Hameau de la Reine (Queen’s Hamlet)

In 1783, Marie-Antoinette decided to extend the northern part of the Trianon gardens and commissioned her architect Richard Mique to create the Hamlet. Originally composed of ten factories, these small houses with a rustic appearance, set around a lake, were an idyllic place for the Queen who wished to escape the constraints of the Court.

Country atmosphere in the heart of Versailles

Although its style is not clearly identifiable, combining various influences from rural architecture, there is nevertheless an undeniable sense of unity, in line with the idea of returning to nature, a popular trend at the end of the 18th century.

Three buildings make up the central part, which was reserved for the Queen’s personal use: the warming room, the boudoir and the Queen’s House, the most imposing building in the Hamlet. The rustic exterior contrasts with the elegance of the recently restored interiors, which are only accessible to visitors on guided tours.

The other buildings, including the mill, dovecote, guard’s house and farm were used for service or agricultural purposes.
The latter, which had fallen into a state of disrepair and was restored in 2006, is now occupied by the organisation Fondation Assistance aux Animaux. Children will love meeting the various residents, all of whom are rescued.

Marie-Antoinette wanted the Hamlet to play an educational role. This is still the case today!

Access to the Queen’s Hamlet is through the entrance of one of the two Trianons.

Discover also the château de Rambouillet and Queen Marie-Antoinette's dairy.