Although referred to in English as Marie-Antoinette's Estate, I find the French Le Domaine de Marie-Antoinette a much more colorful title for this part of the Château de Versailles.

The Domaine opened to visitors in 2006, and a visit here allows you to see the human side of the much-maligned young Queen. This is where she went to get away from the ritual and pressures of the Grand Château and royal life. For today's visitor, it's also nice to get away from the crowds at the Grand Château.

Born in Austria in 1755, young Maria Antonia was married to Louis XVI when she was fourteen. By the time she was 18, she was Queen of France and Navarre. She served as Queen for about nineteen years, with her final days being spent as a prisoner at the Conciergerie in Paris, before her eventual meeting with the guillotine in 1793.

She made her mark on Versailles. Although the Petit Trianon was built by Louis XV for his mistresses, Louis XVI gave it to Marie-Antoinette when he became king in 1774. This became her hideaway, and no one was allowed to visit without her invitation.

A small château just a short walk from the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon is a more private and personal palace. En route from the Grand Trianon you can take a look at the Chapel and the lovely Queen's Theater. Built by order of Marie-Antoinette, this elegant theater was the site of operas and other soirées hosted by the Queen. By Versailles standards it is small, with a beautiful blue, white, and gold decor.

You can visit the rooms of the Petit Trianon, a neo-classical building. Of most interest perhaps is Marie-Antoinette's bedroom, designed to protect her privacy.

The Petit Trianon overlooks the botanical garden created by Louis XV in 1759. Known as the Orangerie de Jussieu in honor of the botanist who created it, the garden contained exotic plants such as pineapple, banana, and coffee.

As you leave the Petit Trianon and head to Marie-Antoinette's village, be sure to stop at the Temple of Love, a neo-classical marble beauty. It's a great place for Versailles pictures!

Keep walking (or take the little train) through the English gardens and you'll arrive at the Hameau de Marie-Antoinette, the peasant hamlet she had created to remind her of home.