Refinement & authenticity

Restored with the deepest respect for its past, Le Grand Contrôle offers guests a trip back in time to the era of the Kings of France, at the heart of the Château de Versailles.

Built in 1681 by Louis XIV’s favourite architect, Le Grand Contrôle once played host to members of Europe’s political and cultural elite. Today, it welcomes a few privileged guests in 11 sumptuous Rooms and two Signature Suites, decorated individually in 18th-century style thanks to the expertise of France’s finest craftsmen. To tell the tale of this exceptional building and bring it back to life as authentically as possible, Christophe Tollemer, architect and interior decorator for Airelles Collection, delved into the archives of Le Grand Contrôle, focusing in particular on the year 1788, the date of its last inventory. He worked hand-in-hand with Emmanuelle Vidal-Delagneau, a specialist in heritage and the art market, and a member of the Commission for National Treasures, to compose the collection of furniture, art and objects from the 17th and 18th centuries which adorn the residence.

Marquis de Fouquet, Madame de Staël, Rose Bertin… Each Room and Suite at Le Grand Contrôle bears the name of a well-known personality of the day. While offering every modern comfort, they plunge guests into the heart of history thanks to their furnishings, chandeliers, artworks and fabrics. Some are genuine antiques, others faithful reproductions. Some of the upholstery fabrics, curtains or mural drapes have been specially recreated by La Maison Pierre Frey, based on original sketches in the archives of the Château de Versailles, giving each Room or Suite its own identity. The lighting (chandeliers, wall lights and lanterns) has also been designed in the spirit of the 18th century by Mathieu Lustrerie, already entrusted with the lighting in the Château de Versailles.

The most sublime Suites

The Necker Suite (120 sq.m), the most majestic in Le Grand Contrôle, is the former private apartment of Jacques Necker, Louis XVI’s famous General Director of Finances. Designed to accommodate two guests, it stands out for its ceiling height of 4 metres, Versailles parquet floors, and 3 way outlook offering views of the Orangery gardens, among other things. Its four-poster bed and and clawfoot bathtub with a view of the Palace will enchant guests, in search of life in a castle. More spacious, the Madame de Staël Suite (150 sq.m) was once inhabited by this renowned novelist and philosopher. An apartment perfect for families, it offers two bedrooms with two bathrooms, crystal chandeliers and drapes with patterns inspired by Le Petit Trianon, home to Marie-Antoinette. On the first floor of Le Grand Contrôle, the “Grand Appartement” (300 sq.m) overlooks the magnificent classic French gardens of the Château de Versailles, designed by André Le Nôtre. Accommodating up to six guests, this prestigious apartment is comprised of several rooms including the Turgot, Necker and Madame de Fouquet Suites, the last with a terrace of 30 sq.m, as well as the “Grande Bibliothèque” for entertaining guests. The ultimate experience of the sumptuousness of the 18th century.