Cover Make your way to France to experience royal living (Photo: Courtesy of Airelles)

Costing over RM8,500 a night, France’s Palace of Versailles now welcomes guests at Le Grande Controle

If you’ve ever wondered how it’s like living like royalty, France’s Palace of Versailles has opened its first-ever on-ground hotel, Le Grand Controle, to the public. 

Guests will get to wake up to lush garden views of the Orangerie, a 2,000 acre-strong garden filled with orange, lemon, oleander, palm and pomegranate trees; dine in at the onsite restaurant helmed by renowned chef Alain Ducasse who holds 20 Michelin stars, and unwind at the spa by Valmont after at the end of the day.

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Photo 1 of 4 Photo: Courtesy of Airelles
Photo 2 of 4 Photo: Courtesy of Airelles
Photo 3 of 4 Photo: Courtesy of Airelles
Photo 4 of 4 Photo: Courtesy of Airelles

Opened by luxury hotel group Airelles, this hotel is the sixth property by the hotel brand. Spanning over 14 rooms and suites, a night at Le Grande Controle doesn’t come cheap—prices start at €1,700 (HKD$16,052) a night—but who’s counting the dollar signs when you’re able to experience life like the royals?

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Previously the hosting grounds for Europe’s political and cultural elite, Le Grande Controle was designed by Louis XIV’s favourite architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1681. The building has since been restored by architect and interior designer, Christophe Tollemer and guests will be able to get a glimpse of Le Grande Controle in its former 18th-century glory.

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Airelles
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Airelles
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Courtesy of Airelles

Furniture, paintings, interiors and uniforms are all meticulously researched and sourced according to the palace’s former days. Hotel guests are also assigned a dedicated butler and given access to boats, golf carts as well as exclusive experiences such as a private tour of the Queen’s Hamlet—previously Queen Marie Antoinette’s private meeting place to see her friends. 

As more and more places open up for vaccinated travel, grab your passport and book the next flight out to France to experience royal living at the Le Grand Controle. 

Discover more at airelles.com

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