We are traveling to Paris in a few weeks (early March). I understand that at Versailles, the hamlet is closed, but not the Grand and Petit Trianons. How do they prevent visitors from accessing the hamlet? Are parts of the hamlet still visible? Basically, if I can't see the hamlet at all, I'm not sure I will trek all the way out to that end of the estate. Are the trianons worth it?
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
The two Trianons are definitely worth it! As much as I like the Hamlet, it being closed wouldn't stop me from going to Versailles any time of year.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Denise, I agree with Susan, also I don't see anything on the Versailles web site that mentions the Hamlet being closed. en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
Posted by
Washington, DC
888 posts
The Trianons are worth it even if the Queen's hamlet is closed. As you walked along the path beside the hamlet, you can look in and see the structures, so go and peek. However, I too went on the website and no mention of the Queen's hamlet being closed. Where did you get this info?
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati, OH, USA
23 posts
I found mention of the closure of the hamlet during off-season in Rick Steves' Paris book. So I went to the official website to confirm: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/prepare-my-visit-/single/opening-times. Here's what it says: Trianon Palaces and Marie-Antoinette's Estate
Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon, gardens From 1 April to 31 October: Chapel, French pavilion, Belvedere, Queen's Theatre, Temple of Love, Grotto, English garden, Dairy, the Queen's Hamlet.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
It is still worth the trip, even if the Hamlet is closed. I believe, if I recall correctly, you can see the Hamlet from the road/ pathway, just not go inside. Versailles is one of my favorite places in the world!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Unless things have changed, the hamlet is always visible. You just can't wander amongst the buildings. Still very worth the hike out there.
Posted by
OP
Cincinnati, OH, USA
23 posts
Thanks for all the comments. I will head out to that end of the estate to see the Trianon Palaces as well whatever I can glimpse of the hamlet. I'm really looking forward to this - my first visit to Paris!