Domaine Des Etangs Resort: A Luxurious Chateau and Spa Escape in Massignac

Set in the heart of the French countryside, Domaine des Etangs is a 13th-century château that has been transformed into an extraordinary retreat. Located in the charming town of Massignac, just three hours by train from Paris or two hours from Bordeaux, the estate stretches across 2,500 acres of forests, meadows, and serene ponds. Steeped in history, the château was originally built by the knights of Chasteignier de la Roche-Posay, and today, it offers guests a unique blend of luxury, art, and nature.

The property is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, and its meticulous restoration reflects a commitment to preserving the past while embracing modern comforts. Each corner of the estate is thoughtfully designed, from the art-filled interiors to the sprawling gardens, and guests are invited to experience the essence of French l’art de vivre. With an array of activities including horse riding, boating, art tours, and locally-sourced dining, Domaine des Etangs offers a perfect balance of indulgence and serenity, making it one of France’s most exclusive countryside escapes.

Surrounded by unspoiled nature, Domaine des Etangs features a selection of unique accommodations. Six standalone farmhouse cottages, known as the Metairie Cottages, are scattered across the property, providing ample space and privacy. These cottages include Dragon, Pégase, Serpentaire, Cassiopeé, Centaure, and Licorne, offering between one and five rooms. In addition, the Longère, or “long house,” has four two-story suites, each individually decorated to reflect the seasons.

Inside the main Château, guests can choose from seven luxurious rooms and suites, designed with artistic touches such as photographic compositions and unique furniture pieces, including Hermes chairs and Belgian designer Maarten de Ceulaer’s suitcase drawers. The 2,500-acre estate is home to a magnificent stone château, built over 700 years ago by the knights of Chasteignier de la Roche-Posay. The property is surrounded by forests, lakes, and meadows, making it an idyllic retreat steeped in serenity and history.

At Domaine des Etangs, dining is a true farm-to-table experience. The estate boasts an organic garden, where fresh seasonal produce is handpicked daily and incorporated into the meals served at the château. The main restaurant, Dyades, offers a delightful culinary journey with its seasonal menu and stunning terrace views. Guests can enjoy their meals in various settings across the estate, from peaceful picnics in secluded glades to poolside barbecues and breakfasts in Monade, the château’s private dining room. For a more personalised experience, guests can even request a private chef to serve bistro-style meals in their farmhouse cottages.

Art plays a central role at Domaine des Etangs, where it is used to inspire curiosity and discovery. The estate is home to La Laiterie, an on-site gallery that hosts world-class exhibitions throughout the year. Additionally, guests will find an array of hand-selected art pieces throughout the property, from the hotel’s Past and Future Libraries to the living gallery spaces spread across the sprawling estate. The blend of contemporary and classic art adds a layer of sophistication and cultural richness to the overall experience.

Domaine des Etangs offers a wide range of amenities to enhance the guest experience. The Moulin des Etangs Spa, housed in a historic mill, features an indoor pool, steam baths, and a frigidarium. Other on-site amenities include a fitness room, 2,500 square meters of organic vegetable gardens, a library, an attic game room, an outdoor children’s play area, and a floating tennis court. Guests can also enjoy the estate’s outdoor pool and La Laiterie, which serves as both an art exhibition space and a dining venue.

The expansive grounds of Domaine des Etangs offer a variety of outdoor activities that allow guests to connect with nature. Visitors can explore art and nature trails that wind through the estate’s 2,500 acres, join guided tours of the organic vegetable gardens, or participate in seasonal activities like mushroom foraging. The estate also offers more leisurely pastimes, such as angling, row boating on the ponds, biking, or embarking on a vintage car tour of the French countryside. For those interested in local culture, day trips to the nearby Cognac region or horseback excursions through the surrounding hills are also available.

For further information, visit aubergeresorts.com