The Hotel du Grand Controle, built 1681 for Paul de Beauvilliers, Duke of Saint-Aignan
The Palace of Versailles is once again trying to sell you a bed—by turning three of the luxurious 17th-century mansions that are part of the vast estate into luxury hotels. Potential operators have until September 14 to place bids.
The three buildings (Petit Controle, Grand Controle and Pavillon) were all built in the late 17th century by nobles living near the King and court. Over time, they were either bought by the King, or taken in lieu of taxes. The Grand Controle, above, came into royal hands in 1723, and was used at various times as offices, storage and residence.
A successful bidder would receive a 60-year lease and pay annual rents to the government agency that operates Versailles. A previous deal in 2011 gave a 30-year lease on one building to a Belgian company. That deal, which would have generated €300,000 for the estate, ran into financial difficulties and was abandoned. Among the companies bidding on the new deal is chain giant Accor.
Photo: Dchyp / Wikimedia
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