Located in the grounds of Palace of Versailles, Airelles Le Grand Contrôle has added a pair of two-floor suites and an Alain Ducasse dining room inspired by French garden heritage. Jenny Southan reports

Airelles Le Grand Contrôle has unveiled Le Pavillon des Jardiniers, a newly restored wing at its hotel within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, adding new suites and a more relaxed dining concept to the historic estate.

The launch introduces two suites and a dining room called La Table des Jardiniers, created by chef Alain Ducasse. The addition forms part of a wider effort to expand the offer at the property, which is located less than 60 minutes from central Paris.

Le Pavillon des Jardiniers is designed as a quieter extension of the main hotel, positioned as a retreat within the wider Versailles estate. The concept draws inspiration from the history of the gardens and the figures who created them, as well as from the idea of private spaces used by French royalty, such as Marie-Antoinette’s Petit Trianon.

The pair of suites have been designed by architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer, who has overseen the look and feel of Airelles properties. The interiors feature period-style furniture, artworks, fabrics by Maison Pierre Frey and antique pieces, reflecting the historical setting of the estate.

Each suite spans more than 120 sqm and includes multiple rooms. The Quintinie Suite is named after Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, head gardener to Louis XIV, and includes a master bedroom, a children’s room and two bathrooms.

The Le Nôtre Suite references André Le Nôtre, the landscape designer behind the gardens of Versailles, and includes a bedroom, living room and bathroom. Both suites overlook the Orangerie Gardens.

In total, the pavilion offers more than 250 sqm of living space across two floors, including two bedrooms with king-size beds, a children’s room and a large living room with a double sofa bed. The layout is intended to accommodate families or groups, as well as private stays and small gatherings.

Alongside the suites, La Table des Jardiniers introduces a more "informal" dining option compared to the hotel’s existing fine-dining restaurant. Open in the evenings to both hotel guests and visitors, the venue focuses on traditional French dishes designed for sharing.

The menu includes dishes such as pot-au-feu, blanquette de veau, onion soup and mimosa eggs, alongside desserts including chocolate mousse and îles flottantes. The restaurant overlooks the gardens and is designed to create a more relaxed and social atmosphere centred on communal dining.

The opening also connects with updates to the Airelles Spa at Le Grand Contrôle, which now offers treatments from Laboratoires Botanique Avancée, a skincare brand developed by Airelles. The treatments continue the botanical theme that runs through the pavilion and its design concept.

Pricing for the new accommodation starts from €20,000 for the Jardinier Suite, including dinner. Full private hire of the pavilion, including the restaurant, starts from €25,000.

Le Grand Contrôle remains the only hotel located within the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, offering guests direct access to the estate and its gardens. Originally built by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the property has been restored to reflect its 18th-century heritage while operating as a modern luxury hotel.

In April 2026, Airelles will unveil its first international address in Venice.