Deep in the forest or by the lake, from Touraine to the Alpilles via Brittany, a short tour of rural France, with a selection of the most attractive chic cozy retreats of the moment and the best spots nearby.
Touraine : Loire Valley Lodges
In this woodland retreat created on a 300-hectare estate south of Tours, the treetop accommodations each bear the signature of a different artist. This year, three eco-lodges with jacuzzis have been added to the existing 18: comprehensive works created by photographer Claire Adelfang, fashion designer Carolina Ritzler, and Majorcan painter and sculptor Joan Peix.
Worth seeing: The village of Esvres-sur-Indre, idyllic as can be.
Worth trying: Le Berlot, a neo-bistro and wine bar in Montlouis-sur-Loire.
Vendômois perch : Wild Landmark
A new generation country hotel: lively, elegant, family-friendly, and open year-round. Choose from around twenty eco-lodges scattered throughout the woods and 16 rooms in the 19th-century manor house.e century, designed by architect Gwenaëlle Girard and adorned with botanical frescoes by artist Agathe Berjaut. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, water slide, zip line, kids' club, and mini-farm. Weekends offer circus or magic shows, yoga sessions, foraging workshops, pottery, photography… Addictive!
Worth seeing: Trôo, a troglodytic city in the Loir Valley.
Worth trying: Moris in Vendôme, for its seasonal cuisine and natural wine list.
Alpilles : Domaine Jòlibois
A renowned producer of olive oil, Domaine Jòlibois has expanded its activities with two holiday resorts: Villa Poésie, available for rent in its entirety for 10 people, and the brand new Mas de l'Étoile, a Provençal farmhouse restored in a bohemian chic style with 5 guest rooms overlooking the olive groves, a dining room and a large kitchen.
Worth seeing: The Opies tower, the highest point of the Alpilles massif, accessible after an easy hike.
Worth visiting: The Agora Workshops in Eyguières, a venue for exhibitions, conferences, concerts…
Pas-de-Calais : Blue Bicoque
Forty minutes from Le Touquet, in the small village of Wail, two contemporary cabins – the Yellow Cabin and the Blue Cabin – overlook the Canche River. Built entirely of wood, with large windows and minimalist decor, they let nature take center stage. A soothing landscape to be enjoyed to the fullest from the terrace or the Nordic bath.
Worth seeing: Hesdin, a medieval town crossed by the Canche river.
Worth trying: Gu in Hesdin, for its signature dish, sauerkraut with seafood.
Finistère : Maison Roz
In Riec-sur-Bélon, not far from Pont-Aven, this beautiful stone building is barely visible, nestled on the hillside behind tall trees. At its foot lies the Aven estuary and its small boats. Recently restored by the Rennes-based firm Wunder Architectes and now available for private rental, it is perfect for stays with family or friends: 6 bedrooms, a living room with a wood-burning stove, a small indoor pool, a large panoramic terrace, a garden…
Worth seeing: Kerascoët, a hamlet with traditional thatched cottages.
Worth visiting: The workshop of Valérie Le Roux, ceramicist, in Concarneau.
Yvelines : Castle of Villiers-le-Mahieu
The first volume in the collection Country Houses It was designed from the outset with families in mind, featuring a clever all-inclusive package: accommodation, meals, and a multitude of activities (tennis, golf, yoga, cycling, etc.). The accommodation options are expanding with a planned extension of 43 rooms in the castle's farmhouse, designed by the Laune Architecture studio. Two rooms are already ready. Enjoy a chic country atmosphere less than an hour from Paris.
Worth seeing: The Villarceaux regional estate with its remarkable gardens.
Worth trying: Au Cinq des Bach, a friendly bistronomic restaurant in Montfort-L'Amaury.
