A major historical and architectural attraction in Paris – and famous the world-round, it has been announced that a building on the ground of the Palace of Versailles will be converted into a luxury hotel in the near future, adding to the already formidable cache of high-end accommodation in the City of Lights.
The palace’s satellite building Hotel du Grand Controle, has traditionally been home to the treasurers of the estate, but will soon be converted to a 23-bedroom luxury experience for those on holidays in Paris wishing to stay at a historical hotel on the grounds of one of the country’s prized attractions.
“It’s a pioneering initiative,” Jean-Jacque Aillagon, president of the Chateau de Versailles told reporters.
“This building was given to us in a very dilapidated state,” he said. “I’ve been given the task of saving it.”
The Hotel du Grand Controle, which dates back to the 17th century, will be renovated by Ivy International SA at a cost of some €5.5 million. Thereafter, the company will pay the Chateau de Versailles an annual fee to continue operations.
The Palace and Park of Versailles has been a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and it’s not the only famous French landmark looking to develop one of its lesser known buildings. According to AFP, the Chateau de Fontainebleau has also been seeking developers to renovate its Heronniere barracks in the coming years.
“We have to find a purpose for these buildings to avoid them falling into ruin,” Jean-Francois Hebert, president of the organisation that oversees the grounds, told AFP.
