At the heart of the guest experience is the aristocratic culinary offering provided by the internationally acclaimed chef, Alain Ducasse. With 20 Michelin stars to his name, Ducasse takes guests on a journey through time experiencing gastronomic delights from both past and present via a tantalising menu inspired by the flamboyant nature of Louis XIV’s meals. Just like it was in the time of Louis XIV, dining at Le Grand Contrôle is like a play of several acts, punctuated by gourmet treats.

Enjoy a breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit, organic eggs cooked to order and French toast with salted caramel while admiring the view of the Orangery gardens.

Choose two, three or five courses which blend tradition and modernity together at the king’s table. Perhaps they could start with creamy lettuce soup with gold caviar and buckwheat, or seared white asparagus with shellfish and bitter herbs. To follow, how about roast milk-fed lamb with purple artichokes and French marigolds, or turbot with crushed seaweed. For dessert, perhaps sample the 1724 chocolate and praline, a Louis XIV elixir with rhubarb and green tea, or an orangery soufflé with verbena granita.
 
Before dinner, sample wines chosen by the hotel's head sommelier or perhaps one of signature cocktails
such as the Royal Snowflake – champagne poured over scented granita. All drinks are served with
an amuse-bouche – no chance of going hungry
 
Inspired by ‘Le Grand Couvert’, an ancient French ritual where the king and queen would dine in front of the public, a lavish brunch is prepared every Sunday. As well as a buffet of traditional dishes made from seasonal ingredients, other dishes can be ordered from a menu. There’s also an impressive array of sweet treats.

In the evening, diners are treated like royalty. Inspired by royal feasts, seemingly endless dishes are brought out in waves – traditional French ‘Oille’ soup is followed by roasts and salads, then puddings, and finally dessert. Like actors in a well-orchestrated play, the team will place the gold, silver or vermeil dome-covered dishes on the table, one after another.

Featuring products and treatments from prestigious skincare brand Suisse Valmont, Spa Valmont is decorated in marble, stone and busts inspired by the courtyard of the Palace of Versailles. The hand-painted fresco on the ceiling encourages guests to truly relax and retreat.

For that royal experience, Airelles has chosen massage oils from the prodigious Maison Caulières and Valmont has designed an exclusive 'Miroir Majestueux' face and décolleté treatment inspired by the beauty rituals of Marie-Antoinette herself. Guests can also enjoy the sauna, hammam and a 15 metres indoor swimming pool at their desire.

For a manicure or pedicure, head to Salon Léonard, named after Marie-Antoinette’s favourite hairdresser Léonard-Alexis Autier.
 
A selection of snacks and hot and cold drinks are available for you to enjoy by the pool or in the spa salon. And for children, a menu of 'Nougatine' treatments takes care of their skin while gorgeous aromas transport them to a fairy tale land.

In the gym, you can use cardio and weights machines overlooking the Lake of the Swiss Guards, with a personal trainer available by reservation.

Butler
From the time of their reservation to the moment of their departure, every guest has a butler to attend to their needs. They also benefit from exclusive access to areas of the Palace, gardens and the Grand Canal, which can be explored by golf carts or boat. Airelles wants all guests to be able to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere and history of Versailles, so the three experiences below are available to all guests at no extra cost. In the morning, the personal butler will discreetly bring a hot drink to the guests, open the curtains and run a bath. Later in the day they’ll be offered the traditional drink of almond milk with orange blossom and after dinner, perhaps head for Le Salon d’Audience for popular 18th century games such as English Whist or Cavagnole, Italian in origin and like roulette

Exclusive tour of the Trianon
Beyond the gardens of Versailles lies Marie-Antoinette’s estate – the Trianon. Away from the crowds, explore Louis XIV’s Grand Trianon and the Queen’s much-loved English garden. Every morning, before the area is opened to the public, a private guide will introduce you to a new room or section of the gardens

Exclusive tour of the Palace
Every evening, once the Palace doors are closed to visitors, a guide will show you areas rarely open to the
public – the Grand Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera and the Royal Chapel. Exclusive to
guests of Le Grand Contrôle, these visits are likely to be the highlight of your trip.

Unlimited access to the gardens
Visit the gardens whenever you like – any time day or night. Breathe the fresh air and scents of the morning or enjoy a moonlit stroll when the daytime visitors have departed – or take a picnic and spend the entire day if you choose.

Step into the wardrobe of Versailles
Fan of the TV series, or simply like dressing up? You’ll have access to the lavish costumes used in the production, plus a photoshoot in your room or suite to create souvenirs of the occasion. While your photos are edited and prepared, emulate Louis XIV dining in his apartment by enjoying a decadent room service dinner served by your private butler.

After Hours Access to The Hall of Mirrors
Enjoy private after-hours access to the most famous room in the Palace, without the crowds. Explore its 357 mirrors at your own pace, with the help of a private guide. A once-in-a-lifetime experience – don’t forget your camera!

A Supper & Symphony
Enjoy a romantic dinner for two in in the Salle des Hoquetons – the former apartment of Louis XV’s daughters which opens out onto the gardens. A string quartet will serenade you as you enjoy a three-course Ducasse feast

Follow in the footsteps of Marie-Antoinette
Start your day with a costume fitting in your suite, seeing how you might feel dressed as Marie-Antoinette – with plenty of time to take pictures, of course. Afterward, enjoy a private tour around the Trianon Estate, including the Love Monument and the famous Grotto. In the afternoon, enjoy a treatment at the Spa Valmont inspired by Marie-Antoinette’s own beauty rituals, followed by a macaron-tasting session. End the day with a very special dinner services in the French Pavilion – a favourite spot of Marie-Antoinette herself.

Follow in the footsteps of Blaise-Henri Arnoult
Retrace the footsteps of Blaise-Henri Arnoult, first theatre technician to the King, with this once-in-a lifetime all-access experience. Enjoy the best seats in the house at the Royal Opera with a champagne reception before the show and a private box to watch the performance. Afterwards, go behind the curtain and join the cast for a celebratory toast, with your own personal photographer to capture the moment. Once the audience have left, enjoy a 15-minute private concert on stage, just for you. Exit through the stage door, where your butler will be waiting with a lantern to accompany you through the gardens back to Le Grand Contrôle.

Follow in the footsteps of André Le Nôtre
An experience both for keen gardeners and cooks. The day begins with a private tour of the garden with a guide to tell you about the work of the former head gardener to the royals, André Le Nôtre. Following a lavish three-course picnic for two among the groves, join the head chef for an all-access tour of the Queen’s Vegetable Garden. With a glass of champagne, navigate the garden and pick your own seasonal produce before heading to the kitchens for a private cooking lesson with our culinary team. Later that evening, enjoy the fruits of your labour exquisitely presented to you as part of a decadent Ducasse feast.