Queen’s Hamlet

The thatched roofs and irregular facades form a village beside the lake. The architect Richard Mique built the Hamlet for Marie-Antoinette between 1783 and 1786. Some cottages provided places to receive guests, while others served agricultural work. The Queen’s House concealed furnished reception rooms behind its rural exterior. The farm produced food and gave the royal children a place to learn about farming. The buildings suffered after the Revolution and underwent several restorations. The farm was reconstructed in 2006 and now houses animals. Around the lake, the mill’s wheel was decorative, while the Marlborough Tower belonged to the fishing facilities. Exploring the paths lets you distinguish those functions without entering the cottages. The Queen’s House interior is visited separately with a guided tour.