Given how almost all of Australia has been in lockdown these past few months, dreaming about exotic travel destinations is a pretty reasonable thing to be doing right about now. Fortunately for all those looking to satisfy their wanderlust, for the first time ever, The Palace of Versailles in France has opened its doors to guests as a hotel.
Operated by the Airelles Chรขteau de Versailles, Le Grand Contrรดle hotel, thereโs a lot on offer, including private tours of the Chateau, a luxury spa and indoor pool, as well as a restaurant cheffed by Alain Ducasse.
If that sounds a little too middle of the road for your French royalty experience, Le Grand Contrรดle hotel also offers a chance to โtrace Marie-Antoinetteโs fashionable footstepsโ, which includes a period-correct costume fitting, a private tour of the Estate of Trianon, and finishing off the day with a macaron tasting.
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Reservations for a weekend stay in King Louis XIVโs Chateau begin at โฌ1,700 (~AU$2,680) per night for a more humble room that was originally dedicated for Marie-Antoinetteโs perfumer, complete with naturally tiled stone floors, and period-correct exposed wooden beams.
Not quite regal enough? Donโt worry, the most luxurious (and expensive) suite available is Suite Necker which will set you back โฌ11,500 (~AU$18,135) per night, and was once the private apartment of Jacques Necker โ Controller-General of Finances and last Chief minister of Louis XVI. Complete with 14 foot high ceilings, a four-poster king bed, Versailles parquet floors, and a view of the Orangery parterre from the bath.
Another experience worth considering during your stay is the Supper & Symphony, where you have the opportunity to dine in the Salle des Hoquetons, a special after-hours affair hosted in the former apartment of Louis XVโs daughters. Naturally, the three-course feast is accompanied by a string quartet.
You can check out more of whatโs on offer and perhaps even optimistically book a room below.
