Pavillon frais, French garden folly in Park of Versailles, France
Pavillon frais is a small garden house in the French gardens of Petit Trianon featuring green lattice coverings and marble details. The structure spans about 60 square meters and contains a marble fireplace inside.
Architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel designed this summer dining pavilion between 1751 and 1753 for King Louis XV and his companion as a private retreat. The building was demolished in 1810 but underwent complete reconstruction in 1984 with archaeological investigations following in 2006.
The walls display carved oak panels painted in green and white tones, creating a unified appearance. Visitors can observe how the building blends architectural craft with garden settings.
The building is located within the Petit Trianon gardens and forms part of the Marie Antoinette Estate circuit. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as garden pathways are uneven, and access depends on weather and seasonal conditions.
The structure was faithfully rebuilt in the 1980s using modern methods after nearly 200 years of destruction. This makes it an interesting example of how archaeologists and historians can recreate lost buildings with careful investigation.
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