The idyllic Queen's Village, also known as hameau de la Reine in French, stands as a quiet corner within the domains of the Palace of Versailles, specifically linked to the charming enclave of the Petit Trianon. It was in the winter of 1782 to 1783 when Marie Antoinette, in her desire to escape from the oppressive and protocol atmosphere of the court, decided to commission the construction of this country village. Inspired by the ideas of Rousseau and his idealization of rural life, the queen longed for a refuge where she could experience a simpler existence closer to nature, temporarily freed from the responsibilities of her office.

Richard Mique, the skilled architect in charge of this project, was inspired by picturesque Norman and Flemish architecture, as well as the engravings of the talented artist Hubert Robert, to erect twelve charming wooden cottages around a peaceful central pond. This pond, home to carp and pike, added an atmosphere of serenity to the ensemble, which also served as a farm. Each structure, from the farmhouse to the mill to the caretaker's house, was carefully designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and offer the queen and her entourage a bucolic retreat.

After the French Revolution, the village fell into disuse and underwent three major restorations over the years. The first, during the reign of Napoleon, laid the foundations of the village as we know it today. The second, thanks to the patronage of John Rockefeller Jr. in the 1930s, and the third, led by Pierre-André Lablaude in the 1990s, restored it to its original splendor. In 2006, finally, the Queen's Village was opened to the public as part of the Domains de Marie Antoinette, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the charm and history of this unique royal retreat.

From its inception as a gift from Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette shortly after her ascension to the throne, to its evolution over the centuries, the Queen's Village has witnessed the beauty and intrigue of court life, leaving an enduring legacy as a dreamy place where royalty could escape, albeit briefly, from the pressures and formalities of their time.