Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, Château de Versailles
France
Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, Château de Versailles
12 rue de l’Indépendance Américaine
78000 Versailles, France
www.airelles.com/fr/destination/chateau-de-versailles-hotel
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
The hotel is part of a privately owned collection.
Shareholders
The hotel is part of a privately owned collection.
Date of Creation
2021
Hotel General Manager
Julien Révah joined Le Grand Contrôle in April 2019 for the creation of a unique hotel within the historic grounds of the Palace of Versailles, devising an immersive experience where heritage, gastronomy and bespoke service come together with refinement.
His career includes experiences at the Prince de Galles and the Renaissance Paris La Défense, where he explored all aspects of the hotel business. In 2000, he moved to the United States to join the Marriott group, and, in December 2009, he became General Manager of the L’Hôtel, where he supervised a team of almost 40 people and oversaw all operations for more than nine years.
Hotel Positioning
Le Grand Contrôle is a 5-star Luxury Hotel, part of the Airelles collection in Versailles
Ultra Luxury Hotels and Ultra Luxury Private Homes.
Development Strategy
Together with his team, Julien Révah, took the opportunity to imagine and build everything from scratch. They designed the entire project, and chose to develop experiences linked to the 18th century. They wanted to offer a total immersion and see this approach through to the end. They forged a solid partnership with the Palace of Versailles for unique and personalized experiences.
Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, Château de Versailles
History & Story
To cross the threshold of Le Grand Contrôle is to step back in time. Commissioned by King Louis XIV himself, this storied residence is an invitation to the heyday of the French court, when these gilded rooms played their own part in the history of France
Unique in Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle is a hotel honoured by its privileged location within the grounds of the Château de Versailles. Built in 1681 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, this magnificent building is a hymn to the grandeur and elegance of its 18th-century zenith.
With this illustrious architectural beginning, Le Grand Contrôle went on to become the residence of the Controller-General of Finances, a position believed by many to be second only to the King. These very walls saw the illustrious comings and goings of the European political and cultural elite, welcomed the prominent scientists and artists of the Enlightenment era, and witnessed historic moments first hand.
Date Renewal
In 2021, Airelles proudly opened the doors to Le Grand Contrôle, the only hotel on the grounds of the Château de Versailles. Honouring centuries of history, the maison was meticulously restored to its former glory under the careful direction of architect and interior designer, Christophe Tollemer.
Using an original inventory dating back to 1788, the restoration process at Le Grand Contrôle involved painstaking efforts to preserve the original architecture and decor. Fabrics were recreated by the prestigious French textile house, Maison Pierre Frey, drawing inspiration from patterns found in the extensive archives of Versailles to create the stunning textiles that adorn our rooms and suites.
Original furniture, sourced from auctions and antique shops across Europe, was reinstated and meticulously restored. Lighting, though modern, emulates the soft glow of candlelight, conjuring up the atmospheric, soft-lit ambiance of the period. The result is nothing short of magic.
Date added extensions
March 2026: Opening of the Pavillon Des Jardiniers, a tribute to the master gardeners of Louis XIV with a convivial restaurant by Alain Ducasse and two prestigious suites. In a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, La Table des Jardiniers, by Alain Ducasse, invites guests to share moments of conviviality. Settle in on the terrace overlooking the gardens or in the light-filled dining room to enjoy generous, gourmet bistro cuisine. Here, people gather around hearty dishes that celebrate French terroir and authentic recipes. A vibrant place to live and linger, where the pleasure of the table is enjoyed simply, with friends or family.
A true residence within the estate, the Pavillon des Jardiniers Suite offers over 250 m² overlooking the gardens of the Orangerie. Two bedrooms, a children’s room, a spacious living room, and reception areas make up a residence inspired by the apartments of 18th-century sovereigns.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
An exclusive tour of Château de Versailles : Before taking your place in the Grand Contrôle’s restaurant to enjoy the feast designed by Alain Ducasse’s, enjoy a unique and timeless experience at Château de Versailles. Every evening, immerse yourself in the history of Château de Versailles as you enjoy a private after-hours visit. During this exceptional tour you’ll have the privilege of visiting areas rarely seen by the public. A guide will also show you Versailles’ most famous rooms: the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s Apartments, the Private Apartments and Marie-Antoinette’s Cabinets. This tour just for you will be the absolute highlight of your stay.
Le Réveil du Roi: In the morning, a valet will gently wake you to the sound of chamber music, prepare a bath for you, followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by Alain Ducasse.
Location
Step into the heart of French history at Le Grand Contrôle, where a privileged location on the spectacular grounds of the Palace of Versailles will sweep you into the glittering 18th century.
Key sites/activities in the area
• The Château de Versailles is an iconic, grand and impressive edifice, and its gardens won’t fail to surprise you:
• The Hall of Mirrors
• The King’s Apartment
• The Queen’s Apartment
• Royal Picnic in Versailles
• Getaway by electric golf cart in the gardens of Versailles
• Horseback riding in the ground of Versailles
Fun Facts
N/A
Children’s Corner
The Royal Camp at Le Grand Contrôle – Young guests have a palace for a playground, where all the glittering magic of the Château de Versailles is woven into extraordinary, tailormade experiences for little kings and queens.
Our teams delight in making fairytales come true, crafting unforgettable experiences for children that they’ll always remember. With a touch of Airelles magic, the glittering history of Versailles comes to life.
A personal butler is ready to create an itinerary perfectly tailored to families. Choose from our range of unforgettable experiences, or share your wildest dreams with our teams and let them craft something truly extraordinary. Whether you’d like to transform an entire suite into a pirate kingdom or have afternoon tea with Marie Antoinette, nothing is impossible at Le Grand Controle.
