Built as a modest hunting lodge by Louis XIII in 1623, it was only under the ownership of Louis XIV that Versailles started to become the magnificent palace it is today. Over more than a century and during the reigns of several kings, the building was enlarged and embellished to house the courts of Louis XIV, XV and XVI, and is today considered one of the finest achievements of French architecture.
Set within the Palace grounds of Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle was built in 1681 by Louis XIV’s favourite architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The impressive building once played host to Europe’s political elite – ambassadors, artists, musicians, writers and Age of Enlightenment scientists. Now, two centuries on, Le Grand Contrôle has been entirely restored, offering guests an exclusive peek into the world of Versailles.
The 14 sumptuous rooms and suites, fit for a king or queen, feature period furnishings and fittings as well as every modern comfort. A stay here lets you dive back into history, exploring the 2,000-acre gardens, palace halls and apartments walked by Europe's elite over the centuries. In keeping with its lavish history, every element at Le Grand Contrôle is inspired by its 18th century splendour, from carefully-sourced interiors, right down to the uniforms now worn by the team. Where possible, original furnitures from the palace have been reinstated in their original home.
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.
To reach Le Grand Contrôle by car:
- 45 minutes from Paris Centre
- 45 minutes from Gare du Nord
To reach Le Grand Contrôle by train:
- 10 minutes walking distance from Gare de Versailles Château Rive Gauche (45 minutes to Paris Notre-Dame)
- 20 minutes walking distance from Gare de Versailles Chantiers (35 minutes to Paris Gare Montparnasse)
To reach Le Grand Contrôle by plane:
- 30 minutes from Paris Orly Airport
- 60 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
To reach Le Grand Contrôle by Helicopter:
- 5 minutes from Aerodrome Saint Cyr L’Ecole (15 minutes to Paris Balard metro terminus line 8)
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,...
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 hersel...
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 Fargeon Room is dedicated to Jean-Louis Fargeon, Marie-Antoinette's perfumer. Designed for two people, the 25m² attic room boasts spectacular period features, from its original exposed wooden beams to its natural stone tiled floor, authentically restored based on the apartments of Le Petit Contrôle. Here you can enjoy a royal shower in the spacious bathroom while admiring the breathtaking view of the Pièce d'Eau des Suisses.
Located in Le Petit Contrôle, the Orry Room is dedicated to Philibert Orry, the esteemed French statesman and Louis XV’s second longest-serving minister. The luscious, light-filled room for two people pays homage to the original spirit of the building, with a statement marble fireplace, chevron parquet flooring and 18th-century furniture. Guests will enjoy views over the main courtyard and of the Lake of the Swiss Guards.
Located on the second floor of the Grand Contrôle, the Calonne Room is dedicated to Charles-Alexandre de Calonne, Controller-General of Finances and minister of Louis XVI from 1783 to 1787. Designed for two people, the generous ceiling height, along with charming views over the Palace, chevron parquet flooring and period furniture, give this 35m² Room unique character. For a playful nod towards the French inventors, the Montgolfier brothers, and their ties with the Palace, guests will discover hot air balloon motifs throughout the interior.
Located on the third floor of Le Petit Contrôle building, the Rose Bertin Room pays tribute to Rose Bertin, the first dressmaker of the Kingdom, seen by Marie-Antoinette as the "Minister of Fashion". The charm of the old and the historical character are perfectly restored here thanks to the superb terracotta tiles on the floor and the exposed period beams.
The story of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, architect of the Hôtel du Grand Contrôle, the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Trianon and the Royal Chapel, comes to life in this Room with its hushed and intimate atmosphere, located in Le Petit Contrôle. Designed for two people, the elegance of this Room, with its wall panelling, chevron parquet flooring, period fireplace and furniture, is enhanced by beautiful views of the Orangery Garden, the Lake of the Swiss Guards and the main courtyard of Le Grand Contrôle.
The Baron de Staël-Holstein Junior Suite takes over the apartment that was once home to Baron de Staël-Holstein, Chamberlain of Queen Sophia Magdalena and Swedish ambassador to France. Designed for two people, this Junior Suite is beautifully decorated with antique furniture, handcrafted 18th-century ornaments, and chevron parquet flooring. Guests will discover a freestanding bathtub and generously sized bed to ensure the utmost comfort. For the ultimate Versailles experience, this Suite overlooks the main courtyard of Le Grand Contrôle, with additional views of the south wing of the Château.
The Turgot Junior Suite pays tribute to Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, one of Louis XVI's most important ministers and Controller-General of Finances from 1774 to 1776. Designed for two, guests will enjoy impressive high ceilings (over four metres high!), a generously sized bed and beautiful Versailles parquet flooring throughout the light and airy 50m² Suite. For those requiring a little more space to prepare for the day ahead, guests will discover a separate dressing Room. With views overlooking the Lake of the Swiss Guards, this is a very special Suite.
