In 1963 the president of France, General Charles de Gaulle, decided to fully restore the Grand Trianon in Versailles as a presidential residence. He believed it was an ideal setting to welcome visiting heads of state. One wing was furnished as a private living and working area for the President. The opposite wing was set up for visitors and the Gallery and large rooms between the wings hosted functions.
The presidential wing (Trianon-sous-Bois) included a bedroom shared by General de Gaulle and his wife. He used original Louis XVI period furniture from the national furniture depot. The beds, which were covered with fabric, had to be extended to accommodate the President who was close to two meters tall.
