Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection, reopens today following its annual winter closure. This reopening heralds a new chapter for the property, marked by the arrival of General Manager Damien Bastiat and Executive Chef Valentin Bouilleveaux. The pair have worked thoughtfully behind the scenes seeking to honour the estate’s enduring ethos while shaping a renewed vision - one that celebrates and preserves the singular beauty of this unspoilt corner of southwest France.

Steeped in history and surrounded by natural wilds, Domaine des Etangs, part of Auberge Collection’s growing European portfolio, comprises eleven rooms and suites within the Château and The Longère, alongside six independent one-to-five-bedroom Farmhouse Cottages. Located near Massignac in the Charente region of France, and set within 1,000 hectares of forest, lakes and pastureland, the estate is accessible within two hours by train from Paris, and the same distance by car from Bordeaux, making it an ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty of the Charente and Limousin regions.

Country Pursuits

Bringing a wealth of pastoral experience, Damien has introduced a series of outdoor, nature-driven pursuits that are focussed on embracing the bounty of the estate. From beekeeping and horse riding to biking, fishing, guided birdwatching, flower arranging, and photography workshops; these new experiences invite guests to fully immerse themselves in the estate’s expansive natural surroundings. They complement an existing array of activities - including gardening in the domaine’s kitchen garden, spa and wellbeing in the restored mill (Le Moulin), truffle hunting, and wine and cognac tastings - all reflecting Auberge Collection’s ethos of crafting deeply immersive, place-specific experiences that celebrate the individuality of each destination.
To further enrich the countryside experience, the property has partnered with renowned bootmaker Le Chameau, offering guests access to a fully stocked boot room for outdoor walks, alongside a bespoke experience set to be unveiled later this year. The collaboration invites guests of all ages to step into nature, exploring vast forests and winding pathways, pausing to encounter the estate’s rare Limousin cattle and local wildlife along the way. These moments of quiet discovery reflect Auberge’s ethos of the Joy of Wellbeing, encouraging a deeper sense of connection, contentment, and place. Anchored in the estate’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and biodiversity preservation, as it stands as a living sanctuary - an ideal setting for immersive exploration of the diverse flora, fauna, and wildlife that have long called the domaine home.

Embracing the Estate

Meanwhile, Chef Valentin also looks to embrace the bounty of the outdoors in his epicurean approach. His cooking will reflect the spirit of the estate - seasonal, local, and closely connected to the landscape - while maintaining its Michelin-starred standards at Dyades and bringing more relaxed, family style sharing options to Monade.

At the heart of his approach is a plant-led philosophy, with vegetables taking centre stage and meat, poultry, and freshwater fish used to complement rather than dominate each dish. This connection to the land is reinforced through hyper-local sourcing, with ingredients drawn from the estate’s kitchen garden, ponds, and nearby farms; soon, even estate-raised cattle will feature on the menu. Guests can also enjoy private tastings, culinary workshops, and bespoke dining experiences.

This new vision ushers the estate into a refined era of luxury farm hospitality, deepening its long term commitment to stewardship as it moves ever closer to becoming a micro self-sustaining ecosystem.

Finally, Damien Bastiat, General Manager at Domaine Des Etangs, Auberge Collection recounts: ‘It is an honour to join Domaine des Etangs at such a meaningful moment as we reopen our doors and welcome guests back to this extraordinary estate. Together with the team, we are committed to preserving the authenticity and spirit of the property, while introducing new thoughtful touches and experiences that elevate every stay.’