Loire Valley Lodges

Esvres, France

PERSONALITIES

Lovers of art and architecture. Slow travelers. Foodies. Wine Aficionados. Writers.

MOMENTS

Castles, vineyards, and rolling landscapes. The deep forest. Breathing in the scent of earth, bark and leaves. Afternoon bike rides. Art in every corner. Finding inspiration.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The best times to visit Esvres, France, are in spring and autumn, each offering its own unique charm. Spring, particularly in May and June, is a vibrant season when the landscape comes alive with fresh green leaves and blooming flowers. The warm, sunny days are perfect for enjoying the pool, which opens for the season, while the air is filled with the delightful scents of nature. Local vegetables and fruits are at their peak, making for delicious, fresh meals. Long evenings provide the perfect opportunity to relax at the bar, taking in serene views of the pool and the surrounding forest.

Autumn, spanning September through November, transforms the scenery with its warm golden light and ever-changing hues of yellow and orange. In September, visitors can experience the captivating sound of the red deer rut, a true highlight of the season. As the air cools, the jacuzzi becomes an inviting retreat, offering hours of relaxation in warm, soothing water while soaking in the beauty of the autumnal landscape.

COST

WHY STAY

Loire Valley Lodges is a landscape hotel nestled in a private forest spanning over 300 acres in Esvres, France. Located less than two hours from Paris, this adults-only sanctuary is a place where nature, art, and luxury converge. The lodges are situated near the region’s iconic châteaux, making it an ideal base for exploring the rich history of the Loire Valley.

Each of the 18 private lodges is designed by a contemporary artist, blending creativity with eco-conscious architecture. Perched on stilts, the lodges provide breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, allowing guests to observe wildlife from the comfort of their beds or expansive terraces. Floor-to-ceiling windows on either end invite natural light and offer an ever-changing natural spectacle. The terraces, complete with private jacuzzis and saunas, immerse guests in the serene sounds of the forest. Thoughtful details like wooden furnishings, stone basins, and curated artwork enhance the connection to nature. Without the distraction of Wi-Fi or TVs, guests are encouraged to fully unwind and engage with their surroundings.

The hotel provides holistic wellness experiences, including guided forest bathing, rejuvenating massages, and private yoga or tai chi sessions, all thoughtfully designed to align body and mind with the surrounding natural environment. Guests can also indulge in a unique sound journey at the Zome lodge, where immersive auditory experiences deepen relaxation and foster a profound sense of tranquility.

Amenities are designed to complement the rhythm of the surrounding landscape, offering everything needed for a peaceful, self-paced stay. With its 22-meter pool surrounded by olive trees and sculptures, on-site vegetable garden, beehives, and a gourmet restaurant, Loire Valley Lodges ensures an immersive natural experience, allowing guests to reconnect with the wilderness, in an inspiring and unique setting.

WHY WANDER

The Loire Valley is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering visitors the chance to explore stunning castles like Amboise, Chenonceaux, and Cheverny. These iconic châteaux, with their grand architecture and rich heritage, provide a glimpse into the region's royal past. Wander through the ornate gardens, explore the impressive interiors, and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes, making each visit a step back in time. The Loire Valley is also home to some of France’s most celebrated wineries and vineyards, offering wine enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy wine tastings in picturesque settings.

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley. From high above, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the castles, vineyards, and rolling landscapes below, making for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Afterward, explore the valley at your own pace by biking along the Cher River or the Loire River, where scenic trails wind past quaint villages and lush landscapes teeming with wildlife. For a more serene journey, take a boat trip on the Loire, gliding along the river as you admire the majestic river castles and pristine nature that surround them.

INDULGE IN

Mornings start with a touch of magic as breakfast baskets are hoisted up to the treetop terraces. Guests can enjoy their meal in the privacy of their lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest at sunrise. The room is also equipped with a coffee plunger and an assortment of teas, made from garden-fresh herbs and presented in test tubes—nothing is pre-packaged.

Throughout the day, the bar offers finger foods and refreshments, allowing guests to relax and indulge at their own pace without leaving the tranquility of the lodge.

For dining, the property features two exceptional restaurants. The highlight is Ardent, a Michelin-selected gastronomic experience, offering tasting menus of 4, 6, or 8 courses. Each dish draws inspiration from the surrounding forest, incorporating ingredients like garden vegetables, pine, and homegrown honey. The creative menu can be paired with unique beverages, including local wines and even a house-made mead.

GETTING THERE

The nearest train station, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, is just a 20-minute drive away and easily reached by VTC or taxi, with direct trains available from Paris, Bordeaux, Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Lille. For those driving from Paris, the property is located 210 kilometers away, making for a scenic road trip through the beautiful French countryside. If you’re traveling internationally, Tours Airport is a convenient option, offering direct flights from England—just 20 minutes from the lodges.

WILD INITIATIVES

Loire Valley Lodges is deeply committed to regenerative practices that foster a connection between guests and nature while ensuring the preservation of the surrounding forest. As a symbol of their dedication to forest conservation, each guest is gifted a tree to plant, promoting reforestation and ecological stewardship.

Years of careful planning and collaboration with local councils have ensured that the forest is responsibly managed and protected, creating an environment where sustainability is felt in every aspect of the guest experience.

Photos by Loire Valley, @anne emmanuelle THION , @geraldine Martens, @antoine et carolane

Lily of the Valley

FRANCE

PERSONALITIES

Wellness aficionados. Active travellers. Lovers and friends looking to detox in a beautiful natural environment.

MOMENTS

Living well. Smell of jasmine in the air. Panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Going at your own pace. Time slowing down.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Anytime with May to October being the warmest.

COST

WHY STAY

Lily of the Valley is an intimate health and wellness retreat between the French Riviera and the vibrant Saint-Tropez, sitting on Gigaro Hill with infinite views of the French Mediterranean and stretches of sandy beaches below.

