The Queen’s Hamlet at Versailles feels like a little piece of the Cotswolds in France. Here, you’ll find rustic, thatched-roof cottages and beautiful gardens. It’s definitely worth visiting during a trip to Versailles.
In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your visit, including how to get there, which type of ticket to purchase, and the best things to see in the Queen’s Hamlet.
About the Queen’s Hamlet at Versailles
The Queen’s Hamlet was Marie Antoinette’s escape from the formality of the court of Versailles. In 1777, her gardener began creating the English gardens and in 1783, picturesque cottages were built around an artificial lake. Although it’s often said this is where Marie Antoinette “pretended to be a peasant,” it was actually a place where the she could host small gatherings; it also included a small, functional farm. Today, the Hamlet can be visited during a trip to Versailles – more on which type of ticket to purchase below!
How to Get There
Versailles is about 45 minutes by train from Paris. From Paris, you’ll want to take the RER C (yellow) train to the train station in Versailles, Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. From the station, it’s about a 14-minute walk to the front entrance of Versailles. If you’re exploring the whole estate of Versailles, this is where you’ll want to start.
If you go this route, keep in mind it’s a long walk between the Palace of Versailles and the section of Versailles where the Queen’s Hamlet is located. If you prefer not to go on foot, there’s a shuttle available called the Little Train. You can also rent a bicycle or golf cart to use to explore the estate of Versailles.
Don’t want to see the entire estate of Versailles? You also have the option to purchase a ticket to the Estate of Trianon only, which includes the Queen’s Hamlet. (I know, it’s all kind of confusing until you visit in person. To explain: the Estate of Trianon is located on the grounds of Versailles, but is a separate area with its own palaces and gardens. You can find a map here to help put things in perspective.) If you’d like to enter through the Estate of Trianon, you can find more information here on the two entrances to Trianon.
Which Ticket to Purchase for the Queen’s Hamlet?
If you want to visit the entire estate of Versailles, including the Palace of Versailles, the gardens of Versailles, and the Estate of Trianon, considering purchasing a Passport ticket for 32 €. This is what I did and I loved seeing the whole estate, including highlights such as the Hall of Mirrors, the gardens of Versailles and the Queen’s Hamlet.
If you’d rather focus on a specific area of Versailles, you also have the option to purchase an Estate of Trianon ticket for 12 €. With this ticket, you have access to the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet beginning at noon.
Tickets can be purchased online here; you must purchase a ticket online in advance.
Things to See in the Queen’s Hamlet
The Queen’s Hamlet includes 10 rustic buildings, ranging from a windmill to a working dairy. Here’s a great map of the hamlet that includes a preview of key buildings. There’s also an artificial lake and numerous gardens. With a Passport or Estate of Trianon ticket, you’ll be able to explore exteriors of each building and the grounds/gardens at your leisure. Interiors are only accessible through a guided tour.
How Long to Plan to Spend in the Queen’s Hamlet
Once you get to the Queen’s Hamlet, I’d plan to spend about 45 minutes exploring. The area is fairly compact, but this will give you time to stroll the gardens, see the cottages and enjoy a few photo ops without feeling hurried. Since you can’t go inside the buildings, it would be difficult to spend more than an hour or so here.
Nearby Things to See: The Estate of Trianon & More
Relatively close to the Queen’s Hamlet is the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and the Gardens of Trianon. The Grand Trianon, commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, is a gorgeous, sprawling palace. Here, you’ll see Italian influences in the architecture and decor. Adjacent to the Grand Trianon are the Gardens of Trianon, with its orange trees and fragrant flowerbeds.
Not far is the Petit Trianon, built in the 1760s. Marie Antoinette spent quite a bit of time here, as she could enjoy just the company of her inner circle. Like the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon has its own gardens, including the English Gardens.
As you can tell, there’s a LOT to see at the estate of Versailles in this area alone! If you find yourself hungry or in need of a refreshment while you’re exploring, the famous French patisserie Angelina has a location in the estate of Trianon. There’s also a Streetaly coffee cart with coffee and Italian desserts.
In Conclusion
I hope this guide was helpful as you plan your visit to the Queen’s Hamlet! If you’re heading to Paris, you may also enjoy my post on the 9 best things to do on your first trip to Paris, my full guide on taking a day trip from Paris to Versailles or tips for visiting a Cedric Grolet patisserie. You can also find more travel inspiration for France and beyond on my Instagram.
