The French luxury hotel group, Airelles, has just opened the doors of the first luxury hotel located in the heart of the Château de Versailles.
Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle
After Val d’Isère, Courchevel and Saint-Tropez, Airelles has decided to set up shop in the Château de Versailles estate. Called “Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle“, it is the first hotel to open its doors in the world’s most famous residence in its 340-year history. With its historic heritage, the Château de Versailles attracts more than 10 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
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The hotel will occupy three historic buildings dating from 1681. It will be equipped with 14 royal rooms as well as several suites. Future guests will be able to enjoy a restaurant led by French chef Alain Ducasse. They will also have access to the spa in collaboration with the Swiss brand Valmont and an indoor swimming pool. They will also be given exclusive access to the castle and gardens, which are normally off limits to the public. To complement their exploration of the garden and Grand Canal at their leisure, golf carts and boats will be available.
Journey into the heart of the 18th century
All the interior spaces of this hotel have been designed and imagined by the architect Christophe Tollemer, who claims to have been inspired by the Petit Trianon, a property of Marie-Antoinette in Versailles.
The hotel’s 14 rooms have been decorated in a style that reflects the codes of the 18th century, a reflection of wealth and elegance. Fabrics, furniture, chandeliers and works of art have been chosen authentic from the to the monarchic period. For example, wall hangings with original designs were recreated by Pierre Frey, a company specialising in the manufacture of luxury furnishing fabrics.
The names attributed to these rooms were given after characters linked to the history of Versailles. To name just a few, we find the name of Jacques Necker, director general of finance under Louis XVI, or Madame de Staël, famous novelist, philosopher and close confidante of Marie-Antoinette.
To return to the services available at the hotel, the Valmont spa, more precisely its 15-metre long swimming pool, has been decorated with busts and hand-painted frescoes. The checkerboard floor in Carrara marble is directly inspired by the marble courtyard of the palace. It also has a hammam and a sauna.
As for the restaurant, the 20-starred chef Alain Ducasse has designed a royal menu for his future guests. The menu was inspired by the meals of Louis XIV, which were always majestic, as the multitude of dishes invaded the royal table. It also offers a view of the Orangery and will serve French gastronomic dishes. An afternoon tea will also be served, inspired by Marie-Antoinette.
In the evening, the restaurant will have a slightly different atmosphere. The dinner will be more theatrical, served as it was in the monarchical era: the restaurant staff will be dressed in period costumes. A bell will ring at 8pm to signal the start of the dinner. Afterwards, guests will be able to enjoy a gastronomic feast consisting of five courses. Eighteenth-century favourites such as veal à la bourgeoise will be served, albeit in a modern version.
If after all these details, you feel like travelling to the heart of the royal era, the room rates at the Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle hotel start at 1700€. To book your stay, click here!
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Featured photos : © Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle
