianon, the estate to which he had felt drawn towards since childhood. It consists in a vast circular living room flanked by four small rooms used as a boudoir, warming room, kitchen and wardrobe. Accompanied by Madame de Pompadour the king would go there to relax, listen to music after his visits of the botanical garden or having enjoyed a light meal at the nearby Cool Pavilion.

French King Louis XV

Madame de Pompadour

The Louis XV boiseries panels and richly carved with bas-relief

The king needed a suitable place to rest and play cards, so Gabriel created the Pavillon Français (1749-50), to the south of the ménagerie. This elegant pavilion was set in the center of a small formal garden.

The columns, pilasters, heavy Boiseries are elaborate asymmetrical plasterwork cornice

Rococo style Louis XV Boiseries - frivolous, exuberant, delicate, curvaceous and asymmetrical

The overdoor boiseries have cupids with a Royal crown in the middle

The overdoor boiseries have cupids

Rococo style Louis XV Boiseries - frivolous, exuberant, delicate, curvaceous and asymmetrical

The gold leaf on the fluted columns is amazing

Rich detail

Louis XV Boiseries without gold leaf

Louis XV Boiseries without gold leaf

The Pavillon français of Ange-Jacques Gabriel, 1749-50