Experience a luxurious stay amidst the enchanting woodlands of Loire Valley Lodges, nestled in the heart of a pristine French forest. Loire Valley Lodges offers a unique retreat within 300 hectares of private woodland in Esvres, central France. This exceptional hotel features 18 exquisitely designed treehouses, each thoughtfully placed in a serene and otherworldly setting, yet conveniently just two hours away from Paris.
This extraordinary sanctuary was envisioned and founded by Anne Caroline Frey, a former art dealer, who sought to create a haven where guests could unwind while immersing themselves in the beauty of art and nature. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find a remarkable sculpture trail and Frey’s personal collection of sculptures and paintings. The boutique lodges are both stylish and comfortable, each adorned with its own unique decor showcasing original works by contemporary artists. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer awe-inspiring panoramic views of the forest, adorned with magnificent Douglas fir and chestnut trees.
Frey is a fervent proponent of ‘sylvotherapy,’ also known as forest bathing, which promotes physical and mental well-being through the energy of trees. Speaking about the therapeutic influence of trees, Frey expresses, “I quickly recognized their essential role in our balance, well-being, and the numerous benefits they offer for our physical and emotional health. I wanted to create a top-tier living space in the heart of the forest to share this philosophy with like-minded individuals—those who appreciate the raw beauty of nature but prefer not to sleep in a tent under the stars.”
Frey’s vision has been meticulously realized, with every detail carefully considered to craft an extraordinary retreat for relaxation. Loire Valley Lodges is exclusively for adults and encourages a “digital diet” environment, catering to individuals seeking respite from family-oriented holidays. The rooms are intentionally TV and WiFi-free, which surprisingly enhances the experience. However, if necessary, WiFi is available at the reception and restaurant area, and each lodge is equipped with a radio for staff communication and an iPad preloaded with a playlist matching the lodge’s ambiance.
The treehouses are spaciously set apart to ensure complete privacy. Perched four meters high amidst a canopy of trees, each treehouse features a generous terrace with a luxurious hot tub, offering a serene space for contemplating the universe, accompanied solely by the symphony of birdsong and rustling leaves. In this forest, automobiles are absent, and exploration is on foot or by utilizing the sturdy bicycles provided for guests. You may choose to spend your afternoon leisurely pedaling along forest paths, exploring the picturesque countryside, or cycling to the nearby river for a refreshing swim.
The hotel presents a delightful array of sensory indulgences, including a 65-foot pool, a rejuvenating spa, and wellness activities. You can also relish an open-air massage on your lodge’s terrace.
For breakfast, a charming basket filled with the finest local delicacies, such as seasonal fruits, forest honey, artisanal cheese, and a selection of exquisite bread and pastries, is hoisted up to your treehouse with a pulley.
The culinary experience at the hotel is exceptional, led by chef Thomas Besnault at the helm of the award-winning restaurant, ‘Ardent.’ The restaurant proudly showcases the finest produce of the Loire region, including ingredients from the hotel’s own organic kitchen garden. Additionally, ‘Asperatus,’ a second restaurant, has been recently unveiled, dedicated to hosting renowned chefs from around the world who showcase their culinary talents and unique styles in the hotel’s picturesque outdoor kitchen situated in a charming courtyard.
While you could easily spend all your time in this private forest paradise, this region of France boasts a wealth of captivating heritage and exploration opportunities. Known as France’s ‘Valley of the Kings,’ this area, with its proximity to the capital and excellent hunting grounds, has been a favored location for opulent chateaux, notably the nearby 16th-century Chateau de Chenonceau. You can admire the region from above with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride or opt for a serene boat trip along the River Loire before returning to the tranquility of your forest retreat.