Our seasonal programme of activities for children makes the most of every minute at Royal Camp. In the warmer months, the gardens of the Château de Versailles are a wonderland for family picnics, outdoor games and pony rides, while within the walls of Le Grand Contrôle children may encounter giant stuffed toys waiting to greet them.
In the afternoon, perhaps a swimming session with a mermaid in our magical swimming pool ?
Treat your family to a little luxury thanks to our exclusive collaboration with Bonpoint Beauté. This high-end brand of cosmetics for children, made from natural products, is carefully developed for sensitive skin, guaranteeing protection without compromise from an early age.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of Suites : 8 suites
Le Nôtre Suite: Nestled on the second floor of the Pavillon des Jardiniers, the Le Nôtre Suite pays tribute to André Le Nôtre, creator of the gardens of Versailles. Spanning over 130 square meters, including a spanning over 130 square meters, it is a real masterpiece of harmony and magnificence.
Quintinie Suite: The Quintinie Suite is located on the first floor of the Pavillon des Jardiniers. Perfect for an unforgettable family stay, the Quintinie Suite spans 120 square meters, featuring a very spacious master bedroom, a children’s room with twin beds, and two bathrooms offering complete comfort.
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 15
Restaurants & Bars
• Alain Ducasse Michelin-star restaurant: With a stunning view over the Orangerie gardens, Le Grand Contrôle welcomes its guests to the Alain Ducasse Michelin-star restaurant, where excellent service and the French art de vivre are centre stage. Paying tribute to this unique place and to 18th century culinary traditions, the menu is inspired by the favourite dishes of the flamboyant ‘Sun King,’ Louis XIV. A royal feast that takes you back in time during an extraordinary journey, right in the heart of Château de Versailles. Alain Ducasse is an aesthete, always striving for perfection, a master of both eating well and living well. World-renowned, the chef promotes ethical and sustainable cuisine, with the focus on the authentic taste of produce, championing its flavours.
Excusive dining experience : The Royal Feast by Alain Ducasse. Immerse yourself in the era of the decadent feasts of the Grand Siècle at the Grand Contrôle, for an exclusive dining experience where Michelin-starred Chef Alain Ducasse invites you to an unforgettable evening. Inspired by the feasts of the Kings, the royal menu reimagines classic French fine-dining dishes according to the seasons, reinventing royal recipes with exceptional ingredients and a modern twist. As music drifts through the air, join us in the dining room, where beautifully dressed tables await, bathed only in candlelight. In immaculate 18th-century dress, our expert staff weave the magic of the court into every detail.
• Bar de La Chapelle : Treat yourself to a relaxing drink at Le Grand Contrôle Bar at Versailles, a discreet retreat simply made for lingering. Sitting comfortably in the Salon d’Audience or on our exquisite sunny terrace, allow yourself to be seduced by our indulgent cocktails, accompanied by sweet or savoury snacks designed by Chef Alain Ducasse. It is the perfect place to capture the essence of the Château de Versailles and share a moment in a plush, refined atmosphere.
La Table des Jardiniers: At the heart of the Grand Contrôle, La Table des Jardiniers embodies the spirit of the château’s history and traditions, where elegance and simplicity come together. Its cuisine revisits the French culinary repertoire with generosity and precision, following the rhythm of the seasons. In a warm and refined setting overlooking the peaceful gardens, everything is designed for the pleasure of sharing and celebrating local terroir.
Wellness
The Airelles Spa X LBA : Just moments from Paris, Airelles Spa offers an exceptional wellness retreat enhanced by the exclusive regenerative treatments of LBA – Laboratoires Botanique Avancée. Step into a world of serenity where every detail has been designed to awaken the senses. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed into soothing spaces bathed in soft light, adorned with elegant statues and hand-painted frescoes, creating an atmosphere of pure relaxation. Settle into luxurious emerald-green armchairs and take in the view of the majestic 15-meter swimming pool, a setting that invites complete rejuvenation and escape.
Corporate & Celebration Events
• Private Events : It is difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting for your private receptions than the Château de Versailles, symbol of French architecture.Whether it is a gala dinner, conference, or a lavish wedding, Le Grand Contrôle won’t fail to impress your guests. Over the course of a day, a weekend or even a week, you will have the keys to this exceptional hotel, where refinement and splendour will take pride of place at your gathering. Book our sumptuous property, at the heart of the Château de Versailles, for up to 36 guests.
Our events spaces :
• Le Salon d’Audience: Located on the ground floor, 75m2 Capacity (cocktail seating): 30 guests
• The Library: Located on the first floor, 60m2 Capacity: up to 30 guests
• Le Grand Cabinet: Located on the ground floor, 75m2 Capacity: up to 60 guests
• L’Arrière Cabinet: Located on the ground floor, up to 58m2 Capacity: up to 30 guests
• The Fountain Terrace: Located on the ground floor, 150m2 Capacity: up to 120 guests
• The Orangerie Terrace: Located on the ground floor, 80m2 Capacity: up to 40 guests
Extra Notable Features
• Cookings and pastries classes
• Marie Antoinette delights at Versailles
• Golf Carts to discover the gardens of Versailles
• Tickets for the Masked Ball and Soirée Galantes when booking a room or a suite with us
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2023 – 2025
1 Michelin star at the Alain Ducasse restaurant
2022-2021
1 Michelin star at the Alain Ducasse restaurant
Number of employees
130, 65 are part of the F&B