Spread across a sprawling 2,500 acres, Domaine des Etangs is a dreamy 13th-century château in the Cognac countryside of France. This beautifully refurbished luxury hotel is surrounded by a nature reserve of forest, grasslands, and lakes, offering a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of opportunity for guests to explore. Inspired by the seasons and supplied by the lush vegetable garden, Dyades, the main restaurant offers delicious regional specialties with option for pond-side picnic or room service to your suite. Choose between the rustic yet stylish rooms in the château, a junior suite in the farmhouse or cottage in the lush grounds. An exquisite spa and wonderful children’s playground and attic playroom make it a perfect place for guests of all ages. 

Location

Where is Domaine des Etangs located? What is the surrounding area like?

In the heart of southwest France, Domaine des Etangs provides guests with the opportunity to explore nature and the amazing natural heritage of the Charente and Limousin areas. The beautiful, historical village of Massignac is nearby and the fascinating town of Cognac is an hour away. However, spectacular natural setting is quite possibly the main attraction for most guests of Domaine des Etangs. The estate encompasses 2,500 wild acres of rolling Charente countryside, with seven tranquil lakes which open to the River Moulde. The flower and vegetable gardens and cattle farmland can all be explored by bike or walking trails for those who are eager to be in harmony with the flora and fauna.  

Key Facts

  • Set on 2,500 acres of Charente countryside, with forests, lakes, meadows, and trails to explore 
  • located 40-minutes from Limoges airport
  • close to the village of Massignac, one hour from Cognac, and two hours from Bordeaux

What is special?

  • Tour the surrounding organic vegetable gardens and meadows of grazing cattle with a naturalist guide
  • Château de Rochechouart, housing a modern art museum is located just a few kilometres away
  • Relax in the quiet and tranquility of the French countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of regular life

What do the guests say?

  • An idyllic place; a piece of heaven on earth
  • the place is even better than the pictures – like a fairytale
  • the gardens and the outdoor space are heavenly and there are acres to explore

Accommodation

What types of rooms are available at Domaine des Etangs? Is it possible to rent a cottage?

The suites, rooms and cottages are each unique and spread across the estate. Seven charming rooms and spacious suites can be found within the 13th-century château. They are designed in the style of a traditional family home and are named after the night stars. The longère farmhouse is a former stable and houses four exquisite junior suites inspired by the seasons. This is also where the restaurant Dyades is located. The six farmhouse cottages dotted across the estate are each unique with a rustic, warm, and cozy elegance reminiscent of a fairytale. All accommodations offer a unique setting that keeps to tradition and the original architecture and style of this historic French château and estate.

Key Facts

  • The property has a total of 17 accommodations, including 11 suites/rooms and six cottages
  • The suites in The Longère provide generous living space and some have a private terrace
  • read a book or enjoy a drink in the library, dining area, or lounge of the Château

What is special?

  • an electric car is provided when staying in one of the cottages
  • The seven rooms and suites in the château are designed by Isabelle Stanislas and named after stars 
  • Cottages range from one bedroom to five bedrooms, with ample space for large groups and celebratory gatherings

What do the guests say?

  • beautiful and respectful renovation in line with the original property
  • the rooms are nice and comfortable, we can feel at home 
  • a great mix of luxury and attention to detail, whilst at the same time being relaxed and understated

Pools & Spa

Does Domaine des Etangs have a spa where I can relax after a long day?

Situated in an old mill, the Moulin des Etangs spa is a rejuvenating space designed with all guests in mind. Even children are invited to share in the experience with their parents, encouraging optimal wellbeing at any age. With the elements of earth, air, fire, and water in mind, treatments are focused on seasonal ingredients, making use of herbs, flowers, and wheat from the surrounding landscape. Located in the Castle, a heated indoor pool and thermal baths add the relaxation, while a sunny terrace and heated outdoor pool provide a splash of fun for all.

Key Facts

  • the lovely Moulin des Etangs spa can be found in a refurbished walnut oil mill within the estate
  • the spa uses local, seasonal products such as nut oil, flowers, herbs, and wheat from the estate
  • an outdoor pool with sunny patio and indoor pool and thermal baths are located on the property for all to enjoy

What is special?

  • inspired by the Chassenon Gallo-Romans, the thermal baths of the Château are the ideal place to relax and feel pampered
  • families can attend the spa together in the triple suite, where child-appropriate treatments are offered for younger guests
  • each treatment room is named after an element – water, fire, ice earth, or ether

What do the guests say?

  • The spa is a one-of-a-kind experience
  • The spa was lovely and the views from it were surreal
  • I had the best massage I’ve ever had in their beautiful spa building

Culinary

What can I expect from the dining options at Domaine des Etangs?

Light and beautiful dishes are presented at the locally-sourced Dyades restaurant at Domaine des Etangs. The seasonal menu offers 3, 5 or 7-course menus for Domaine guests. Dyades strives to produce a balance of indulgence and well-being, using local vegetables from the garden as well as from specialist producers from the south of France. Breakfast includes fresh dairy, loaves of bread and pastries, as well as bacon, eggs, and sausage. A wicker picnic basket of salads, baguettes, fruit, and pastries can accompany you on an outing among the grounds of the estate. 

Key Facts

  • restaurant Dyades is open from Wednesday to Sunday and a bistro, serving seasonal cuisine is open when the restaurant is closed
  • when weather permits, guests may dine alfresco to enjoy the beautiful setting and countryside views
  • Dyades serves delicious meals that use local ingredients and are perfectly balanced with the seasons 

What is special?

  • breakfast can be delivered for you to relish the comfort of your suite
  • arrange a picnic to enjoy in harmony with nature and the beautiful surroundings
  • dine among the rustic yet luxurious ambiance of the restaurant or book a private dining room for a special occassion

What do the guests say?

  • wonderful breakfast and excellent dinner at the restaurant
  • the food in the locally-sourced restaurant was superb
  • Food was out of this world & the staff were incredibly friendly

Activities

What attractions can I expect to visit near Domaine des Etangs?

Ideally situated for enjoying nature, Domaine des Etangs offers options for discovery, learning, play, and leisure. Learn about the history of the château on a tour of the estate, spotting wildlife, and visiting the garden and farm along the way. Fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and tennis on a floating court, are great ways to discover and explore the natural landscape. The gym, spa, and two heated pools offer places to relax and unwind, while La Laiterie houses temporary art exhibitions dedicated to encounters between art and nature. The wonderful children’s playground and attic playroom are a masterpiece of fun and entertainment for adults and children alike.

Key Facts

  • join guided tours of the current art exhibitions, history of the château or the farm and gardens 
  • discover the fauna and flora of the estate with seasonal activities such as observing game animals, catch-and-release fishing, or gathering wild mushrooms
  • visit the nearby village of Massignac, as well as other fascinating local towns and sites

What is special?

  • play tennis on a floating tennis court, for a unique experience and beautiful setting
  • horse riding, a treetop adventure park and golf are all within easy access of the hotel
  • children will be thrilled to play in the adventure playground or the attic playroom, both full of games and fun

What do the guests say?

  • The huge park and the small number of rooms give the impression of being alone
  •  We enjoyed the swimming pool, tennis court, game room, cycling, and rowboats on the ponds
  •  beautiful books to browse, pianos to play, trunks of fabulous dressing up costumes for little people – the list is endless

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