How to Visit the Trianon Palaces and the Queen’s Hamlet
Everything you need to plan a seamless visit to the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine), within the Estate of Versailles.
Overview: What and Where Are the Trianon Palaces?
The Trianon Palaces and the Queen’s Hamlet are part of the Estate of Versailles (Domaine de Versailles), west of Paris. Set within the parkland beyond the main Palace of Versailles, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon were royal retreats created to escape the formalities of court life. A short stroll away lies the Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine), a picturesque model village commissioned by Marie Antoinette in the late 18th century.
Why they’re special:
- Grand Trianon: An elegant pink-marble palace designed for Louis XIV, known for its symmetrical architecture, colonnades, and refined gardens.
- Petit Trianon: Built under Louis XV and later favored by Marie Antoinette, this intimate residence showcases exquisite decor and personal royal history.
- Queen’s Hamlet: A romantic, storybook hamlet with thatched cottages, a dovecote, dairy, and vegetable plots, designed for pastoral walks and private entertainments.
Good to know: The Estate of Trianon has its own ticketed entry and separate access points inside the Park of Versailles. You can visit it with or without entering the main Palace, making it ideal for repeat visitors or those seeking a quieter, garden-focused day.
Best Time to Visit
- Season: Spring and early autumn blend mild weather with flowers and foliage; summer offers long daylight hours; winter brings fewer crowds (some garden features may be dormant).
- Day & Hour: Weekday mornings or late afternoons tend to be calmer. If pairing with the main Palace, start at the Palace for timed entry, then head to the Trianon in the afternoon.
- Events: On Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days, garden access is ticketed. The Trianon interiors remain tranquil compared to the main Palace.
Opening hours vary by season; the main Palace and the Estate of Trianon are usually closed on Mondays. Always check the official Versailles website before you go for any schedule changes or special closures.
Tickets and Entry: Passport vs Trianon-Only
There are several ways to visit the Trianon Palaces and the Queen’s Hamlet. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Ticket Type | What’s Included | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport (All-Inclusive) | Palace of Versailles, Trianon Estate, Gardens, temporary exhibitions | First-time visitors wanting the full experience in one day | Includes garden access even on fountain days (check details) |
| Estate of Trianon | Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, Queen’s Hamlet | Repeat visitors focusing on gardens and royal retreats | Does not include the main Palace |
| Gardens Ticket (event days) | Gardens access during Musical Fountains/Gardens | Scenic strolls, picnics in the Park, water displays | Not needed on regular free garden days |
| Guided Tours | Expert-led small-group or private tours | History lovers who want deep context and skip-the-line benefits | Check meeting points and languages |
Discounts and free entry often apply to certain age groups and residents; eligibility varies. Bring valid ID and consult the official site for current conditions.
Do you need to reserve a time slot? Timed entry is typically required for the main Palace. The Trianon Estate usually does not require a specific time, but capacity limits and peak-season demand can apply. Booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended.
How to Get There (From Paris and Inside the Estate)
From Paris to Versailles
| Route | Arrival Station | Typical Travel Time | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| RER C (Direction Versailles Château–Rive Gauche) | Versailles Château–Rive Gauche | ~35–45 min from central Paris | Shortest walk to the Palace; frequent trains |
| SNCF Line N (from Paris Montparnasse) | Versailles–Chantiers | ~30–40 min | Good alternative if staying near Montparnasse |
| SNCF Line L (from Paris Saint-Lazare) | Versailles Rive Droite | ~35–40 min | Useful from northwest Paris |
From any Versailles station, you can walk to the Estate (allow 10–20 minutes to the Palace), then continue to the Trianon Estate via the gardens or park.
From the Palace to the Trianon Estate
- Walk: Scenic 20–30 minutes through the gardens/park. Follow signs to “Grand Trianon” and “Petit Trianon.”
- Petit Train (Little Train): Paid shuttle with stops at the Palace, Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and back. Saves time and energy.
- Bike or Golf Cart: Rentals available in the park (not inside formal gardens). Useful for covering distance on hot days.
- Car: Limited paid parking is available in the park near the Trianon area; traffic rules and access points can change seasonally.
Typical Distances
| Segment | On Foot | Petit Train |
|---|---|---|
| Palace → Grand Trianon | ~25 min | ~10–12 min |
| Grand Trianon → Petit Trianon | ~8–10 min | ~3–5 min |
| Petit Trianon → Queen’s Hamlet | ~5–7 min | Walk only (short stroll) |
Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day “Trianon Focus” (3–4 hours)
- Start at Grand Trianon when it opens: enjoy the Marble Trianon, formal parterres, and the elegant colonnades.
- Walk to Petit Trianon: explore Marie Antoinette’s private apartments and the surrounding gardens.
- Continue to the Queen’s Hamlet: soak up the bucolic scenery; visit the cottages from outside and stroll around the lake.
- Return via the Park or hop on the Petit Train to save time.
