Nestled in the heart of the Hôtel des Airelles, Le Grand Contrôle stands out not only for its privileged location facing the Orangerie of the Château de Versailles, but also for its unique Sunday brunch. Under the guidance ofAlain Ducasse, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a culinary experience where elegance of presentation meets finesse of flavor, in a setting steeped in history.
As soon as we arrive, we are transported by the décor: it's not every day that a valet in period costume greets us! The period furniture and lounges are full of meticulously preserved historical details. The Arrière Cabinet and Grand Cabinet, with their cream walls and golden hues, seem to await the return of the court. Exceptional tableware rests on embroidered white tablecloths, each element a tribute to the tableware of the Grand Siècle.
Brunch turns out to be a veritable banquet, worthy of the royal festivities of yesteryear. Orchestrated by Alain Ducasse, it invites gourmet sharing, where top-quality products are transformed under the hands of chef Stéphane Duchiron. One dish follows another, modern reinterpretations of dishes that would have delighted Louis XIV and his court.
On our plates, watercress velouté rubs shoulders with poultry pâté en croûte, while eggs, prepared according to our choice, are adorned with noble garnishes: smoked salmon, veal pastrami, or slivers of black truffle. The sea and pasture also make an appearance, with dishes such as pollack au naturel or braised veal chuck, each telling a story of flavors and terroirs.
Hot beverages
Choice of
Fresh fruit juices
Choice of
Bread, brioche & accompaniments
Signature
Sea
Vegetable garden
Selection of mature cheeses
Pastries
Time seems to stand still as we marvel at one creation after another. Conversation comes alive, buoyed by the beauty of the setting and the excellence of the meal. The brunch concludes with a selection of fine cheeses, followed by delicious pastries imagined by the talented Pastry Chef, Eymeric Pinard (whose tea-time we adored), a final sweet note before leaving this historic setting. We heartily recommend the hazelnut hit, which is a knockout.
As soon as the sun comes out, a superb bucolic terrace opens up for us to take our dose of vitamin D, while listening to the lapping of the central fountain.
As we leave, we promise ourselves we'll be back (but only long enough to refill our wallets), to relive this unique experience where Alain Ducasse's gastronomy meets the history of Versailles. Le Grand Contrôle, with its confidential brunch, is not just a meal: it's an open door to a world where luxury, history and culinary delights meet for an enchanted interlude.
In short, why not take a trip back in time and history for a gourmet Sunday?
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
01 85 36 05 77
restaurant.legrandcontrole@airelles.com
More information
Every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations required. Reservations are open for the next two months only.
