1. A majestic sunrise

Life at court starts early. Admire the breathtaking views of the Orangery and its gardens while enjoying an exceptional breakfast that includes pastries, fresh fruits, cereals and organic cooked eggs, as well as French toast with salted caramel, and other classics with a twist.

2. A royal feast reimagined

As in the days of kings, lunch rivals dinner when it comes to the quantity of food on offer. Here, tradition and modernity blend together happily around a menu served over two, three or five courses. Take a seat at the king’s table and be seduced by delicious dishes inspired by the great classics of French cuisine.​ Look out for the delicate mallard Galantine with foie gras and pistachios, the traditional Vol-au-vent, the Great Scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and truffles, and save room for the desserts; signature sweet plates such as L’Elixir de Louis XV with citrus fruits and cascara or L’Orangerie with chocolate and its crunchy praline.

3. Meet in the bar

Synonymous with conviviality and enjoyment, the bar is the ideal place to while away a few hours before dinner. Peruse the impressive collection of drinks on offer, each prepared by Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle head sommelier, and enjoy signature cocktails such as the “Royal Snowflake”; Champagne poured over a seasonally scented granite. What’s more, each drink is accompanied by a delicious snack … a match made in palatial heaven.

Bliss

Every room and suite at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle has a story to tell so where you choose to stay will enhance your overall experience with a particular narrative. We’ve chosen a few of our favourites to highlight to give you a better idea of what’s on offer.

The Madame de Fouquet Room is inspired by the extraordinary life of the celebrated socialite who married the Marquis de Fouquet, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Together they lived at Le Grand Contrôle until 1787. Designed for two people, this beautiful Room benefits from impressively high ceilings and a generous 60m² layout, with two bathrooms included. Meticulously adorned with delicate woodwork and period Versailles parquet floors, guests will discover 18th-century cornices and original bas reliefs that have been lovingly restored. Reminiscent of a royal bedchamber fit for Louis XVI, the Madame de Fouquet Room boasts a generous ‘à la polonaise’ four poster bed. Guests can relax and unwind on the spacious 30m² terrace that offers sprawling views of the gardens.

The spacious Necker Suite is the former private apartment of Jacques Necker, the finance minister and statesman who became a significant figure in the French Revolution. Serving under Louis XVI, he was arguably the most popular minister of the era. Designed for two, the grandest suite at Le Grand Controle boasts four metre high ceilings, and an impressive 120m² layout, perfect for those wanting to relive the lavish Palace lifestyle.

With Versailles parquet flooring throughout and a magnificent four-poster bed, guests will also benefit from a generous living room space. Featuring a freestanding bathtub of dreams, guests will enjoy breathtaking views over the lush Orangery Garden and the Palace from their bathroom. With triple aspect views, this light filled suite is a must for experiencing Le Grand Contrôle in all of its 18th-century splendour.

Gaze

The highlight of staying at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle is the incredible access you will have to some of the most incredible historical sights and settings in France.

Beyond the gardens of Versailles lies Trianon, and the Estate of Marie-Antoinette. As part of your stay at Le Grand Contrôle, enjoy complimentary access to an exclusive private tour of The Trianon, as your very own guide will unlock a new room and garden for you every morning, before opening hours. With a different tour route each time, expect to discover the true gems of Versailles – everything from Louis XIV’s Grand Trianon to the English Gardens lovingly created for Marie-Antoinette.

A highlight of any stay at Le Grand Contrôle, explore a different part of the Palace every evening, with a complimentary private tour after opening hours. Joined by just a handful of fellow guests, discover the Palace of Versailles like never before. With access to the main areas of the Palace; the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera House and the Royal Chapel, your guide will also reveal previously unseen spaces and rooms.

Enjoy private, after hours access to the most famous room in the Palace – The Hall of Mirrors. Explore the room and its 357 mirrors completely uninterrupted, as your personal guide helps you navigate the space at your own pace. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour is packed full of wow factor, just remember to bring your camera!

A must-do for fans of the much-adored TV series, Versailles, enjoy exclusive access to the costumes used in the production, followed by a photoshoot in your suite to capture the moment.Whilst the photographer heads back to the ‘editing suite’ to prepare your photos, enjoy a decadent room service dinner served by your private butler, reminiscent of Louis XIV dining in his private apartment.

Dine like royalty in Salle des Hoquetons, with an intimate dinner for two in the former apartment of Louis XV’s daughters. With rare after-hours access and a dining room that opens onto the gardens, this is a special opportunity for guests to dine like never before, with a three course Ducasse feast serenaded by a string quartet.

Trace Marie-Antoinette’s fashionable footsteps with a day packed full of the former Queen’s favourites. Begin the day with a costume fitting in your suite, and a private tour around the Estate of Trianon, the Love Monument and the much-talked about Grotto. In the afternoon, enjoy a pamper session fit for royalty, with the Signature Treatment at the Valmont Spa, closely followed by a macaron tasting session. End the day in true style with a very special dinner served in the French Pavilion; a spot much loved by Marie-Antoinette herself.