While I have had the good fortune to visit Versailles a few times over the years (and the annual is still on my bucket list), I only discovered recently that inside the famed Château de Versailles, there is a 5 Star luxury hotel called Airelles, in Le Grand Contrôle. A captivating window onto France’s royal past, Le Grand Contrôle was built in 1681 by Louis XIV’s beloved architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Once home to the Palace’s Finance Controller, today this majestic maison is an architectural hymn to the heyday of Versailles. Meticulously restored to its former grandeur, Le Grand Contrôle exudes authentic 18th-century charm in every detail. Carefully curated period furniture and fabrics blend seamlessly with contemporary comforts in our 13 rooms and suites, where views across the Orangery Gardens have remained unchanged for centuries. In the expert care of your personal butler, your every wish is already granted.
In keeping with its extraordinary setting, Le Grand Contrôle has a truly exceptional culinary experience. Michelin-Star Chef, Alain Ducasse, is the imagination behind Le Grand Contrôle’s unique dining landscape. And unearth Marie Antoinette’s correspondence in the royal library, ride through the Park on horseback at sunrise, discover the iconic Hall of Mirrors after the Palace has closed its doors, or take to the skies in a light aircraft…all this and more lies at your fingertips during a stay at Le Grand Contrôle.
Now it’s time to rewatch Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” and book a stay
Carrie x