The owner and designer of the hotel, Philippe Starck, envisioned Lily of the Valley as a forty-four room haven, seamlessly blending into the environment, with its Provençal abbeys and Californian villas.

The focal point of the property is The Village - a well-being mecca, complete with a gym, a lap pool, consultation and treatment rooms, an herbal tea room, two saunas, a large hammam and a snow shower. The hotel offers many tailored treatments and programs based on holistic medicine and ancient therapies.

Spend the days relaxing by the pool and the evenings by the crackling wood-burning stove. Tune into your energy. Embrace the art of living.

WHY WANDER

Discover the raw and protected landscape of Domaine du Cap Lardier. Spend the day at Gigaro Beach. Take a drive along Côte d’Azur. Go mountain biking or hiking. People watch at Sénéquier café on Pampelonne Beach. Take a day trip to discover the French Riviera: Nice, Cannes and Monaco; or the surreal lavender fields of Provence.

INDULGE IN

Try rockfish soup with rouille or raw gamberoni with raw artichokes among many modern Mediterranean creations.

GETTING THERE

Fly into one of the Cote d'Azur airports and rent a car for a scenic drive.

WILD INITIATIVES

From energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures to the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients in its exquisite cuisine, Lily of the Valley demonstrates a dedication to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings.

*Images property of Lily of the Valley

Les Sources de Caudalie

FRANCE

PERSONALITIES

Wellness aficionados. Foodies. Winos. Families looking for a peaceful countryside escape.

MOMENTS

Lazily biking through vineyards. Learning the magic of French cuisine from the masters. Getting lost in enchanting gardens. Wine with your dinner. Wine on your skin.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

May to October.

COST

WHY STAY

Les Sources de Caudalie is a luxury wellness hotel in Southwest France, surrounded by vineyards and forests, only 20 minutes from Bordeaux.

The retreat has been created in mind with the French Paradox that French diet and lifestyle lead to good health, and built with recycled local materials, complimenting the surroundings. Choose one of 40 rooms, one of 7 suites, or one of 6 private cottages, named after regional heritage, and complete with unique antique designs and terraces facing the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vineyard. For a unique experience, stay in “Le Village des Pêcheurs” (Fishermen’s village) - where each of 12 suites are on stilts around a small lake.

One of the main attractions of the hotel is the Vinothérapie® Spa. Treatments combine natural hot spring water from 540 meters beneath the earth, as well as grape and grapevine extractions. Take advantage of the steam room, relaxation rooms and the jet-stream. Try Crushed Cabernet scrub, Honey and Wine Wrap, Barrel Bath, or Winemaker's Massage for an unforgettable experience.

WHY WANDER

Les Sources de Caudalie has something for everyone. Discover the surrounding towns of Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux or Arcachon. Do yoga in the heart of a vineyard. Bike through famous wine estates of the region. See creations of local contemporary artists focussing on the senses and the natural elements. Take a tour of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, learning about the process of wine making that ends with a tasting. Take a boat through Arcachon bay to the famous « Ile aux Oiseaux ». Fly a helicopter to l’Ile de Ré, where you will have lunch and visit an oyster farm.

INDULGE IN

Eat at the hotel’s two-star Michelin restaurant La Grand' Vigne. Partake in Chef Nicolas Masse’s private cooking lesson. Learn about Bordeaux’s finest at Rouge wine bar. Taste fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs from the onsite bee garden. Try Cadiot-Badie - Bordeaux’s best chocolates.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Bordeaux and rent a car for a short scenic drive. Alternatively, arrange your pickup with the hotel.

WILD INITIATIVES

From energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures to the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients in its gourmet cuisine, Les Sources de Caudalie strives to minimize its ecological impact. The property also boasts an environmentally conscious spa, employing natural, cruelty-free products. The hotel's dedication to sustainability extends to waste reduction and recycling programs, showcasing a holistic approach to responsible tourism.

*Images property of Les Sources de Caudalie

Château de Saint Paterne

FRANCE

PERSONALITIES

People with love for history and French cuisine. 

MOMENTS

Visiting local food markets. French cooking classes. Candle lit dinners. Hidden rooms. Enchanting gardens. Aperitifs in front of the fire.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

May to September.

COST

WHY STAY

Château de Saint Paterne, is a century old castle, located 2km from Alençon, between Loire and Normandy. Surrounded by its own park and frequented by King Henry IV in the past, this charming hotel is perfect for nature lovers and historians alike.

The rooms are full of character, keeping the mysterious historic features with modern improvements. Stay in L'Orangerie for a special experience. The newest and largest suite is located 50 metres from the main house and offers the best views of the park and the Chateau. For something more remote, you can stay at La Datcha - built in the middle of the park with a private sauna and jacuzzi on an outdoor deck. This is perfect for an experience closest to nature yet with options to explore the Chateau. 

WHY WANDER

Discover Normandy - one of the most beautiful regions of France, with many castles and gardens to see and rolling hills and coastline to hike. 

Explore the area on foot, bicycle, or horseback. Go canoeing in the Alpes Mancelles. History lovers will want to visit Le Château de Vendeuvre  – 45 minutes away from Saint Paterne and Mansonnière garden in Saint Ceneri.

If you are staying for at least 6 days, you have to try the Cooking Class package the Chateau offers. Discover local markets and vineyards, and learn to cook French favourites like Tourte de carottes, Souris d’agneau confite and Tarte Tatin with Calvados.

INDULGE IN

Camembert. (Normandy specialty). White asparagus hot mousse. Duck breast with balsamic and honey sauce. Apricot tart with a rosemary sorbet.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Paris and rent a car for a scenic and historic drive.

*Images property of Chateau de Saint Paterne