A Luxury Hotel Awaits at Versailles—and Rooms Are Still Open for Booking During the Olympics

If you've ever dreamed of staying in one of the world's most lavish palaces, your fantasy can now become a reality. In 2021, the French hotel group Airelles unveiled Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, a luxury hotel situated within the iconic Château de Versailles, a renowned royal residence dating back to the 17th century, closely linked to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Since then, the hotel has emerged as one of France's most sought-after destinations, recently earning three Michelin keys in the inaugural hotel rankings. Remarkably, even with the expected influx of visitors for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, running from July 26 to August 11, 2024, there are still rooms available during this busy time.

As of April 25, you can still secure a reservation during the second half of the Games, from Wednesday, August 7, to the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 11. However, be prepared for the price: Deluxe Rooms start at $2,885 per night (not including taxes and fees), while the opulent Suite Necker costs over $16,000 (excluding taxes and fees). Featuring 14-foot ceilings, this suite was once the private residence of Jacques Necker, the Controller-General of Finances and last Chief Minister of Louis XVI. Your stay includes round-trip transfers from Paris or the airport in a Mercedes S-Class, one lunch and one dinner daily, and a personal guide for exclusive tours.

Will there be any special events at Versailles during the Olympics?

The Château de Versailles will serve as one of the host venues for the Olympics, featuring a temporary outdoor arena set up in the Etoile Royale esplanade amidst the iconic gardens. Since the French Court established itself at Versailles in 1682, with Louis XVI constructing grand stables for 600 horses, equestrian traditions have become ingrained in the estate. Consequently, this arena will host dressage and show jumping competitions during both the Olympics and the Paralympics. Additionally, individual and team cross-country events will take place along the banks of the Grand Canal, and the grounds will also accommodate the modern pentathlon events, including swimming, fencing, riding, running, and shooting.

The UNESCO-listed palace uniquely hosts events as a museum and is enhancing this experience with various cultural programs. For example, the exhibit Majestic Horses at the Heart of Civilization (running from July 2 to November 3) will explore the significance of horses in civil and military life from the 16th to the 20th century, spanning the palace, including the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s State Apartment. Moreover, the palace will provide guided tours centered around themes of sports and the arts, such as Versailles, Games, and Sports; Dancing at Court; Gods and Heroes; Versailles by Horse or by Carriage; and Horses in Art.

What’s the experience like at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle?

Airelles transformed a palace structure originally designed in 1681 by Louis XIV’s architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, into this lavish hotel. The modern incarnation boasts dining from renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, a spa by the Swiss skincare brand La Maison Valmont, a 50-foot indoor swimming pool, and picturesque views of the Orangerie, the part of the palace gardens famous for its fruit trees, as well as the Pièce d’Eau des Suisses, a large pond within the gardens.

The interiors were reimagined by architect and designer Christophe Tollemer, inspired by Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and the luxurious style of Louis XVI. Each of the 14 rooms and suites is uniquely adorned, featuring restored and recreated period furnishings, artwork, fabrics, chandeliers, and historical artifacts.

Guests at Le Grand Contrôle will enjoy exclusive access to areas of the Château and its grounds that are typically off-limits to the public. They can explore the palace gardens, halls, and apartments. Each stay includes a private morning tour of the Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet before general public access, a private evening tour of the palace after visitors have left, and unlimited access to the gardens, complete with boats and golf carts for further exploration.

You can also choose to pay extra for a Marie Antoinette-themed costume fitting, enjoy a private performance at the Royal Opera, and dine privately with a live string quartet in the former residence of Louis XV’s daughters, among other exclusive experiences.

This article was initially published on October 19, 2019, and was updated on April 25, 2024, to reflect the latest information.