Hameau de la Reine

Can you imagine a palace so big that has a small village inside its domains? That's Chateau de Versailles. Its garden has more than 600 hectares, hundreds of statues, dozens of fountains, a lake, a waterway, forests, small palaces and mansions, and even a copy of a french village of the 18th century. 

This part of Versailles is called Hameau de la Reine, or Queen's village, and it is in the domains of Trianon, where Marie Anoniete's palace - the Petit Trianon - is located. 

The village and the palace were built for the queen since she wanted to live a more simple life, away from the luxury of Versailles main castle. She was influenced by the thoughts of Jean-Jaques Rousseau, a french philosopher that, among other things, said people needed to go back to the origins of a simple life. 

But even if Marie Antoniete wanted, she couldn't have a simple life. Is living in a palace with more than 10 rooms, and having a village and a farm built only for you simple and humble? I don't think so. 

Marie Antoniete

Marie Antoniete is the most famous queen France has ever had. She wasn't french, though. She was born in Austria and moved to Paris when whe was 14 years old, when she married the king - who was then only a Prince - Luis XVI. Their marriage was political, to reunite the countries they represented in a time when monarchy was being questioned by the people. 

Because she wasn't french, Marie Antoniete was not very popular among the french royalty. Also, she didn't like the royal cerimony's and was often seen as a not noble lady - being even nicknamed as "autre-chienne" (other bitch) as a pun to "austrichienne" (austrian in French) by the people in Versailles. 

She wasn't loved by the people either. Marie Antoniete is known for being very spoiled and bossy. She and her husband sustained a very cruel monarchy that beheaded and persecuted every people who were against their power. 

During the French Revolution, Luis XVI and her were killed by the revolutionaries. They are part of an important episode of French history and the reasons for their death and the revolution are quite clear when you visit Versailles. 

Hameau de la Reine

Although Marie Antoniete was not a humble person, she demanded a small village just  for her. In the 18th century, Hameau de la Reine was built inside the Trianon domains, where she would spend most of her time, away from both the royals of Versailles and the people, in a very private space. 

The village has many stone houses - with tatched roofs, a small lake, a water mill, and many animals and vegetable gardens, like most French villages at the time. It looks like the scenery of a fairy tale. 

It was destroyed during the French Revolution, like many other things in Versailles, but it was reformed and it is now open for visitations. 

It is a great place for going back in time and to enjoy the outsides. It is more than just a cute place, but part of French history. 

Visitations

To visit Hameau de la Reine you need to buy tickets to get inside Trianon domains - which also includes the Grand Trianon (a big palace there, but smaller that the main Versailles castle), the Petit Trianon (Marie Antoniete's house) and the gardens. This tickets are 12 euros for general entrance.

You can also buy those together with Versailles main castle tickets - for 20 euros (more worth it, because once you're there you'll probably want to visit the biggest palace in the world). For people under 25 years old studying or living in the European Union, the entrance is free. 

Paying or not, the visit is totally worth it and a must see in Paris region. The palaces and gardens are really beautiful and impressive and represent an important part of not only French history, but the world's history. 

Location

The Trianon domains are on the west side of Chateau de Versailles domains. To get there you must walk into the gardens, or you can get the train that leaves you there (for x euros). I reccomend walking, though, because you'll be able to see the beautiful gardens, fountains and trees on the way. 

To get to Versailles from Paris, you can get the RER C train from any central station in the city. It costs 3,70 euros.