Photo courtesy of Domaine des Etangs
Welcome to our monthly series: Destination France!
Each month we will share an in-depth feature on one of our favorite hotels or guesthouses from around France to help you feel right at home the minute you arrive.
A sumptuous escape for the curious at heart, Domaine des Etangs offers the ultimate experience in luxurious French country living. Serenely nestled among 2,500 acres of forest and ponds in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, this meticulously restored medieval château seamlessly blends history with raw nature, contemporary art, and stately comfort.
While this Two-Michelin Key destination is a popular choice in summer — ideal for enjoying the outdoor pool, floating tennis court, and extensive walking paths — the coziest moments are undeniably found during the colder months. This November, we savored decadent meals beside the restaurant’s roaring fire, spent leisurely afternoons tucked away in the château’s library, and melted into the warmth of the Gallo-Roman-inspired bathhouse each evening. Wrapped up against the chill, we wandered the grounds to admire modern art installations and pedaled along quiet paths to catch cotton-candy sunsets. Every day felt like a discovery.
Here’s an exclusive inside look at what may soon become your next dream destination in the true French countryside.
The Domaine’s History
The château’s story stretches back to the 13th century, when the Dukes of Aquitaine established it as a fortified residence guarding a strategic trade route. Its surrounding lands soon proved ideal for cultivating wheat and harvesting walnuts, greatly increasing the estate’s value.
In the 17th century, the property — then owned by a Protestant family — became entangled in the Wars of Religion in 1643. Following the owner’s capture, the estate changed hands to the Catholic De Nesmond family, who established a long aristocratic lineage that lived there until 1919.
The château’s present silhouette stems largely from the sweeping renovations carried out in 1860. Inspired by the neo-Gothic style popularized by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, this transformation introduced the impressive architectural features we admire today.
Reviving a Forgotten Treasure
Although farming continued across the surrounding acreage, the château itself fell into disrepair until purchased in 1985 by Didier Primat. Driven by a deep affection for the land, Primat began an ambitious restoration to save both the building and the estate.
After his passing, his daughter, Garance Primat, carried on the work with resolute passion. She closed the property in 2013 to reimagine it as a five-star hotel, reopening in 2015. Garance completely redesigned the interiors, drawing inspiration from geology, astrology, and modern art to craft a unique narrative for every room. “I wanted to create my own mythology while respecting the past,” she explains — and that vision beautifully permeates the entire château.
A Look Inside the Celestial Suites
Each of the château’s seven rooms and suites is named for an element of the solar system, inviting guests to slip into a world of imagination. The bright, golden Soleil Suite exudes regal warmth with solar-inspired art, while the Lune Suite — reached by a rocket ship-like elevator ascent — recalls a luxurious spacecraft with its arched wooden ceiling.
Stone walls in the Saturn, Mars, and Mercury rooms create the feeling of being cradled inside protective planets. The tranquil Jupiter Suite fosters deep serenity, as if floating through the Milky Way, and the romantic Venus Suite, with its grand sitting rooms and opulent bathroom, encourages connection and lingering conversation.
Just steps away, the four suites in the Longère building each interpret a season. Skylights in the Été Suite flood the space with summer’s radiance, pastel shades in the Printemps Suite evoke spring’s first blossoms, warm tones in the Automne Suite embrace the comforts of fall, and the Hiver Suite’s stone walls and wood-beam ceiling recall a refined winter chalet.
Wandering the Château
Beyond its suites, the château unfolds like a living cabinet of curiosities. Antique furniture and monumental stone fireplaces mingle with contemporary works of art and scientific objects such as telescopes, globes, and satellite imagery, sparking wonder in every salon.
The Library invites slow exploration beneath a striking solar-system light fixture, while the breakfast room inspires similar fascination with its installation of antique globes.
Follow the grand marble staircase up to observe the detailed portraits of fascinating critters. Venture down the rustic stone staircase to find the Gallo-Roman bathhouse with a serene succession of steam rooms and a heated indoor pool lined with plush lounge chairs.
Fine Dining at Domaine des Etangs
Dyades, the estate’s signature restaurant, serves inventive seasonal cuisine crafted from ingredients grown in the organic garden just behind the dining room. This thoughtful, terroir-driven menu truly reflects the region’s landscape with every bite.
Awarded a Michelin Star in 2025, Dyades pairs its exceptional culinary standards with warm, attentive service — staff members offer thoughtful recommendations and suggestions for local wine pairings.
Indulging in the Award-Winning Spa
Before stepping into the treatment rooms, guests are invited to pause and appreciate the spa’s unique setting inside the beautifully preserved 12th-century mill, once used to process the estate’s wheat and walnuts.
Descending past the restored mill machinery, guests are invited to pause in the relaxation room overlooking the lake then indulge in a custom massage or natural skincare ritual rooted in the elements.
Exploring the Grounds
With more than 2,500 acres of forests, glassy ponds, open fields, and contemporary art installations, exploring the estate is essential — no matter the season. When available, the domain’s in-house expert offers guided tours rich in history and detail. Otherwise, guests can easily set off along paved paths or follow the illustrated children’s treasure map that winds through the forest, revealing hidden artworks along the way.
Electric bikes are also available and offer the perfect way to roam farther afield. We recommend heading out in late afternoon to witness the countryside sunset shimmering across mirror-like ponds — where the line between land and sky dissolves, perfectly capturing the poetic spirit of Domaine des Etangs.
Book Your Stay
If you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind fairytale château, Domaine des Etangs deserves a place at the top of your travel list. Learn more and book your stay through the hotel’s website.