In the Spotlight: Domaine de Primard
June 02, 2024
Written by Lotte
June 02, 2024
Written by Lotte
In this section, the team at House of Hideaways spotlights a gem of a hotel each month. Whether it's the location, the decor, the hospitable owners, or the facilities, all these hotels possess something uniquely special that we are excited to share with you. After all, who doesn't love discovering the most beautiful places? This month, we are highlighting the luxurious countryside hotel Domaine de Primard, a magical retreat just west of Paris.
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The enchanting Domaine de Primard is set on a stunning estate, surrounded by 30 hectares of nature. Both the exterior and interior of the property are impressive. The rooms and suites, housed in the former residence of film star Catherine Deneuve, are elegantly decorated with light colors, soft fabrics, and unique details. The estate boasts vibrant flora and fauna, a gently flowing river, a vegetable garden, and an idyllic orchard. You'll also find a crystal-blue outdoor pool with loungers—perfect for relaxing with a book. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of slow living. It's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, couples looking for romance, and bon vivants. If you feel like experiencing the vibrant city life, Paris is just an hour's drive away.
Stay in the former residence of film star Catherine Deneuve
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For those seeking a culinary adventure, Domaine de Primard is the perfect destination. Here, you'll find three distinct restaurants, each offering a unique experience. All dishes are seasonal, with ingredients sourced from local producers or grown in the estate’s own vegetable garden—fresher than fresh! At Églantine, the first restaurant, you can savor pure and flavorful dishes. The luxury here lies not in excessive refinement but in the excellence and purity of the ingredients. Octave, the estate’s bistro, offers traditional family recipes, such as grilled chops with fresh vegetables. On sunny days, you can enjoy al fresco dining on the spacious terrace. La Table d'Hôtes, the third dining option, provides an exclusive private experience that you can reserve in advance for a select group. Chef Romain Meder prepares special dishes for 2, 4, 6, or 12 guests, who can dine at the large table in the atmospheric kitchen. The menu is always different, tailored to the season and the chef's inspiration.
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One of the highlights of Domaine de Primard is its 450m² spa, spanning two floors. On the ground floor, you'll find a sauna, hammam, and jacuzzis, while the first floor houses massage and fitness areas. Quality and harmony with nature are paramount on the estate, and you'll see this reflected in the treatments and massages offered here. Inspired by the protocols of Susanne Kaufmann, developed in the Austrian Alps, these treatments prioritize natural ingredients and dermatologically tested formulas with delicate scents. You can indulge in a variety of facial treatments, massages, and scrubs. Teens can even opt for a special teenage facial tailored to youthful skin. Whatever you choose, one thing is certain: after a visit to the spa, you'll feel rejuvenated.
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Domaine de Primard truly excels in providing a special experience. There's plenty to explore right on the estate itself. For instance, join Gérard, the gardener who meticulously tends to the gardens. He'll gladly give you a tour, sharing insights about the rose garden boasting over 250 varieties, the vegetable garden, and the many unique trees and shrubs. Another delightful activity is enjoying a freshly baked cake or tart made by Chef Romain in the old kitchen every day around four o'clock. If you're a wine enthusiast, don't miss out on a wine tasting with the estate's sommelier. Held in the historic wine cellar, this tasting offers a variety of wines from the region served alongside different cheeses and a charcuterie platter—a true delight for the senses.
Marvel at the beautiful rose gardens, lush greenhouses, serene ponds, and the freely roaming wildlife
Domaine de Primard, near Paris
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Of course, you can easily spend all your days at the estate itself, but don't forget to explore the surroundings. There's plenty to see and do here too, from charming villages with atmospheric streets to forests, hills, and, of course, the bustling city of Paris.
Here are a few tips for you:
1. Discover Claude Monet's Gardens:
Just 20 minutes from Domaine de Primard, on the banks of the Seine, lies the picturesque village of Giverny. This village was the home of the famous painter Claude Monet for more than forty years. You can visit his old house and studio and spend hours wandering through the beautiful gardens created by Monet himself. The gardens consist of two parts: the flower garden Clos Normand and a Japanese water garden. Here, you'll find colorful flower beds, tall weeping willows, and, of course, the water lily ponds that inspired some of his famous paintings. Nature lovers will be delighted by the vibrant colors and unique layout. The gardens are open from April to November.
2. Visit the Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Français:
Northeast of Domaine de Primard, you'll find the natural park of Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Français. Here, you can enjoy cycling and walking through shady forests, green fields, and rolling hills. You can also wander through picturesque villages and visit historic castles. If you prefer to be on the water, take a boat trip on one of the rivers. At the visitor center of Château Théméricourt, you can learn more about the history and nature of the park.
3. Oui, oui, Paris!:
When you're just an hour away from Paris, it's almost impossible not to visit this romantic city. You might consider combining your stay at Domaine de Primard with an extra night in Paris. Admire the various iconic landmarks and discover the surprisingly diverse arrondissements. How about the 6th arrondissement on the south side of the Seine? Here lies the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can relax on a sunny day. Want to wander through a relatively undiscovered part of Paris? Head to the 10th arrondissement. Around Canal Saint Martin, you'll find picturesque footbridges and bohemian cafes, while around Place de la République, you can dine at trendy restaurants. In the elegant 9th arrondissement, you can marvel at beautiful facades and shop at Galeries Lafayette with its phenomenal rooftop terrace.
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