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Queen's House: Marie Antoinette's Rustic Retreat

Discover Marie Antoinette's private world at the Queen's House in Versailles, a charming escape from courtly life filled with rustic beauty and royal elegance.

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Escape the opulence of Versailles at the Queen's House, a charming rustic retreat within Marie Antoinette's Hameau de la Reine. This meticulously restored house offers a glimpse into the queen's desire for a simpler, more authentic life, showcasing elegant interiors and period furnishings.

A brief summary to Queen's House

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to reach the Hameau from the main palace.
  • Allow ample time to explore the entire Hameau, including the other buildings and gardens surrounding the Queen's House.
  • Consider downloading the free Versailles app for a self-guided tour of the Hameau.
  • Check the opening hours of the Trianon Estate, as they may vary depending on the season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Palace of Versailles, head towards the Gardens and follow signs for the Domaine de Trianon. The walk to the Hameau de la Reine takes approximately 25-30 minutes through the gardens. Once at the Domaine de Trianon, access to the Queen's Hamlet is via the entrance to either the Grand Trianon or Petit Trianon. Follow the signs within the Trianon gardens to reach the Queen's House.

  • Public Transport

    From Paris, take the RER C train to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. From the station, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to the Palace of Versailles. Enter the Palace grounds and follow the walking directions to the Queen's House (approximately 25-30 minutes). Alternatively, from the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, take the bus line 171 to the Place d'Armes Versailles stop. From there, follow the walking directions to the Queen's House. A single RER ticket costs €2.50 , and a bus ticket costs €2.

  • Taxi

    From the Palace of Versailles, a taxi ride to the Hameau de la Reine takes approximately 5 minutes and costs around €8-€10. Taxis are readily available at the Palace. Alternatively, it is a 26 minute walk.

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Discover more about Queen's House

The Queen's House, or *Maison de la Reine*, is the centerpiece of Marie Antoinette's Hameau de la Reine, a whimsical and carefully crafted village within the Versailles estate. Built in the 1780s, the Hameau was designed by architect Richard Mique to provide the queen with a private escape from the formality of court life, a place where she could relax and entertain her closest friends. The Queen's House comprises two buildings connected by a wooden gallery: the Queen's House itself and the Billiard House. Inside, the rooms are elegantly furnished, reflecting the tastes of both Marie Antoinette and Empress Marie-Louise, who later restored the Hameau for her own use. The Yellow Salon, with its painted silk curtains, is a highlight, as is the dining room, where the queen and her guests enjoyed light meals. The house also features a bedroom and wardrobe, offering a glimpse into the queen's more relaxed style of dress at the Hameau. The Hameau de la Reine was inspired by Norman and Flemish rural architecture, with the Queen's House designed to resemble a typical village dwelling. However, the interiors were far from simple, with luxurious details and fine furnishings. The surrounding village included a working farm, a dairy, a mill, and other structures, all designed to create an idyllic countryside atmosphere. Although the original furnishings were scattered during the French Revolution, the house has been carefully restored with pieces commissioned for Empress Marie-Louise in 1810, offering visitors a glimpse into the refined elegance of the era. Today, the Queen's House stands as a testament to Marie Antoinette's desire for a simpler life and a unique blend of rustic charm and royal elegance.

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