Full-Day “Versailles + Trianon”
- Morning: Timed entry to the Palace of Versailles (Hall of Mirrors, State Apartments).
- Midday: Grab lunch in the Park or at a café; if it’s a Musical Gardens day, plan a brief fountain stroll.
- Afternoon: Head to the Trianon Estate; visit Grand Trianon → Petit Trianon → Queen’s Hamlet.
- Golden hour: Photos at the Hamlet, then exit via the Park.
| Stop | Time | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Trianon | 45–60 min | Gallery rooms, peristyle, geometric garden beds |
| Petit Trianon | 45–60 min | Marie Antoinette’s chambers, refined ornaments |
| Queen’s Hamlet | 45–60 min | Thatched cottages, dairy, lake views, orchards |
First-hand tip: On my last visit, I started at the Grand Trianon right at opening. The colonnaded courtyard was nearly empty, and the walk over to the Petit Trianon felt unrushed. By the time I reached the Queen’s Hamlet, the morning light was perfect for photos and the pathways were blissfully quiet.
Must-See Highlights
Grand Trianon
- Marble Trianon: The signature pink marble and white colonnades.
- State Rooms: Elegant salons showcasing royal life away from court protocol.
- Gardens & Parterres: Formal layouts with long vistas—great for architecture photos.
Petit Trianon
- Intimate Interiors: Tasteful decor reflecting late-18th-century styles.
- English-style Gardens: Meandering paths, groves, and ornamental features.
- Pavilions & Outbuildings: Look for picturesque follies and hidden corners.
Queen’s Hamlet (Hameau de la Reine)
- Thatched Cottages: Rustic exteriors built for pastoral escapism.
- Dairy & Dovecote: Hallmarks of the model village aesthetic.
- Photo Spots: Bridges, lake reflections, and cottage clusters at golden hour.
Practical Tips & Etiquette
Before You Go
- Check official hours for the Estate of Trianon; schedules vary by season.
- Book tickets online to avoid queues; choose the Passport if you want the Palace plus Trianon.
- Wear comfortable shoes: distances are significant and paths can be gravelly.
- Pack light: large bags may be restricted inside interiors; lockers are limited.
During Your Visit
- Photography: Non-flash photography is generally allowed inside; drones are prohibited.
- Food & Drink: Picnicking is allowed in designated Park areas, not in formal gardens or interiors. Cafés/kiosks operate seasonally.
- Respect the grounds: Keep to paths, avoid touching furnishings, and follow staff instructions.
- Rest breaks: Benches and shaded spots are more plentiful around the Park and near the Hamlet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating distances: Plan transit between sites (walk, train, or cart).
- Skipping the Trianon on a busy Palace day: The Trianon is often quieter and just as rewarding.
- Arriving too late: Interiors close before the Park; last admissions apply—arrive with buffer time.
- Missing event days info: On fountain days, garden access is ticketed; your Passport covers this, but a basic Palace ticket may not.
Accessibility, Families, and Services
- Mobility: The estate offers adapted routes; some historic buildings have stairs and uneven surfaces. Wheelchair loans may be available in limited numbers—check ahead.
- Strollers: Not always permitted inside interiors; consider a baby carrier for the palaces, stroller for the park.
- Restrooms: Facilities are located near main sites; availability can vary seasonally.
- Guided & Audio Tours: Multilingual options provide context for art, architecture, and royal history.
- Security: Expect bag checks at entries; prohibited items include sharp objects and drones.
What to Bring
- Reusable water bottle (refill in designated areas)
- Hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket (weather shifts quickly)
- Portable phone charger
- Compact umbrella in spring/autumn
Quick FAQ
Do I have to visit the Palace of Versailles to see the Trianon?
No. You can purchase an Estate of Trianon ticket to visit the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and the Queen’s Hamlet without entering the main Palace.
How long should I plan for the Trianon and Hamlet?
Allow at least 2.5–3 hours for a relaxed visit to the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, and a stroll through the Queen’s Hamlet.
Are the gardens free?
The Park is generally free, but on Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens days, garden access is ticketed. The Passport ticket includes these days; otherwise, you’ll need a dedicated gardens ticket.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, generally without flash. Tripods and professional equipment usually require authorization.
Is the Queen’s Hamlet open inside?
The Hamlet is primarily appreciated from the outside during a walk. Access to interiors varies and is often restricted to preservation or special events.
Conclusion
Visiting the Trianon Palaces and the Queen’s Hamlet brings you face-to-face with Versailles at its most intimate—far from the ceremonial grandeur of the main palace. The Grand Trianon’s pink-marble elegance, the Petit Trianon’s refined charm, and the rustic allure of the Hameau de la Reine reveal the royal pursuit of beauty, comfort, and retreat. With a bit of planning—choosing the right ticket, timing your day, and mapping your route—you’ll enjoy a serene, visually stunning experience that many visitors overlook. Whether you pair the Trianon with the Palace or dedicate a half-day to the estate alone, this corner of Versailles is a must for history lovers, garden enthusiasts, and photographers alike.