Taking a 40-minute train from Paris to Château de Versailles, one can enjoy a meal or stay overnight at the newly opened Les Lumières Versailles. This luxury 5-star hotel was recently inducted into Relais & Châteaux, and is located near the entrance of the Palace of Versailles.
Translated in English as The Lights of Versailles, Les Lumières melds historic architectural features with contemporary luxury amenities. From the moment guests check-in, they begin a transformative storytelling journey filled with cultural immersion and personal discovery.
Taking a tour with Julie Dillard, Assistante chef de réception, I learned this historic property was once given to Édouard Colbert and Antoine III de Gramont by the 'Sun King' Louis the XIV. 'The historic Gramont and Villacerf pavilions date from the 17th and 19th centuries,' said Dillard. ' At one time, this mansion was known as the Hôtel du France, a three-star hotel.'
In 2019, the 2L Collection, a family-owned hotel group in France, purchased the property and opened just before the 2024 Summer Olympics. 'The equestrian competitions were held in Versailles and the hotel was sold out,' said Dillard. 'Right now we have 22 Superior and Deluxe guest rooms, plus Junior Suites and Suites. When the Gramont building on the other side is completed, we will have 31 rooms.'
This new hotel in Versailles pays homage to the Enlightenment era. 'Inspired by the revolutionary spirit of that period, our aim was to transform the space into a catalyst for reflection, awareness, and awakening,' said Delphine Jaouen, CEO of 2L Collection. 'By blending knowledge, openness, and natural beauty with elements of classicism and modernity, we've created a place that celebrates freedom of thought and exploration, echoing the very essence of the Enlightenment.'
Guests receive their key to their room inside a hollowed-out book with a story about a famous person the guest room is named after. Room number 10 is Voltaire, a Junior Suite. It's an ADA room across from the elevator. Just like all the rooms, thoughtful wellness and mindful amenities include a meditation sleep machine and comforting weighted blankets to ensure a good night's rest.
'The sleep machine has four sessions to enjoy,' said Dillard. 'There is meditation, smooth music, and a calming nature session.' 'Ceilings in the guest rooms provide a nod to the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles,' Dillard said.
Guest rooms and suites are furnished with king-size beds, and televisions cleverly hidden inside picture frames. Spacious bathrooms have either a separate bathtub and shower room or both. Closets display plush robes and slippers. There is also a cabinet in each room with a coffee machine, kettle and assortment of teas.
Guests can gather in the comfortable winter garden solarium to experience an enclosed and warm environment. Natural light filters in on rattan-framed chairs and loveseats, among decorative pillows, with an abundance of greenery.
Staying with the theme of 'Age of Enlightenment', the hotel has a library honoring some of the greatest philosophers and writers. There are volumes of books from this era to enlighten guests during their stay. The library also displays self-care, spiritual books and works from the 1900s and 2000s.
This quiet area has plush velvet club couches and chairs to curl up into and tables for board games supplied by the hotel.
'The Philosophers Bar has a gold facade and decor in honor of Louis XIV,' said Dillard. Inspired by Louis XIV's court attire, this elegant gathering space reflects the 18th century's glory and is an ideal spot for a flute of effervescent champagne. Bartenders make unique libations named after historical people. Many are blended with fresh juice and garden herbs.
Walking up the main stairway built in 1907, guests will reach Café Pierre Hermé. This fit-for-a-king cafe' by Chef Pierre Hermé has a soaring ceiling, crystal chandliers, and panoramic views of Place d'Armes.
The savory and sweet menu items include elegant salads and sandwiches, plus the prettiest pastries and flavorful macarons. Chef Pierre Hermé was voted 'World's Best Pastry Chef' in 2016 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Downstairs next to the lobby of the hotel is the Pierre Hermé Boutique. Glass cases are filled with a rainbow of macarons, picture worthy pastries, and fine chocolates.
Other onsite dining venues include The Restaurant La Table des Lumières by chef Erwan Le Thomas. This talented chef offers inventive plant-based, fine-dining French cuisine featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes and delights.
Walk between two marble water walls to be transported to the soft sound of water and the gentle smell of appealing treatment oils. The spa provides a reign of serenity, embodying the ancient adage: 'Mens sana in corpore sano,' which translates to 'a healthy mind in a healthy body.'
Enjoy a cup of organic tea in the tearoom before or after a treatment in one of the two treatment cabins. Guests have the opportunity to enter the hammam (a Turkish style steam bath) and visit the sauna to unwind after a day exploring Versailles for pure relaxation.
The spa also offers a fitness room and a pressotherapy non-invasive lymphatic drainage treatment. There is even a Dream Machine for self-hypnosis.
The spa uses Beau Domaine, a scientific French skincare brand initiated by the winemaking Perrin family. They collaborated with two scientists to explore the antioxidant properties of grapes that they were growing in their vineyards. Stemming from years of research, the scientists discovered grapes have two active ingredients that combat toxicity, one of the main causes of skin aging. Grapes have antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals and reduce cell damage and aging.
The Beau Domaine skincare line features patented active ingredients derived from grapes and enhanced by seasoned oenologists. This holistic approach to anti-aging treatments caught the attention of actor and entrepreneur Brad Pitt. Using these products, he was impressed with the noticeable improvements to his skin, and has collaborated with Beau Domaine to ignite the spirit of the brand.
Be sure to visit the 5-Star Les Lumières Versailles to experience royal luxury in Versailles.
