the trianons & the hamlet (le hameau)

We visited here in October 2013. We decided to do a day trip as a previous half day trip was disappointing. So glad we took a whole day to visit Versailles as we had time to see the chateau and then hop on the transport taking us to the Trianons and Hamlet. These are quite amazing in their own right and just as impressive. Photos can be taken and I was so glad of this as everything was worth a photo. The Petit Trianon was built for Louis XV in 1762 but was a favourite of Marie Antoinette and it has a distinct feminine aura to it. The Grand Trianon of stone and pink marble, was built in 1687 by Louis XIV as a small palace to escape court life, and is larger and more masculine in its decor but very impressive. The gardens are beautifully maintained and worth having a stroll in particularly to the hamlet which is a mock village of thatched cottages arranged by Marie Antoinette in 1775 - 1784 where she liked to play milkmaid.

The two Trianons were much less opulent and also less crowded. They were more the less public time of the royalty. The Hamlet was built for Marie Antoinette as a way to escape as well as reconnect with her native Austria. It's a working farm with lots of goats, sheep, chickens and pigs. Lots of fun for the little ones to see all the animals. Be sure to bring some bread/food to feed the large number of brown carp who congregate under the little bridge waiting for handouts.

We had seen the Trianons the previous year so we visited the hamlet this time. It was a nice sunny afternoon and the whole experience was relaxing, almost a step back to when it was in its pomp. Make sure you also take in the farm, butting goats were comical. You could see why the queen spent long hours here, away from the crowds at the Palace, nothing changes!

If the Chateau de Versailles was meant to represent the masculine, public image of French royalty, then the Trianons would represent its feminine, more private side. Not that it was intended to even exist but Marie Antoinette's distaste for court life at the Chateau resulted in the Grand Trianon and the hamlet being built to serve as her retreat. Despite the 'desire' for a country-style life, the fittings at both Trianons could hardly be said to be shabby but they certainly reflect a softer style of interior decoration. The Petit Trianon, located on the grounds of the Grand Trianon's park, came to be as a residence for Louis XIV's mistresses, Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry.It's not a short walk from Chateau de Versailles to the Trianons - almost 2 kilometres via the quiet walking trails, so don't underestimate how long it will take to get there and back. A useful alternative is the small train for a fee but do check with the information desk on the details of its operation.

After going through the Palace of Versailles, we waked down and rented bicycles to get through the gardens Trianons and Hamlet. I did enjoy the bike ride and the buildings. The grounds were not as beautiful as others have commented, but I think it was because it was November and the fountains weren't on and the statues were covered. You can just walk/jog the grounds for free, but to get into anything you must pay. And of course you have to pay to rent the bikes.

We took a tour called "Marie Antoinette’s Estate Tour" with paristoversailles.com , she told me she learn a lot about MA and enjoyed a tour in a very peaceful park full of lovely animals!Trianons et le hameau seems to be a must to see in Versailles!

You have to go to the Hamlet and the Trianons. I recommend it more than taking time in the Palace. Bring bread to feed the fish - it is terrifying and hilarious!

When visiting Versailles, make the time and the effort to walk to the Hamlet. After the ornateness and decadence of the palace, the beauty of this place touches you in a different--more simplistic way. When we were there it was quiet, peaceful and lovely. We visited it mid-afternoon, and there were very few people there besides us.

Take time to walk to the Hamlet and see Marie Antoinette's "play farm." It is a nice stroll and worth while.

The Grand Trianon is a smaller version of the palace. A lot of rooms to tour and these actually have more furnishings that the rooms in the main palace. There is a lot to see here, so you will need about 45 minutes for the tour. Photography is allowed.

For me visiting the Hamlet was a highlight of Versailles. Juxtaposed against the gaudy and outlandish main palace, this was a pace of simplicity and tranquility. Less people visit so you have more room to explore, and the gardens were levelly, even in winter.

The grounds, the Trianons, and The Hamlet are really pretty and idyllic, but the walk around is maybe the nicest part, but it is LONG. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time so you don't feel rushed and are able to rest. We explored the whole grounds and I really recommend doing it this way and walking between the different buildings (you could also take the tram, rent bikes, or rent a golf cart) to get the full experience. Try to smuggle in some small water bottles and small snacks.

A marvelous walk through the gardens leads one up to the hamlet which was said to be the queen's own project.The hamlet itself is set up as an English village, extremely well maintained, with swans and ducks in the water bodies, this area of the Palace of Versailles gives a lot of opportunities for great photography.Try to get to the hamlet while the sun-sets for the best colours and sights.

We had a great time, been there 4x times now. Must ensure you check their website and only go the days they have music in the garden while the fountains are flowing...it is the only way to see Versailles and The Hamlet! Go early and get to the front of the line.

Wear comfortable shoes! Everything about this place was enjoyable. I was so tired by the end of it but i didnt care. Instead of walking back all the way to the entrance, there's a bus shuttle that brings everyone back to the train station.