In the Loir-et-Cher region, close to Cheverny and the castle that inspired Hergé's Moulinsart, the establishment Les Sources de Cheverny, echoes Caudalie. Visitors come here to discover a luxury hotel and beauty products based on vinotherapy.
Set between ponds, forests and vineyards, the 18th-century Château du Breuil and its outbuildings have been transformed into a vineyard palace, with elegant cabins, stone houses and a lake. In this setting of greenery, refinement and serenity, just two hours from Paris, are eleven different houses: Coeur des Sources (housing the reception and a contemporary lounge), l'Auberge (with the cuisine of chef Frédéric Calmels), le Favori (the gourmet restaurant), le Spa des Sources, le Baron Perché (a wooden residence on the water housing a suite), le hameau du Marais, la Maison des fleurs, celle des Fruits, la Cachette du Sonneur and finally la Grange aux Abeilles.
Spread across six different buildings, from the 18th-century château to the farmhouse, the 49 rooms and suites have been decorated by the architects at BePoles (now Saint-Lazare). Four of these are particularly popular: Le Baron Perché, a suite on stilts overlooking the gorse-fringed lake. Other choices include Le Hameau du Marais, La Maison des Fleurs and La Grange aux Abeilles, with their simple decor featuring touches of green, wood and nods to the natural surroundings. To make sure things don't go by halves, two and a half hectares of Romorantin grapes have been planted under the expert guidance of Philippe Tessier.
Starred restaurant Le Favori
Chef Frédéric Calmels' culinary approach is very subtle. "Customers want a taste of the Loire Valley... So we offer dishes that are as close to nature as possible, between the forest of Sologne and the gardens of the Loire Valley. We give pride of place to local produce in each dish.
The chef made his name in Paris at the Prince de Galles, then at the Lancaster with Michel Troisgros and at the Tour d'Argent. On the menu: Touraine fennel confit with verbena; Sologne caviar, green apple and cucumber; butternut squash confit with whisky.
For dessert, our hearts sway between lemon soufflé and mint fromage blanc sorbet.
The Spa by Caudalie
Under a wooden framework with a view of the surrounding countryside, a thermal pool invites you to relax. Outside, an oak-wood jacuzzi and hot thermal water help you let go. The forest is nearby.
Caudalie products and their anti-ageing, antioxidant grape-seed extract treatments promise real benefits for the body and mind.
The concept has been developed around top-of-the-range oenotourism, well-being and nature in the heart of the vineyards and châteaux of the Loire Valley.
23 route de Fougères
41700 Cheverny
Tel.: 02 54 44 20 20
Discover the surrounding area
The Cheverny estate, mentioned as early as 1315, has always been private and not royal. It was opened to visitors in 1922. Hunting takes place twice a week from October to the end of March. The meeting point for the start of the hunt is situated at the ladies' oak roundabout.
Inhabited by the same family for more than 6 centuries, this castle offers a bucolic and historical break through its six gardens, its labyrinth and its Tintin in 3D exhibition, in partnership with the Hergé Foundation.
Avenue du Château
41700 Cheverny
Tel.: 02 54 79 96 29
Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will love the forest walks, cycling along the Loire or exploring the Loire vineyards.
Text : Michèle Lasseur
