France: Fit For a King
Plans are underway to transform part of the Palais de Versailles into a luxury hotel. Hotels in France The project is the first in what could be a string of developments within France’s national monuments in a bid to raise funds for continued conservation. The move comes following a government report aimed at boosting the economic development of France’s historic landmarks. Planning a Vacation, Study Abroad, Living Overseas? Get coverage with FAST/FREE Online Quotes. The palais has joined forces with a Belgian company to develop the HÔtel du Grand ContrÔle, originally built in the 1680s, so that a 23-bedroom hotel has been open in 2011. The company will lease the building for 30 years, paying a percentage of profits back to the palace de Versailles. Other heritage sites being considered include the Chàteau de Fontainebleau. Book Now and Save at hotels.com
PARISIAN ELEGANCE
The wait is over! The Royal Monceau, one of Paris’s oldest and most elegant hotels, has reopened its doors following an extensive two-year redesign headed by Philippe Starck. All Inclusive Holidays France’s enfant terrible of design has blended the hotel’s art deco ros with a contemporary take on modern elegance, featuring slick interiors and quirky finishing touches. A favourite of Winston Churchill, Robert de Niro and Madonna, among others, the hotel, which is owed by Raffles Hotels & Resorts, is on Avenue Hoche in Paris’ exclusive eight arrondissement. It boasts more than 200 rooms and 45 suits and is short five-minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Double rooms from €780. Hotels in France
Photography: by cedricgarrofe, ejg1890, _PEC_ (Flickr)