Designed in 1681 by Louis XIV’s favourite architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Le Grand Contrôle originally served as the Ministry of Finance for the newly built Château de Versailles, home of the French royal court.
It was a place of power and culture, having been the home of Enlightenment figures such as Necker and Mme de Staël. After the French Revolution, Le Grand Contrôle served various military and administrative purposes, until a concession was granted for Airelles to transform it into a one-of-a-kind hotel.
Following years of meticulous restoration by Christophe Tollemer and the French Historic Monuments architects, Le Grand Contrôle opened its doors in 2021, Since then it has welcomed countless celebrities and dignitaries, and hosted grand events that bring back the glory of the French royal court.
Entering Le Grand Contrôle is an emotional experience, for first-time guests and regulars alike. The décor, the warm welcome from the staff and the small rituals that make you feel at home in such a setting.
Le Grand Contrôle offers an exceptional Michelin-starred dining by Alain Ducasse, a bar, a restorative spa by Valmont with a 15-metre indoor swimming pool and a fitness room.
It is home to 13 regal rooms and suites including a 120m² signature Suite, and are capable of accommodating 30 guests (36 with children).
The maison also boasts extensive exterior areas for hosting larger groups, including: two courtyards, two large terraces on either side of the restaurant, private and direct access to the Orangery gardens and the Château park.
Our exceptional roster of activities is available to groups, and our concierge team is on hand to help personalise these experiences to your preferences. Here are just a few of our activities for guests of all ages:
- Horseback riding in the Château park
- Boating on the Grand Canal
- Royal picnic in the Château park
- Costumed activities for children and adults
- Classic car rental
- Private visit to the Versailles Central Library
- Wine tasting at the Domaine de la Bouche du Roi
- Helicopter and light aircraft rental
- And many more…
But that is just the beginning. As we are in the Château de Versailles, overnight guests enjoy unparalleled access to the Château. Far from the daytime crowds and accompanied by a professional guide, they experience Versailles on a deeper, more intimate level. We give our guests unparalleled access to the many wonders that lie within, including:
- The Royal Apartments
- The legendary Hall of Mirrors
- The Trianon
- Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet and farm
- The Royal Opera
- And other locations usually closed to the public, but not to us
As well as activities and events, from the Grand Bal Masqué to open-air concerts, and many more besides, to be discovered during your stay.
(Our list of available visits changes regularly, and customised visits may be arranged of time).
AMENITIES
At the hotel
- Gourmet breakfast by Alain Ducasse.
- Sweet and savoury minibar.
- Packing and unpacking service.
- Laundry service for selected items, up to 10 items per day.
- Personal butler service.
- Access to the Valmont Spa.
- Hot drinks.
At the Château
- The Petit Afternoon Tea
- Unlimited access to the Orangery Gardens.
- An exclusive guided visit to the Trianon Estate in the morning.
- An exclusive guided visit to the Château de Versailles in the evening.
- Unlimited access to our fleet of golf carts.
- From June 8th to September 21st 2024 included: Exclusive access to admire the fireworks on the Night Fountains Show on Saturday nights (except for August 10th), July 14th and August 15th (please be informed that, on some dates and due to the Olympics logistics, the fireworks are replaced by a very nice drone show).
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For more information please reach out to your Paul Klein Travel Advisor.