Marie Antoinette's Hamlet

Monday 15 July 2013


In 1783 Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, commissioned the construction of a Hamlet in Versailles as a sort of retreat from Château Versailles.  Cottages, gardens and animals provided a very different and rustic feel as opposed to the grandeur of the castle and it was there that she could get away from the prying eyes of the courts.

L'Hameau de la Reine is thick with whimsy.  The quaint cottages surrounded by greenery feel like they're miles and miles away from the formality of palace.  I could have whittled away hours there taking naps under the sun in a quiet corner of a garden, wandering between the cottages and laying out a blanket, enjoying a picnic and watching the animals move throughout their pastures.  The entire area looked just as if it came off the pages of a fairytale.

We were lucky enough to arrive during a lull when it was quiet enough to still feel like the country which was a welcome reprieve from the busy-ness of the other sites.  Perhaps that contributed to the experience for me but it was far and away my favourite part of the entire Versailles property.

Excuse me while in inundate you with photos - I just couldn't narrow them down!


Have you been to Versailles? What was your favourite part of the experience?

19 comments:

  1. I've been four times now, biking and rowing around the grounds are always a favourite. But I also love me some Petit Trianon! And (a guilty pleasure) the musical fountain shows :)

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  2. wow! that is absolutely stunning! i love going to such historical sites that have been so well preserved. they're so beautiful and it feels like you're stepping back in time!

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  3. It looks so beautiful & peaceful. I've never made it to Versailles but maybe one day. This series of posts certainly makes me want to!

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  4. When we visited France, Marie Antoinette's 'folly' was with no doubt at all our children's absolute favourite. They were mad keen fans of Sylvanian Families (weird, cute animals which dress in clothes and live in sweet little houses like the ones in the hamlet). They played imaginary games in the hamlet for hours and we literally had to drag them away; and for weeks (months!) afterwards spoke obsessively about it. So, without doubt their favourite, not only at Versailles, but in the whole of France! And I get it, crazy cute really. The best folly built ever. Meanwhile I imagined girly weekends at the Petit Trianon!

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  5. You know how much I love this place! :) I'm glad you enjoyed your stay there!

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  6. Wow, I can see why you couldn't narrow down pictures! This is exactly what I would picture a french cottage to look like, and I cant even lie, I would love to live in something like that!

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  7. Wow this is a great post! I, unfortunately, have never left North America, although I desperately want to travel overseas! I had no idea that Marie Antoinette had a rustic hamlet such as this. I can see why she did- it's beautiful and seems very serene.

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  8. This is always my favorite part of going to Versailles! I especially love the reflections on the water in fall and spring!!

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  9. I'm glad you didn't narrow it down because this place is storytime magic! What a cool spot, and I really didn't know any of that history, either, so thanks for the background. So jealous that you got to visit Versailles. That's a big thing I missed when visiting France on our last trip. It's high up there for next time!

    eileen
    Leaner By The Lake

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  10. It almost looks like a movie set. So cute. I really need to see more of France and now I def have that on my list too. I loved your post about going to Versailles and that is on my list too.

    Bonnie Rose | A Compass Rose

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  11. Wow, so charming and cozy but obviously pretty darn luxurious too!

    theopenlifeblog.blogspot.com

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  12. Confession. Cam and I are dying to live in France and every single one of these photos is GORGEOUS and fueling the fire!

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  13. Such a beautiful place to visit!
    xo
    xo
    Anastasia
    http://natbeesfashion.blogspot.com

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  14. been to Versailles but never made it out the Hamlet! so pretty - so foolish. bet Disney took some of its cues from her/this...

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  15. so beautiful. i miss france x

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  16. Wow, what a beautiful place!
    I am totally mesmerised by the beauty of this place. I would love to visit this place.
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