La Flottille
In the heart of the Château de Versailles park, La Flottille stands as an iconic address, perched by the water between royal promenades and leisurely escapes. This historic 1900 guinguette, beloved by locals and visitors alike, has been revitalized by the Version agency, which has breathed a fresh, contemporary air into its interiors with a winter garden theme : elegant, natural, and bright.
When Wood Meets Brass, in Tune with the Seasons
For this storied location, La Flottille was the first to request wooden tabletops edged in brass—a stunning combination, but a technically demanding one. Wood is alive: it swells, moves, and responds to humidity and the seasons. Brass, by contrast, requires precision and stability. To reconcile beauty with durability, we developed a poplar plywood core, overlaid with oak veneer, and framed with brass. From this effort was born Opéra, a model that has since joined our Vendôme collection, dedicated to wood.
Inside, the Opéra tables rest on cast-iron lion-paw legs, capturing a vintage bistro spirit that is warm, grounded, and timeless. The oak veneer catches the light and complements the subtle gleam of brass, while a few Haussmann tabletops in white marbled ceramic bring brightness and balance to the space. The atmosphere is soft, natural, and enveloping ; perfectly in tune with the winter garden concept.
Outside, the terrace extends the décor into the open air. Green enamelled steel tabletops, edged with polished, moulded stainless steel, are paired with our Métropolitain bases, inspired by Art Nouveau. Together, they create a chic, leafy ambiance, evoking historic orangeries and harmonizing seamlessly with the exceptional park setting.
At La Flottille, each table tells a story of craftsmanship, heritage, and nature ; a place where time seems suspended by the water, and every detail is thoughtfully composed.
Designer : Groupe Bertrand
Photographe : Amélie Labarthe