Le Grand Contrôle, the magical hotel at the Château de Versailles that goes back in time

Would you like to visit the Château de Versailles, stay there and live the life of a monarch? The Hotel Le Grand Contrôle Château de Versailles, the historic pearl of Les Airelles, is well worth a visit (or rather, a stay). This 5-star hotel, a veritable historical relic designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV's favorite architect, offers an unprecedented experience, blending majesty, history and refinement. It invites us to travel back in time, to an era when the kings and queens of France walked these very corridors.

The French Ministry of Culture, in its vision of revitalizing historic monuments, has allowed this once derelict building to rise from the ashes. Le Grand Contrôle is not just a hotel. It's a journey back in time, an immersion in the 18th century, a living testimony to the past grandeur of the Château de Versailles. Adjacent to the Château and overlooking the Orangerie, this luxury establishment comprises three historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries: the Pavillon des premières cents marches, the Petit Contrôle and the Hôtel du Grand Contrôle. These buildings, which have seen many historical figures pass through their doors, were once home to the Versailles Officers' Mess.

Today, under the aegis of Airelles, part of the LOV Hotel Collection group, and in collaboration with Ducasse Paris, this treasure trove has been restored and adapted to offer the comfort of a 5-star hotel while retaining its authenticity.

Le Grand Contrôle doesn't just provide a roof over your head. It offers a total experience. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is set. You're greeted by staff dressed in period costume. You discover the Salon Rouge, sumptuously decorated in the purest 18th-century tradition, for an afternoon tea inspired by Marie-Antoinette's preferences. This precisely orchestrated moment is accompanied by hot drinks, including the Queen's favorite chocolate, scented with orange blossom.

And the change of scenery doesn't stop there. In the evening, a royal dinner awaits you at the Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse restaurant. Stéphane Duchiron leads a five-course menu, with each course recalling the grandeur of the feasts of yesteryear. The tasting is enhanced by theatrical announcements and anecdotes, transforming the meal into a memorable spectacle. We love dishes with perfect cooking and seasoning, enhanced by sauces and juices of incomparable richness and intense, distinctive flavors .

On weekends (Friday to Sunday), come and experience Tea Time. The salon rouge becomes the setting for an exceptional moment: the tea party inspired by Marie-Antoinette. Under the direction of renowned pastry chef Aymeric Pinard, this gourmet interlude is a veritable ode to the queen's taste preferences. Exquisite savory dishes, such as brioche bread with avocado, prepare the palate for a refined sweet feast. Pistachio bites, citrus tarts and many other delights are served, accompanied by the finest hot drinks, including Alain Ducasse's signature orange blossom-scented chocolate.

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In summer, a terrace overlooking the Château Orangerie invites you to continue this royal experience. On Sundays, don't miss Ducasse's signature gourmet brunch, a feast that combines good taste and generosity.

Your night at the Grand Contrôle promises to be just as exceptional. Resting on majestic beds, you'll experience what it means to "sleep like a king". In the morning, a valet will gently wake you to the sound of chamber music, followed by a breakfast prepared by Alain Ducasse. The day promises many more discoveries, including an exclusive visit to the Château de Versailles.

The hotel's interior design reflects the very essence of Versailles. Christophe Tollemer has recreated the splendor of the Petit Trianon and the Louis XVI style. The rooms, more aptly named "apartments" for their grandeur and luxury, are showcases of authenticity. Each is a work of art, adorned with master paintings, gilding and period furniture. All this is complemented by exceptional services, from a golf cart to explore the gardens to a private indoor pool.

When you stay at Le Grand Contrôle, you'll enjoy privileged access to the most important events with VIP areas, as well as visits to the Orangery and the Hall of Mirrors outside general visiting hours. It's the perfect opportunity to take in the sights in an exceptional way.

In short, staying at Le Grand Contrôle means embracing French history. It's a journey through the corridors of time, a singular experience, a royal escape into the fascinating world of the Château de Versailles. An authentic and privileged immersion not to be missed.

See also

Le Grand Contrôle starred restaurant - Airelles Château de Versailles: Test & Review
How about a royal lunch overlooking the Orangerie at the Château de Versailles? Head for the Grand Contrôle restaurant and its Michelin-starred dining room, where you can step back in time for a magical meal in one of the sublime dining rooms or on the beautiful terrace in fine weather. [Read more]

We tested the fabulous tea time at Les Airelles Château de Versailles - Le Grand Contrôle
It's in the enchanting, historic setting of Les Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Controle, the hotel located within the Château de Versailles, that we set out to discover Marie-Antoinette's famous afternoon tea, orchestrated by talented pastry chef Aymeric Pinard. Come and slip into the shoes of a queen and king for an enchanted, gourmet interlude. [Read more]