Repère Sauvage

THE STORY: Those lacking a sense of direction are advised to head towards the Loir-et-Cher department, where Capucine Châtelier and Caroline Costagliola Condy have put a landmark on the map – and a magnificent one at that, right in the middle of the countryside. It’s standout feature? It’s about being sauvage, or wild! That, and flinging the doors wide open to their lush green 42-hectare estate, to prolong its history in the most beautiful, contemporary way. For overnight stays, you’ve got two options: on one side, there’s the nineteenth-century manor with its 16-room hotel complete with a restaurant, beautifully renovated by interior architect Gwenaëlle Girard, who craftily plays with soft curves, framing and a natural color palette to reinforce the connection with the vast surrounding grounds. On the other, a fully-immersive experience in one of the 20 lodges designed by JAAMS design studio, in addition to the renovation work on the manor. Built by local artisans, even Thoreau would have felt right at home in these sustainable, black-and-ochre cabins which bring the outside in and blend perfectly into the unspoiled forest setting. In short, it’s a major landmark for the preservation of biodiversity, and a perfect haven for families thanks to fun, educational trails around the mini farm or the lake. Double rooms starting at €200 a night, lodges from €300. // Amerigo Clafoutchi

TOILETRIES: La Bottega products available (shampoo, body wash and soap) with a fragrance customed exclusively by L’Orée du Potager.

BREAKFAST: The buffet option includes pastries, bread, butter, jam, honey, brioche, cereal, dried fruit and nuts, cheese, ham, eggs, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, fruit salad and fruit juice (€15 per person, €7 for children under 12), or a breakfast basket available for guests in the lodges, including pastries, bread, butter, jam, yogurt and fruit juice (€9 per person).

LITTLE LUXURY: Treat yourself to a break by sending the children to the Les Petits Sauvages kids’ club, where they’ll enjoy activities organized especially for them by Bas Les Murs and Michpocha.