Airelles Château de Versailles – Le Grand Contrôle: A Royal Retreat with Alain Ducasse Dining, Valmont Spa & Exclusive Château Access
February 22, 2025 – Airelles Château de Versailles – Le Grand Contrôle
Featuring a Restaurant by Alain Ducasse, a Valmont Spa, Private Access to the Fabulous Château, Airelles Château De Versailles-le Grand Contrôle Plunges You Into the Flamboyant World of the Legendary French King.
This is not your usual experience of Versailles. It’s conceived down to the smallest detail. At the Airelles Château De Versailles- Le Grand Contrôle, you don’t just come to sleep in a luxury hotel, you are offered a program marked by a series of memorable moments.
An Afternoon Fit for a Queen
Your royal escapade begins with afternoon tea in the Salon Rouge, a room adorned with gilded accents, sumptuous drapery, and furniture that whispers of the 18th century. Here, the tradition of Marie-Antoinette comes alive with a selection of fine pastries crafted by Alain Ducasse, accompanied by hot beverages like the Queen’s favorite: orange blossom-infused hot chocolate. The staff, dressed in period costumes, makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into the court of Louis XVI.
A Private Tour of Versailles
As the sun begins to set and the crowds disperse, your private exploration of the Château de Versailles begins. Escorted in an electric shuttle, you glide through the palace’s courtyards and checkpoints, arriving at the entrance like a VIP of the ancien régime. The Hall of Mirrors, the King’s and Queen’s apartments, and secret passages are yours to discover in the company of an expert guide. This intimate access transforms a visit to Versailles into a deeply personal encounter with history.
The Grand Banquet: A Culinary Masterpiece
The pinnacle of your experience is The Grand Banquet, a Michelin-starred dining event that reimagines the feasts of French royalty for the modern age. Held in the hotel’s lavishly restored salons, the evening is a symphony of flavors, theatrics, and storytelling.
Under the direction of chef Alain Ducasse, the menu is a contemporary homage to the royal dinners of the past. Each course—from the Relevé (a fish or meat dish) to the Entremets (sweets and desserts)—is crafted with seasonal, exceptional produce. Dishes like lobster in jelly, egg and caviar, and milk-fed lamb are presented with theatrical flair, their domed silver covers lifted to reveal culinary artistry fit for a king.
The experience is punctuated by grand announcements, such as “Au couvert du roi” (“to the king’s table”), and anecdotes about the culinary preferences of Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette.
Did you know green peas were the King’s favorite vegetable, or that the “service à la française”—a style of dining where dishes are shared simultaneously—was popularized by Louis XV? T
Since its launch, The Grand Banquet has become a signature experience at the hotel. Nearly 80% of guests indulge in this culinary journey. For non-residents, it offers a standalone experience worth the visit. More visitors are now booking just to enjoy this unique mix of history and haute cuisine.
A Feast for the Senses
The ambiance is as artistically curated as the menu. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, flickering glow over tables set with 18th-century tableware, while dramatic floral arrangements evoke the gardens of Versailles. The staff, clad in period costumes, moves with the precision of a well-rehearsed ballet, ensuring every detail aligns with the grandeur of the setting.
For wine enthusiasts, the meal can be paired with a selection of fine wines and Champagne, including Dom Pérignon, Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, and Château Léoville Las Cases 2005. For those preferring nonalcoholic options, a thoughtfully curated beverage pairing is also available.
A Morning Among Royalty
The enchantment continues the next morning with an exclusive tour of the Petit Trianon or Grand Trianon, reserved solely for hotel guests. As you wander through these intimate retreats, you’re reminded of the unique heritage of Versailles and the singular experience of staying at Le Grand Contrôle.
📍 Location: Airelles Château de Versailles – Le Grand Contrôle, Château de Versailles, France
🎟️ Private Access: Guided tours of Château de Versailles & Gardens
📞 Contact: +33 (0)1 30 84 50 00
🌐 Website: airelles.com
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