The world’s best pastry chef and toiletries by Brad Pitt? New hotel has both

If an in-house cafe by the man anointed the best pastry chef in the world isn’t enough reason to stay at this new hotel in the Versailles neighbourhood just outside Paris, perhaps the products in the spa, created by actor Brad Pitt, may entice you. Or perhaps the famous pile down the road will do it, though this bijou jewel box of a boutique inn may be enough allure in its own right.

Hotel Les Lumieres is so close to the World Heritage 17th-century royal residence, the Palace of Versailles, the second-floor cafe has views of the Place d’Armes, the square to the front of the French baroque landmark.

The five-star Relais & Chateaux-affiliated property by French family-owned Groupe 2L Collection, inhabits two 17th-century structures, classified as historic monuments since 1930.

Within them, French hospitality architect Didier Benderli has created 31 rooms and suites named after figures of the Age of Enlightenment, plus a restaurant, café and spa, with details designed to read modern and appealing to contemporary travellers while reflecting the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles.

The influential patissier and godfather of inventive macarons, Pierre Herme, directs an exquisite patisserie on the ground floor, the Pierre Herme Boutique, as well as Café Pierre Herme on the second floor, where six-metre-high ceilings hung with chandeliers overlook brunches, lunches and afternoon teas.

The hotel’s restaurant, La Table des Lumieres, is overseen by Erwan Le Thomas, a career hotel chef, with credits including Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood and Peninsula properties. Its emphasis is on plant-based and locally sourced produce, enhanced by a fine wine cellar and a mission to be sustainable.