To be French is to love dogs, and to truly live like French royalty is to share the experience of Versailles with your beloved pet.

Companion animals have always held great significance within the rich history of Versailles. Immortalized in the many paintings hanging throughout the Château, the cherished pets of Louis XIV, Louis XV, Marie Antoinette and her children, for example, appear seated in the laps of the royals and were often adorned with decorative ribbons or tassels around their necks. (A recent post shared to the Château de Versailles Instagram account offers a preview!)

My pomeranian Gigi has traveled with me everywhere since she came into my life one year ago, and I will forever remember this experience of visiting Airelles Le Grand Contrôle with her at my side as one of the most special memories we share. To have her treated like royalty in the most regal of palaces is the pampered-pet experience par excellence.

Continue reading to discover more about my experience staying at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle with my dog, including information on the amenities that were provided and the contact you can reach in order to organize your stay.

About Airelles Le Grand Contrôle at the Château de Versailles

There is no place like Versailles, and there is no experience like staying in an Airelles property. In my opinion (and the opinion of countless others), for a hospitality experience as luxurious as this, to be located at and offer exclusive access to the Château de Versailles, makes it the absolute best hotel stay that exists.

While I have a million wonderful things to say about my experience at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, what was truly the most memorable for me was that I was surprised and delighted at every turn, throughout the entirety of my stay. I don’t want to divulge too much, as I want your stay to be full of just as many surprises— but I will say that as a guest of Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, the exclusive access that is granted to the Château de Versailles is unlike any other experience you will find. The service at the property is designed to make guests truly feel like royalty, the dining menus (for people and pets alike) showcase the finest of French cuisine, and while your visit will be steeped in history regardless of which Discoveries or Adventures you choose, you will also be able to enjoy modern comforts like indulgent treatments at the Valmont spa, a personal electric golf cart to explore the palace grounds, transfers to and from Paris in a luxury vehicle, along with so much more.

And not only is a stay Airelles Le Grand Contrôle at the Château de Versailles the most special hotel experience in the world, that fact that it is pet-friendly makes it truly exceptional and unforgettable.

Dog Friendly Amenities at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle

While I was simply stunned by the impressive beauty found in every detail that exists throughout Airelles at Versailles from the very moment we arrived, my dog Gigi (which is short for Josephine, naturally) was completely at ease and immediately felt right at home. So much so that I suspected she had actually been to the Château de Versailles before in a previous life, because she roamed the common areas, smiled at all of the staff, and relaxed comfortably on any and every cushion, as if it was all made for her.

The staff at Le Grand Contrôle were awaiting our arrival, and upon entering the breathtaking Marquis de Fouquet Suite we were greeted by a number of surprises, including a few that were special for Gigi: a cosy bed, food and water bowls, a glass bottle of water, and a bespoke menu of specialty ingredients, crafted to order by the chef on-site.

Amongst the countless other thoughtful amenities that welcomed us in our suite, we were kindly reminded that the staff was aware there is a dog staying in our suite, and if we had any special requests or recommendations about someone entering the space while we were or were not present, they would gladly accommodate. Additionally, if we were to need a dog-sitter for any reason, one would happily be made available.

A highlight of our stay at Le Grand Contrôle was the “King’s Awakening”, an experience in which a member of the staff wakes you up (at the time you request) by gently scratching at the door, opening the curtains, and drawing a bath, all while pleasant classical music plays in the background. When scheduling the experience the evening prior, I worried for a moment that Gigi’s guard dog senses may become triggered— but it proved to not be an issue at all. Upon waking up, because Gigi sensed that I was so at ease, and thanks to the very peaceful and calming demeanor of the staff, Gigi was surprisingly also at ease and it was a pleasant experience for us all. Amongst all the countless things that impressed me during our stay, this experience is definitely near the top of the list.

Where your dog is welcomed on the property

The pets of guests at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle are admitted in the common areas, the dining salons, and courtyards on the hotel property, and of course in the rooms. During each meal we had during our stay on the property, Gigi was seated just beside me, thoroughly enjoying the company as she always does. Anywhere we went, a staff member with a bowl of water was sure to follow. Every thoughtful touch, every kind gesture, and every smile made in passing toward Gigi was immensely appreciated, and we felt more than welcome during our entire stay.

At the time of writing, Airelles Le Grand Contrôle also offers an exclusive experience of treating your dog to a playful agility course in a royal setting, to continue a legacy personally enjoyed by Louis XIV and his beloved companions. Discover more about this unique experience, exclusive to hotel guests, here. While my pomeranian did not partake in this activity (she’s not exactly athletic), it is the first time I have ever heard of a property offering such an experience— and it goes to show Airelles’ commitment to treating our pets like the royalty that they are.

Where your dog is allowed at Versailles

While your pet is not allowed within the grounds of the Château of Versailles outside of Le Grand Contrôle, the nearby park of the Pièce d'Eau des Suisses is a lovely place enjoy a walk with your dog, and is located just across the street from the Airelles property. In fact, our Marquis de Fouquet Suite offered a beautiful view overlooking the peaceful pond and surrounding lawns and forests.

As mentioned, if you venture off to explore the interiors of the palace for your private tours, or any of the exterior gardens of Versailles where pets are not permitted, you are more than welcome to leave your pet alone in the comfort of your room if you prefer, or you could also request that a member of the staff watches over your pet or keeps it company. My dog was happily greeted and tended to by all the friendly staff members throughout our stay, and even though my Gigi was not able to accompany me on all of the exclusive adventures offered to the guests of Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, she was made to feel like royalty at every opportunity.

How to Book a Stay with Your Dog at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle

For pricing, availability, and all other inquiries about booking your stay, you can contact Airelles Le Grand Contrôle directly by emailing reservation.legrandcontrole@airelles.com.

You can also visit their website to browse pricing and availability, and also discover other events or experiences that may be taking place at the Château de Versailles so you could plan your visit accordingly.

Arriving to Airelles Le Grand Contrôle from Paris by car is easy, and a visit to the property is the perfect getaway from city life. Private transportation can be conveniently arranged by Airelles, in addition to any other requests for which you may ask. Some activities and experiences may be included within your stay, depending on the room type or package booked, and are subject to scheduling and availability. For all inquiries or questions, contact the property directly by calling +33(0)1 85 36 05 50 or emailing experience.legrandcontrole@airelles.com.

Visiting the Château de Versailles and staying at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle were items that topped my bucket list for many years, and to be able to do both at the same time, with my beloved dog by my side, made the experience simply unforgettable.

Are you looking to plan the perfect getaway for you and your pet, and are wondering if a visit to Versailles is a great option for you? If you have any questions about my personal experience visiting and staying at Airelles Le Grand Contrôle at the Château de Versailles, let me know in the comments below!

*Our stay was an invitation by Airelles Le Grand Contrôle, as a guest of Ana Linares. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own, and are reflective of my personal experience.

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