Auberge Resorts Debuts In France With A 13th Century Chateau

Auberge Resorts Collection continues its expansion into Europe with this week’s announcement that it will assume management of the sumptuous Domaine des Etangs. Situated in the French countryside between Cognac and Limoges, the historic Domaine des Etangs is a destination in and of itself—a luxurious 2,500 acre nature-infused retreat accessorized with every diversion imaginable—most specifically the Gallo-Roman inspired thermal baths and wellness center. Auberge was selected by Garance Primat, daughter of the late French industrialist Didier Primat. Domaine des Etangs was the Primat family’s private country estate for decades until they opened it to the public as a hotel in 2015.

Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection marks the second, but by no means the last, European property for the Auberge collection—the first was Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection in Santorini. Indeed, Auberge’s expansion in Europe is the brand’s main focus for 2023 and beyond. Presently, work is underway in Florence, Italy on a third Auberge property Collegio alla Querce—which is located just three miles from the Duomo di Firenze. The Florentine property promises to be special with just 82 rooms artfully tucked into a series of 16^th century buildings including a Renaissance-era chapel and theatre, all surrounded by elaborate Baroque gardens and a stunning pool area.

The offerings at Domaine des Etangs reflect the exquisite, uniquely luxurious experience that discerning guests have come to expect from an Auberge Resort property. Consider the Domaine’s range of accommodations, including the 13th century-era Chateau which is home to selection of seven unique suites—each with a character all their own, but reflective of this property’s ancient history. The six Metairie Farmhouse Cottages are scattered across the property, offering guests the ultimate in privacy, and the Longère, or ‘long house,’ is home to four multi-story junior suites accented with soothing natural tones, wood and stone features and large, oversized fireplaces.

The spiral-shaped organic garden is the source for much of the resort’s culinary inspiration—including dishes at Dyades, the estate’s main fine dining restaurant, which boasts a marvelous terrace. Here, dining options are limited only by the guest’s imagination; arrange a picnic in a peaceful glade, a poolside barbeque, or dine in your Farmhouse Cottage with the Domaine’s bistro-style private chef service.

For a restorative wellness experience, visit the resort’s centuries-old mill, Moulin des Etangs, home to the estate’s dedicated wellness center. It’s a rustic, waterside space ideally suited to restorative treatments and spa experiences. Alternatively, the basement of the Chateau is always on offer with its series of Gallo-Roman inspired thermal baths—including an indoor pool, steam rooms, and frigidarium. The days can be filled any number of ways—including wine touring, horseback riding, hiking and walking on the estate trails, cycling and tennis (on a very cool floating tennis court.)

“As we continue our focused expansion in Europe, we are thrilled to add this magnificent and historic property to Auberge Resorts Collection’s portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels,” said Dan Friedkin, chairman, Auberge Resorts Collection. Primat also enlisted Auberge to manage another one of her family’s properties—Primland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Auberge will begin management of the French property in April. The chateau is a short three hours by TGV train from Paris Montparnasse and served by the convenient Limoges airport nearby.