Queen's Hamlet, Versailles, Rural retreat in Park of Versailles, France.
Hameau de la Reine is a rural retreat with twelve buildings in the Park of Versailles in France. The houses are grouped around an artificial lake and combine residential with agricultural structures under thatched roofs.
The complex was created between 1783 and 1786 following plans by architect Richard Mique as a private refuge for Marie Antoinette. She wanted to escape the strict court ceremony and used the buildings for relaxation.
The name refers to royal retreats that showed the turn toward simple country living at that time. Visitors today see restored buildings with thatched roofs that recall a traditional farming village and are crossed by maintained paths.
Visitors can explore the complex from Tuesday through Sunday between noon and 6:30 PM, with guided tours lasting around 40 minutes. The paths lead through gardens and around the lake, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The farm was a working operation: a farmer appointed by the queen managed vineyards, fields, orchards and vegetable gardens, and animals brought from Switzerland led to the place being called "the Swiss hamlet". The Queen's House joins two rustic buildings with a curved covered gallery, and a spiral staircase at one end leads to the upper floor.
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