The Palace of Versailles has just opened its first luxury hotel

For all those who have ever dreamed of spending the night at the Palace of Versailles, your fantasy finally came true this week with the opening of Airelles Palace of Versailles, The Grand Control.

The first hotel to ever open on these lavish grounds in Versailles’ 340-year history, The Great Control is located on what is arguably the most famous residence in the world. In pre-Covid times, Versailles attracted more than 10 million visitors year-on-year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations of all time.

Housed in three historic buildings dating back to 1681, this exquisite new property will feature 14 royal rooms, suites and a signature suite, as well as dining by none other than acclaimed French chef Alain Ducasse as well as a restorative spa by Valmont. The sumptuous indoor swimming pool and exclusive access to the castle and the park are just some of the advantages included in your stay.

Here’s a look at some of the hotel’s most exquisite details:

With properties in the French Alps, Avignon and Saint-Tropez, Le Grand Contrôle marks the sixth property in the prestigious collection of French hotels that includes Les Airelles.

For those lucky enough to spend the roughly $2,000 per night it costs to stay at Le Grand Contrôle, Airelles has curated a series of exclusive experiences that will grant access to areas of the Chateau and grounds normally off limits. to visitors. Boats and golf carts will also be on hand so you can explore the Grand Canal and gardens at your leisure.

There are also a few experiences not included in your stay but which seem fascinating nonetheless. From an evening visit to the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles to an intimate dinner for two created by Alain Ducasse accompanied by a string quartet in the Orangerie garden and a visit that allows you to “follow in the footsteps of Maria- Antoinette”.

The interior spaces have each been redesigned by a renowned architect and designer Christophe Tollemer who says he was inspired by Marie-Antoinette’s Versailles estate, the Petit Trianon.

Each of the property’s 14 rooms has been individually decorated in an elegant 18th-century style with authentic colors and fabrics, handpicked period furniture, chandeliers, artwork, and decor.

In line with the era of the construction of Versailles, wall hangings will be in the spotlight and each room will present original motifs, recreated by the artist Maison Pierre Frey.

To keep with the theme, all rooms and suites are named after personalities with a strong attachment to the property. Some perhaps lesser-known names include Jacques Necker, the chief financial officer under Louis XVI, Madame de Fouquet, a famous socialite who married the Marquis de Fouquet, an American Revolutionary War hero, and Madame de Staël, a famous novelist, essayist, philosopher. and a close confidant of Marie Antoinette.

On the side of the Valmont spa, the space is adorned with a hand-painted fresco and a Carrara marble checkerboard floor directly inspired by the marble courtyard of the Palace.

Guests who stay here can expect to relax like royalty in the 50ft indoor pool, steam room, sauna or indulge in the restorative range of spa treatments including a 90 Majestic Mirror facial. minutes which was specially developed for Le Grand Contrôle.

With 20 Michelin stars to his credit, Alain Ducasse has created a menu worthy of the kings and queens of the world. Inspired by the flamboyant character of the meals of Louis XIV, Restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Orangerie parterre and will serve a selection of reinvented French classics during the day as well as a tea dedicated to Marie-Antoinette in the afternoon.

The dinner will be more theatrical, reminiscent of the King’s decadent royal banquets, and the restaurant staff will wear period costumes. A bell will ring at 8 p.m. to signal the start of dinner, where guests will experience a five-course gourmet feast featuring contemporary adaptations of 18th-century favorites like veal à la bourgeoise.

Prices for the Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle start from €1,700 and include a dedicated butler, daily tours of the Château de Versailles and the Trianon as well as access to the Palace grounds. For more information or to book a stay, you can find more information here.