Hidden in the gently rolling countryside of Charente, Domaine des Etangs is a romantic 13th-century château wrapped in 1,000 hectares of lakes, woodland and meadows. With just 29 keys scattered between the main château, the rustic Longère and six stand-alone Métairie cottages, stays feel more like a private country estate than a hotel, with endless space to roam and a strong sense of connection to nature. South of Paris in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and a short drive from Limoges and Angoulême, it works beautifully as a slow-paced retreat or a restorative stop on a wider French journey.?
The heart of the property is the stone château, where seven individually designed rooms and suites pair original beams, fireplaces and tall windows with striking contemporary art. Prestige Castle Rooms and signature suites feature king-size beds, generous living areas and indulgent bathrooms, many with freestanding tubs or walk-in showers and views across the ponds and formal gardens. For something more playful, the Longère houses four duplex-style Junior Suites inspired by the seasons, each with a cozy sitting room on the lower level and bedroom and bathroom above, ideal for design-minded couples.?
Families and friends are drawn to the Métairie cottages dotted discreetly around the estate, from romantic one-bedroom retreats to spacious five-bedroom houses that work perfectly for multi-generational stays. Expect king or twin bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, large living and dining spaces, and fully equipped kitchens, along with character details such as stone walls, exposed beams and copper bathtubs. Bikes and electric house cars make it easy to move between cottages and the château while still feeling blissfully tucked away.?
Days here quickly fall into a gentle rhythm. Guests can move between the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Gallo-Roman-inspired thermal baths and serene treatment rooms for deeply relaxing spa rituals. A small fitness space, tennis courts, children’s playground and an attic games room in the château keep all ages entertained, while the wider estate invites wild swims, lakeside picnics, stargazing and long walks or cycles through fields and forest. Art is woven throughout the experience, with installations both indoors and out, giving the estate the feel of a living gallery.?
At Dyades, the fine-dining restaurant, menus celebrate seasonal produce from the kitchen gardens and local producers, enjoyed in a warm, elegant setting that suits both lingering dinners à deux and relaxed family meals. With its balance of romance, nature and culture, Domaine des Etangs is a standout option for couples, families and friends looking for a stylish, deeply peaceful base in the French countryside.?
