The Queen’s Hamlet, Trianon and the Gardens | Versailles

During my first visit to Versailles, I focused on the magnificent palace and gardens immediately surrounding it. During my second visit, I made it a point to explore the Estate of Trianon, which includes the Queen’s Hamlet and the Grand and Petit Trianon palaces.

If you’re planning to spend any time in Versailles, I recommend dedicating enough time to see not only the grand palace, but also the Estate of Trianon. You will want to spend a full day to really explore Versailles. Start in the Palace (and arrive 30-45 minutes before opening, especially during peak season), then venture out into the gardens around mid-day and wrap up your day exploring the beauty of the Gardens, Queen’s Hamlet and the Trianon palaces (which generally open at noon).

Tickets and Access to Estate of Trianon

If you picked up the Paris Pass, entrance to Versailles palace, gardens and the Estate of Trianon is included. But if you’re buying solo tickets to Versailles, make sure you get the full access (Passport), as opposed to access only to the palace and gardens. Those under age 18 are free in many venues across Paris, including Versailles.

If you aren’t using Paris Pass, then you’ll want to purchase your tickets to Versailles online in advance. It will save you from waiting in line for tickets, then waiting in line to enter the ticketed areas of Versailles.

If you’re accessing Versailles via the palace, head into the gardens to the large pond where you can rent a rowboat. From there, head north (follow the signs) to the Estate of Trianon. The signs may also read “Hameau de la Reine” (Queen’s Hamlet), Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon.

Check in at one of the entrances and show your proof of admission. I recommend heading straight to the Queen’s Hamlet once you’re through the gates.

Wander Through the The Queen’s Hamlet

The Queen’s Hamlet is like a fairy tale storybook where you are the main character. It was completed in 1786 for Marie Antoinette, and she would use the area to host parties and escape from the formalities of the palace.

There are two primary areas of the Queen’s Hamlet. South of the stone bridge that crosses the river is the Queen’s living area. None of the buildings are open for inside tours, but you’ll find a windmill, the Queen’s house, billiard room, stove room and more. It’s easy to picture royalty wandering lazily between the buildings.

North of the stone bridge are several smaller buildings and many vegetable gardens. While we wandered through the small paths, a few gardeners were pruning and maintaining the beauty of the area. I’m sure it takes a lot of work.

Once you’ve made your way around the lake, it’s okay to get lost along the paths. We stumbled upon a small pond and a beautiful, enclosed gazebo known as Le Rocher et le Belvédère.

Explore Petit Trianon and its Gardens

When you first entered, you probably already toured the inside of Petit Trianon. Now, as you make your way south from the Queen’s Hamlet, you can explore the gardens along the west of the Petit Trianon.

In 1774, the Trianon gardens were among the most beautiful and most richly-stocked botanical gardens in Europe. I think they’s still amazing.

I spent some time photographing the flowers swaying in the wind. It was a beautiful setting for photos, but I recommend finding a bench and taking in the beautiful landscapes. No rush.

There are a few pavilions around the garden – but none of them were open to explore. But you could look through the windows.

Visit Grand Trianon and its Gardens

After wandering through the French Gardens near the Petit Trianon, make your way to the Grand Trianon. Just west of the building are more ornate gardens. I didn’t see as much color in those gardens as others, but the hedges were ornately cut.

If you keep wandering west through the gardens, you’ll find a fountain (Buffet d’Eau), pond and a few other hidden gems. Then you can make your way back to the Grand Trianon.

Pink marble columns line the entryway, with a black and white square floor that offers some great photo opps. But there may be too many people on it for the photos you find on their website – but maybe you’ll get lucky.

As you walk through the palace, you’ll see bed chambers, a music room, apartments and more. It’s similar to the ornate furnishings you’ll find in Versailles main palace, but fun to look at none the less.

After you finish your tour, you can either walk back to the main palace and gardens (which I recommend, as long as you have a nice pair of walking shoes) or take a little train they provide to transport people between the two locations.

The Details

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France. It’s accessible via Line C of the RER (commuter train). A shuttle or city bus also provide travel from Paris to Versailles – and from Versailles, you can walk to the Estate of Trianon.

Cost: Admission ranges from 18 to 30 Euro for an adult ($20-35 USD), depending on what areas you want to explore and if you want to include any shows in the gardens.

Hours: The Estate of Trianon is open from noon to 6:30 p.m. every day of the week (closed Mondays). The main palace, gardens and Coach Gallery have varying hours.

Website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/estate/estate-trianon

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