Loire Valley Lodges: Treehouse Retreat in a 300-Hectare Private Forest
Two and a half hours south of Paris, in the Centre-Val de Loire region, famous for its castles, lies an impressive 300-hectare private forest. Amid this tranquil landscape, Loire Valley Lodges offers a retreat, where contemporary art blends with raw nature.
Loire Valley Lodges is composed of 18 treehouses situated four meters above the ground. Built on stilts, using wood species present in the surrounding forest—douglas, chestnut, oak—the lodges provide the perfect setting to rest and connect deeply with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows opposite each bed, frame breathtaking views of the treetops, creating the sensation of waking up within the canopy. Every lodge is also equipped with a private spa, enhancing the immersive experience.
The story of Loire Valley Lodges began over two decades ago, when the owners acquired the land along with its centuries-old barn. Carefully restored, the barn now houses the reception, a concept store, and a restaurant-bar. Inspired by their travels to Sweden, Norway, and Australia, the lodges were then decorated by the owner’s friends (graffiti artists, photographers, sculptors, etc.). Each lodge is unique.
Despite being in the middle of the forest, the lodges are perfectly equipped with an espresso machine, tea-making kit, minibar with hot and cold drinks, flashlight, walkie-talkie (in case of emergency), binoculars, board games, chocolates, candles, bathrobes, and Le Labo bath products. Free WiFi is available only at the main lodge, so the idea is to truly disconnect when you are in the rooms (no TVs available either). Breakfast is delivered in a picnic basket at 8:30 AM. You can also pre-order dinner to your lodge.
Rain boots and capes are available to borrow, as well as bikes to ride to and from the main house, pool, and parking lot. Since the lodges are quite spread out to ensure privacy, the walking distances can be considerable. For those with reduced mobility, the Efflorescences lodge has a ramp, roll-in shower, and two large terraces. The staff can also transport you around by golf cart.
The Ardent restaurant, open year-round, presents menus crafted with ingredients from the estate’s own gardens and hand-selected local producers. Committed to sustainability, Loire Valley Lodges emphasize regional sourcing and collaborate exclusively with organic suppliers. In summer, Asperatus offers an atmospheric dining experience under the open sky—an outdoor bistro-restaurant celebrating the vibrant flavors of Lebanese cuisine. For a leisurely lunch, opt for a beautifully curated bento box, a refined nod to the traditional Japanese lunch ritual, perfect for a picnic in the forest, a visit to a château, or a wine-tasting excursion.
Immerse yourself in the library’s curated selection of books on nature and sustainability, or simply unwind on the private terrace of your lodge, enveloped by the serenity of the forest. The bar invites you to linger over handcrafted cocktails, herbal infusions, freshly pressed juices, or fine French wines. On select evenings, the lounge transforms into a cultural space, showcasing live screenings of nature documentaries and art films.
From May to September, the 20-meter outdoor pool, framed by sculptural art and ancient olive trees, offers a tranquil retreat. A sauna and 40-degree Nordic bath complete the experience, allowing guests to transition seamlessly from refreshing dips to deep relaxation. Indulge in a massage, either in the privacy of your lodge or beneath the open sky. A guest favorite is the signature treatment featuring a balm of beeswax from the estate’s own hives blended with nourishing plant oils. Additional treatments include Californian-Swedish massage and Shiatsu, each designed to restore balance and well-being. Treatments are also available at the main lodge, which includes two aesthetic treatments involving anti-aging oxygenated masks, soothing serums, and heavy-duty hydration, using oak-extracted La Chênaie products.
After total relaxation, we recommend taking a solo walk through the forest and appreciating the contemporary artworks installed by renowned artists. Another option is the forest baths. You can choose from a three-hour outing with a maximum of 12 other people, or a private “deep immersion” experience hosted by a biologist or a stress-management specialist.
There are many options, as you can also choose to book a session with the sophrologist for a one-hour guided relaxation session in the privacy of your lodge, alternating deep breathing exercises and positive visualizations, helping you achieve the complete relaxation necessary for your well-being during your stay.
Privatizing Loire Valley Lodges is also possible. Their seminar room, "The Green Room," is fully equipped with all the necessary technology to ensure the success of an executive committee meeting or incentive seminar for up to 35 people.
Before you leave, don’t forget to pick up your tree. As a symbol of their dedication to forest conservation, each guest is gifted a tree to plant, promoting reforestation and ecological stewardship.
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Location
Paris is only 2.5 hours by car, while getting here by train is even quicker. Take the TGV from Gare Montparnasse and travel to St Pierre-des-Corps train station in just one hour and 10 minutes. From there, take a taxi, and you’ll be at the property in 20 minutes.
Both the beautiful medieval city of Le Mans, as well as Angers and Orleans, are just a 1 hour and 20-minute drive away. The closest chateaux are Villandry and Chenonceau, each about 25 minutes away, surrounded by picturesque country roads that wind through rolling vineyards and seasonal fields of sunflowers.