This elegant room is inspired by Marie-Antoinette’s estate, Petit Trianon, gifted to her by her husband in 1774. Overlooking the garden, the Orangery Room features refined and historic details, including chevron parquet floors, a period marble fireplace, a wall tapestry and a thoughtfully sourced 18th-century crystal chandelier. Designed for two people, the 55m² room boasts a sumptuous king-size bed. Perfect for apéritifs at sunset, the Room opens to an expansive 40m² terrace with extraordinary views of the Orangery Garden and the First Hundred Steps. It’s important to note that the Orangery Room also allows access for people with reduced mobility.
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 Premier Suite, decorated with wall panelling, chevron parquet flooring, a period fireplace and furniture. The Suite comes with a separate living room area, with sweeping views over the main courtyard of Le Grand Contrôle but also over the Lake of the Swiss Guards.
La Suite Beauvilliers pays homage to the first ever resident of Le Grand Contrôle. This most auspicious space was once the office of the First Clerks, who held immense influence over France’s Secretaries of State. With a separate living room and convertible sofa bed, this large 70m² Suite is designed for three adults, or two adults with two children for those wanting to experience Versailles as a family. For the added wow factor, the Suite benefits from beautiful views over the main courtyard of Le Grand Contrôle and also of the Lake of the Swiss Guards.
The spacious Suite Loménie de Brienne, decorated with wall panelling, chevron parquet flooring, a period fireplace and furniture. Each Suite comes with a separate living room area, with sweeping views over the main courtyard of Le Grand Contrôle but also over the Lake of the Swiss Guards.
The Suite Loménie de Brienne, former office of Marc Etienne de Villiers du Terrage, lawyer at the parliament and First finance Commis, is dedicated to Cardinal Étienne-Charles de Loménie de Brienne. With thoughtfully sourced 18th-century antique furnishings and period fireplace, guests will also discover a beautiful roll top bathtub and a walk-in shower. This 70m² Suite comfortably sleeps three adults, or two adults with two children for those wanting to travel as a family thanks to a separate living room and convertible sofa bed. With views over the main courtyard of Le Grand Contrôle and also of the Lake of the Swiss Guards, the Loménie de Brienne Suite offers the ultimate Versailles experience.
This former apartment of the Marquis de Fouquet, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, has been restored in meticulous detail, staying true to the style of its original owner. A hark back to its storied past, the Marquis de Fouquet Suite draws focus to the heritage features, including antique wooden panelling, chevron parquet flooring throughout, a statement marble fireplace and meticulously sourced original period furniture. Designed for four people, the generous 90m² Suite boasts a separate living room area (with sofa bed) and for complete comfort, two bathrooms. With views over the Lake of the Swiss Guards, this is a special Suite rich in Versailles history.
This impressive Suite was once home to writer and philosopher Madame de Staël. The Madame de Staël spirit comes to life in this exceptionally spacious 150m² Suite, with triple aspects views of the Lake of the Swiss Guards, the Palace and the Orangery Garden. Designed for six people, it features two beautiful bedrooms, a spacious living room area (with sofa bed) and two bathrooms.
Fit for a royal bathtime, guests can enjoy a freestanding roll top bath with breathtaking views over the Orangery Garden. Throughout the Suite, discover pretty detailing in the 18th-century crystal chandeliers, whilst in the living room, intricate wall hangings and embellished drapery feature motifs inspired by Petit Trianon, where the former Queen, Marie-Antoinette once lived.
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.
Experience the grandeur of the XVIIIth century with a stay in Le Grand Appartement. Situated on the first floor and made up of the Junior Suite Turgot, the Suite Madame de Fouquet which has a 30 m2 terrace, the Suite Necker and the Library, Le Grand Appartement is 300 m2 and sleeps up to six people.
Ideal for guests who are looking for a unique experience, this sumptuous apartment features four-metre-high ceilings, Versailles parquet floors, intricate woodwork, magnificent four-poster and canopy beds and claw-foot bathtubs.
It offers some of the most breath-taking views from Le Grand Contrôle. From here you can admire the Palace of Versailles, the Orangery Gardens, the 100-step staircase, the Swiss Lake and the courtyard of Le Grand Contrôle.
As well as all the other services offered to every guest at Le Grand Contrôle, Le Grand Appartement comes with some exceptional extras – a champagne aperitif in the apartment every evening, the opportunity to welcome ten guests to a private dinner in the Library, and a private transfer to and from Paris or the airport.
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