In a sign that the French State might be having cash flow troubles, the Palace of Versailles has been brought in to become the star show in a lucrative money spinner. Once the country’s prime royal retreat before its contemporary life as a historical tourist attraction, the Palace of Versailles has added overnight stays to its impressive charms with the new operation, Airelles Chateau de Versailles Le Grand Controle Hotel. A new luxury hotel will take a slice of the property and is set to feature a spa with 50-foot long indoor pool and a restaurant helmed by Alain Ducasse. Best of all, the hotel will gain guests access to areas of the palace previously restricted to the public, which makes the $2,000 per night fee the only way to authentically channel your inner Louis XIV et al.
The new hotel will take over Le Grand Controle, with the former hunting lodge undergoing decorative remodelling sensitive to its history. There are plans to recreate the royal banquets of the past, which means five-course Alain Ducasse designed feasts followed by strolls in the Orangery Gardens. Just divine… For information on booking check here.
Images via Airelles Chateau de Versailles Le Grand Controle Hotel