Nestled in the heart of the Hôtel des Airelles, Le Grand Contrôle stands out not only for its privileged location opposite the Orangerie of the Palace of Versailles, but also for its unique Sunday brunch. Under the leadershipof Alain Ducasse, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a culinary experience where elegant presentation meets refined flavors in a setting steeped in history.
As soon as we arrive, the decor transports us: it's not every day that a valet in period costume welcomes us! The period furniture and salons are full of meticulously preserved historical details. The Arrière Cabinet and the Grand Cabinet, with their cream walls and golden hues, seem to be awaiting the return of the court. Exceptional tableware rests on embroidered white tablecloths, each element of the table paying homage to the tableware of the Grand Siècle.
The brunch is a veritable banquet, worthy of the royal festivities of yesteryear. Orchestrated by Alain Ducasse, it invites guests to share a gourmet experience, where top-quality products are transformed by the hands of chef Stéphane Duchiron. The dishes follow one another, modern reinterpretations of meals that could have delighted Louis XIV and his court.
On our plates, watercress soup sits alongside chicken pâté en croûte, while eggs, prepared according to our choice, are adorned with noble garnishes: smoked salmon, veal pastrami, or even shavings of black truffle. The sea and the pasture also make an appearance, with dishes such as natural pollock or braised veal chuck, each telling a story of flavors and terroirs.
Hot drinks
Choice of
Fresh fruit juice
Choice of
Breads, brioche & accompaniments
Signature
Mer
Potager
Selection of mature cheeses
Pastries
Time seems to stand still as we marvel at the succession of creations. Conversation flows, carried along by the beauty of the setting and the excellence of the meal. The brunch ends with a selection of fine cheeses followed by delicious pastries created by the talented Pastry Chef, Eymeric Pinard (whose tea time we loved), a final sweet note before leaving this historic setting. We highly recommend the hazelnut success, it's to die for.
As soon as the sun comes out, a superb bucolic terrace opens up for us to get our dose of vitamin D while listening to the splashing of the central fountain.
As we leave, we promise ourselves we'll be back (once we've had time to refill our wallets, that is) to relive this unique experience where Alain Ducasse's gastronomy meets the history of Versailles. Le Grand Contrôle, with its exclusive brunch, is not just a meal: it's a gateway to a world where luxury, history, and culinary pleasures come together for an enchanting interlude.
In short, how about treating ourselves to a delightful journey through time and history for a gourmet Sunday?
See also:
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Whether you live in the Yvelines or are just passing through, discover our top brunch spots in the 78. [Read more]
Location
Hotel du Grand Contrôle
12 Rue de l'Indépendance Américaine
78000 Versailles
Prices
Le Brunch: €160
Recommended age
For all
Official website
airelles.com
Booking
restaurant.legrandcontrole@airelles.com
0185360577
More information
Every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations required. Reservations are open for the next two months only.
Where to have a good brunch in Versailles in the Yvelines? Our top picks in the 78
Where to have a good brunch in the Yvelines? Our top picks in the 78
