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Travel Spotlight
Not in centuries could one hope to sleep on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, but thanks to the opening of Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle you can now overnight in Louis XIV’s masterpiece and gain special access. It’s just one of the new nearby country options that one can combine with a Paris itinerary. I checked out three, including Catherine Deneuve’s former home in Normandy and a gorgeous new spa in the Loire Valley, as well as the new hotels and apartment options—where to stay now in Paris—and what is coming soon. It should be noted that unlike in the U.S., where service has slipped at many hotels because of staff layoffs and shortages, the same is not true in France. The government supported jobs and the hotels have reopened with even better service than before because the staff is so eager to be back greeting guests. For my own Paris nights, I returned to stay at my old favorites: Le Bristol, La Reserve, Ritz Paris, Le Crillon, Plaza Athénee and George V. Because one thing that I learned about my relationship with Paris during Covid—when I couldn’t visit—is that it is a Proustian romance. Paris meets me like a very old friend where I am but always with the presence of memories of past visits. The grand palaces, while continuing to evolve and add innovations (including crystal containers of hand sanitizer and in-house Covid labs), hold fast to their deep French heritage and l’art de vivre, which reminds me every moment that I am in their presence that I could be nowhere else, but Paris. Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer to start planning safe, responsible and meaningful travels to Paris and other destinations—this year and beyond. Our team can match you with the hotels and experiences that are right for you and provide information on travel safety policies and more.
Le Grand Contrôle was meticulously “reconstituted” or kept true its time period, but with all modern comforts added, including an Alain Ducasse restaurant and special access to Versailles—after and before the public is allowed to enter. And the visits, a special one every evening and another every morning after breakfast, means you will be in parts of the palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, with no crowds at all. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime privilege and one that I predict will be extremely tough to book. My full review of the property and experience will be in our fall magazine, but contact your Trip Designer for more details on how and why to book and which rooms and visits to request.
Related: 17 Best New Hotels in Europe 2021
, the sister property to the well-known Les Sources de Caudalie, outside of Bordeaux. Set on over 100 acres, the hotel is a true invitation to sink into the charms of a quiet French country house life thanks to the special hospitality and know-how of owners Jérôme and Alice Tourbier.
Published onJune 25, 2021
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.
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