Les Prés d'Eugénie - Maison Guérard

This 19th century villa and its stunning grounds have been in the Guérard family since 1974. Originally, the three Michelin starred Michel ran the hotel with his late wife, Christine. Today, their daughters, Eléonore and Adeline have joined their father to uphold the couple’s mission to create an elegant, stylish, and comfortable family home, for guests to enjoy superb cuisine and blissful relaxation.

Set within the tiny village of Eugénie les Bains in Les Landes, this small hamlet came under the patronage of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III in 1861. She had enjoyed a stay there several years earlier on her way to Biarritz. Today, the main villa is home to 28 rooms and suites, along with Michel’s Gourmet Restaurant.

The interiors ooze elegant French Country House vibes, adorned with period features, warm wood panelling, open fires, fresh flowers, and the family’s personal art collection. The grounds are a feature of the property and include a water, rose and kitchen garden, along with the meadows of the Bahus River, spa, and fitness centre, two historic buildings converted into additional accommodation and a further two restaurants.

All the accommodation has been individually designed and furnished with fabulous attention to detail, but all include King or Twin beds, ensuite bathroom with hairdryer, Wi-Fi, satellite TV and safety deposit box. Trade up from entry level Classic and Comfort Rooms to a Deluxe Room for more space, a terrace or balcony, comfortable lounge area with Persian rugs, antique furniture, and marble bathroom. These rooms also have the bonus of climate control, Bluetooth audio system, separate WC, robes, slippers and room service. Suites and Royal Suites both feature a separate large bedroom.

The dining options here are superb. Three Michelin starred cuisine is served in the magnificent setting of the Empress Lounges in the main villa. Michel takes diners on a culinary journey of multiple courses, all beautifully executed and presented, with wine from his own vineyards nearby. Alternatively, set within the grounds is L’Orangerie serving a 500-calorie three course meal, along with plant-based and simple grilled options in a wonderful, relaxed garden setting. Or head to the seasonal La Ferme aux Grives, which serves rustic delights over the summer months. For coffee, sandwiches and cakes, Café Mère Poule & Cie fits the bill.

Along with an outdoor swimming pool and Fitness Centre, there is a cookery school, tennis court and complimentary bicycles for guests to explore the country lanes, but the main attraction is the Ferme Thermale Spa, offering beauty and wellness treatments by Sisley. Fed by the estate’s thermal springs, the spa is a sanctuary of pampered relaxation and includes a Turkish bath, silky white clay weightless bath and several lounge areas.