Sunday is sacred! And it's especially brunch day! The editorial team has once again sacrificed its time to take you on a brunch discovery at L'Alcôve (si, si...), ideally located just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles in the Yvelines department. L'Alcôve is the name of the restaurant at the Hôtel Le Louis, a 4-star MGallery by Sofitel.
The Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château offers a plunge into history and royal splendor, while embracing elegant modernity. Built on the remains of the former artillery armouries dating from 1854, the hotel retains its majestic original portal, a witness to its historic past and a listed building.
Its location is exceptional, not only for exploring Versailles' cultural gems such as the Opéra Royal and Théâtre Montansier, but also for its ease of access to and from Paris. Indeed, if you're coming by public transport, note that the hotel is just a stone's throw from the Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station.
The hotel's renovation by Sundukovy Sisters finely blends classic charm with contemporary elegance, creating a harmonious contrast that pays homage to the surrounding architecture and nature. The L'Alcôve restaurant-bar celebrates the Versailles spirit through seasonal cuisine and original cocktails. This jewel of hospitality is part of the MGallery collection, testifying to its excellence and commitment to refined, timeless luxury.
Brunch is served in a separate room. We have to walk past the sublime Blackbody chandelier, enthroned beneath the impressive glass roof, to discover the brunch area. Brunch is served every Sunday from 12:30 to 3:00 pm and costs €55 all inclusive. Don't forget to book - it's compulsory and often sold out. So, at 12:30 sharp, we set off with our tummies rumbling to catch the brunch.
Once seated by the hostess, who has her seating plan in hand, we discover the place. This royal brunch unveils a large central buffet featuring cold dishes such as salads, oysters, prawns, beef tataki, samoussas, truffled croque-monsieurs and mini-wraps.
Around this buffet are several other stands. There's the viennoiserie corner with croissants, pains au chocolat, chouquettes and pancakes, the hot buffet featuring scrambled eggs with bacon, a meat casserole (poultry supreme that day) and fish (Indian-style salmon on our visit), as well as vegetables.
There's also an organic muesli and cereal corner, with a machine that makes your own yoghurt and another that makes your own hazelnut spread on demand. There's also a salmon and charcuterie buffet, a cheese corner, the dessert buffet, the drinks table with fresh juices and wines, and areas to help yourself to coffees, teas and hot chocolates. In short, this buffet is like the sun around which many gourmet satellites revolve.
We're served a glass of wine at the table, and go and get whatever we like. Buffets are replenished as they go along. We like the quality of the oysters and salmon, the Caesar salad and the well-seasoned beef tataki. We end with the desserts, which on this particular day included mini tropeziennes, chocolate cream, exotic fruit panna cotta, fruit salad, macaroons and rum baba.
The service is impeccable. The waiters are unparalleled in their friendliness, so you can savor the moment like kings and queens. In short, if you're looking for an all-you-can-eat brunch, generously garnished in a refined setting, just a stone's throw from the Château de Versailles, this is the place. Afterwards, all you have to do is drive to the château's gardens or the Galerie des Carrosses, open free of charge on Sundays, to digest your feast.
Location
Hôtel le Louis in Versailles
2 Bis Avenue de Paris
78000 Versailles
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.restaurant-lalcove.com
