Can you imagine walking through Buenos Aires and suddenly stumbling upon a French palace as if you were in Paris, but in Buenos Aires? Buenos Aires has a mansion that also hides its own Versailles-style gardens. It’s in Retiro, and best of all, you can visit it and even stay overnight.
The French Mansion in Buenos Aires with “Versailles Gardens” where you can spend the night and dine under the stars
The Versailles Gardens of Buenos Aires are hidden within the Palacio Duhau. A palace that continues to reflect the aristocratic opulence of Buenos Aires. This French palace is currently the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires hotel, and although many believe that because it is a five-star hotel, entry is prohibited, the truth is that its common areas are open to the public; it has restaurants where you can dine and, in addition, a French garden that is almost a replica of the Gardens of Versailles in France—but in Buenos Aires.
These very gardens of Versailles in Buenos Aires follow the rules of the jardin à la française, the same landscaping style that defines the Gardens of Versailles in France. Just like André Le Nôtre’s design for King Louis XIV, the garden at the Duhau Palace features geometrically shaped shrubs, meticulously manicured flower beds, and paths that lead you toward the palace.
The story of opulence behind the palace on Avenida Alvear
The palace’s history began in the early 1930s, commissioned by brothers Luis and Alberto Duhau. The family spared no expense and hired architect León Dourge, who oversaw the construction of a French Academic-style palace inspired by the Château du Marais in Paris.
The gardens of this palace were designed by Carlos Thays, the man behind another spectacular garden in Buenos Aires: the Botanical Garden. This Buenos Aires “mini-Versailles” features open-air terraces where you can have tea or dine under the stars.
How to visit for free and explore its Buenos Aires-style Versailles gardens
To visit this French palace and feel like you’re in Versailles while sipping coffee in its gardens, enter through the main entrance of the Park Hyatt on Avenida Alvear, and you’ll step right into its central garden. In addition to breakfast, afternoon tea, or coffee, these gardens host culinary evenings that seem to transport you to another world.
In addition, the hotel features some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires to round out your visit. Some of the most exclusive dining options in Buenos Aires include:
- The Piano Nobile Halls: you can sit on its outdoor terrace overlooking the park and order traditional afternoon tea with fine pastries.
- Duhau Restaurant & Wine Bar: This restaurant is famous for its high-end Argentine cuisine, its grilled cuts of meat, and a cheese cellar that is one of a kind.
- Gioia Botanical Kitchen: A plant-based restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide, ideal for lunch or dinner al fresco surrounded by nature.
- Oak Bar: It looks like the bar of a European castle with a “Private Club” vibe; it’s ideal if you prefer to dine on tapas, sip a classic cocktail, or enjoy a whiskey.
If you love the palaces of Buenos Aires, nearby you’ll find the Brazilian Embassy, a replica of the Jacquemart-André Museum, a mansion on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris.
📍Address: 1661 Alvear Avenue
