Spanning over 1000 hectares of gorgeous countryside in mainland France, Domaine des Etangs offers a truly unique 5 star experience… talk about a honeymoon of a lifetime…
Domaine des Etangs is centred around an 11^th century château, complete with thermal Gallo-Roman baths and original stonework. The surrounding property features a variety of landscapes including forests, grasslands and ponds. From the exterior the property has an air of rustic simplicity, however thanks to extensive renovations and a partnership with interior designer Isabelle Stanislas, this property is truly anything but.
Domaine des Etangs has a rare style to it that is a result of carefully plotted out design. There is juxtaposition between the antiqued mystery of its 11^th century origins and the modern luxury infused through fixtures and artwork throughout (sort of the original idea of Restoration Hardware). Somehow a balance has been found to allow both the old and new to exist simultaneously, resulting in a truly one of a kind property that is perfect for a romantic honeymoon.
In the château there are a total of 7 suites and rooms, each named after a different part of the solar system. The largest suite is aptly named Venus, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting place to spend a romantic vacation. The château is also home to the Attic, where guests can often be found around the various games tables, the Library and of course the Michelan star gourmet restaurant, Dyades. Elsewhere on the property are six farmhouse cottages and the Longère, which has been divided into four additional suites inspired by the seasons.
What makes Domaine des Etangs stand out is their ability to celebrate the history of the property while still offering a high level of luxury service. Rather than creating something new, they enriched what was pre-existing, and this same philosophy has been infused into all of the services that they offer. Michelin star Chef Fabien Beaufour designs his menus based on the landscape surrounding him, using all local seasonal ingredients. Much of the ingredients are actually grown onsite in the vast vegetable garden and orchard. It seems only fitting that with so much of the menu inspiration being drawn from the sprawling property that there is the opportunity to explore it while enjoying a delicious meal, which is why Chef Beaufour and his talented team have worked to create a number of al fresco dining experiences. There are picnic baskets to enjoy in a boat on the pond, special set-ups in the vegetable garden and even a barbeque in a hollow in the forest.  The goal is to allow guests to enjoy an incredible meal experience, wherever that might be, rather than relegating to restaurant dining. They will even deliver meals to the farmhouse that can be cooked in the chimney!
During the day you can choose to either stay on property or explore the region. Onsite, there are horses, bicycles, boats, multiple pools and even a tennis court that floats on the pond. Popular day trips include visits to the city of Bordeaux, which is rich in art history, and the charming town of Cognac on the Charente River.
This historically rich property is one of our top picks for a honeymoon destination, especially for anyone looking to do something a little bit different from the most traditional beach vacation. Domaine des Etangs is sure to be a relaxing and romantic spot for you to celebrate your status as newlyweds!