The Queen's Hamlet

Have you made your way to the lake?

This is the Queen's Hamlet, created by Marie Antoinette.

It looks like a simple village straight out of a fairy tale.

Some visitors leave Versailles without even realizing this place exists.

In a way, that may have been exactly what Marie Antoinette intended.

As queen, every moment of her life—from the time she woke up until she went to bed—was constantly on display.

So she created this secluded retreat deep within the gardens, where she could enjoy a sense of freedom.

She also wanted her children to spend time here instead of remaining inside the palace, so they could see for themselves how livestock were raised and how crops were grown and harvested.

Now, look toward the tower across the lake, and please start the next chapter.