The Best Hotels for a Countryside Weekend

Leaving the city behind, reconnecting with what truly matters : that’s the essence of a countryside weekend getaway. Time slows down, horizons widen, and the comfort of a refined hotel aligns with the soothing rhythm of the seasons. It’s a chance to recharge, to dream, to breathe in the scent of wood, enjoy the song of a clear morning, and savor honest, heartfelt cuisine. Whether as a couple or with family, these bucolic escapes promise serenity, where the soul can finally breathe in the open air.

In Missillac, Southern Brittany, Domaine de la Bretesche unfolds across 200 hectares right next to the Brière Regional Natural Park. Overlooked by a 15th-century château, this Relais & Châteaux property from the B Signature group has cultivated a distinctive identity for over thirty years : blending heritage elegance, a hedonistic spirit, and a deep connection to nature.

Architect Stéphanie Decurey recently led an eco-conscious renovation, transforming this 5-star hotel, certified Clef Verte, into a charming destination appealing to all generations. The 25 rooms, 6 suites, and 9 villas now feature a refined boudoir style, with carefully sourced vintage furniture, Pierre Frey fabrics, and Ananbô wallpapers. They offer stunning views of the château or the Cour Carrée and its century-old lime tree.

A highlight : the duplex villas include living and dining areas, kitchenettes, terraces, and full hotel services.

On the culinary side, restaurant Le Montaigu — set in the former carriage house — embodies the estate’s new direction under young chef Filipe Silvestre. He brilliantly showcases vegetables from the estate’s permaculture kitchen garden alongside carefully sourced local produce. From the Bar des Écuries, nestled in the former stables, to the Club overlooking the putting green serving lively brasserie-style cuisine, the atmosphere combines conviviality with refinement.

Guests come for a relaxing weekend enjoying the two swimming pools — an outdoor pool in season and a heated indoor pool at the Cinq Mondes & Omnisens spa (400 sqm) — as much as for activities: cycling through forest paths, landscaped gardens and lake shores, tennis, horse riding, and especially the 18-hole golf course lined with oak and red willow trees.

A perfect countryside hotel for a weekend break just 30 minutes from Nantes or La Baule, and far from everyday life.

On the edge of the Forest of Fontainebleau, La Folie Barbizon has been reborn as a living laboratory of art and nature. Originally founded by Lionel Bensemoun, this intimate artist residence and boutique hotel recently reopened after a transformation led by Marion Collard, with artistic direction by Sarah Valente.

Together, they envisioned a holistic space where creativity dialogues with the forest, inspired by the pioneering painters of the Barbizon School. The property also bears the ecological commitment of Greenline Foundation, which promotes forest preservation through art.

Behind its ivy-covered stone and wood façade, 21 rooms unfold like poetic universes. Each was designed by a resident artist around a narrative project inspired by a Tale of Barbizon. Discover stained-glass windows made from eggplant peels by Loumi Le Floc’h, lighting by Marine Breynaert, constellations by Andrey Zouari, whimsical furniture by Victor de Rossi, contemporary frescoes by Mathias Kiss, and draped curtains by Eloïse Van der Heyden. Each space is both sanctuary and artwork.

At the restaurant, creativity continues with organic, locavore cuisine and a seasonal menu featuring vegetables from the kitchen garden, farmhouse cheeses, sharing boards, and indulgent desserts.

All around, everything encourages digital detox: art workshops, meditative forest walks, and impromptu concerts. La Folie Barbizon is a vibrant, living house where guests sleep, create, exchange, and rediscover the freedom of the first painters of Fontainebleau.

In the heart of Le Perche, just minutes from Nogent-le-Rotrou and two hours from Paris, this beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse embodies the spirit of characterful guesthouses, blending rustic charm with Mediterranean influences inspired by the Italian roots of its owners.

Set within three hectares planted with apple trees and tall woodland trees, the estate features three independent cottages and one suite. Inside, original stone and raw wood harmonize with soft tones and natural fabrics. A fireside lounge, winter garden, and heated seasonal pool create a serene atmosphere. Even the permaculture kitchen garden shapes life here according to the seasons.

Nature is the guiding thread : naps beneath apple trees, yoga under leafy canopies, reading by the water. Here, you find what the city rarely offers : silence, slowness, and a true connection to nature.

Dining celebrates simplicity, whether at the Italian restaurant in Nogent-le-Rotrou or through locally sourced meals delivered to your cottage. Casa Pertica offers a touch of dolce vita — countryside chic style.

Just 20 minutes from Angers and 1.5 hours from Paris, Château de l’Épinay stands as a bucolic haven in Maine-et-Loire. Listed as a Historic Monument, it combines the grandeur of a 17th-century residence with older 15th-century wings, set within a 23-hectare park filled with century-old trees.

Owned by the Montuoro family since 2004, it evolved from guesthouse to 4-star hotel and is now part of Hôtels & Préférence. Its 27 rooms and suites — located in the château and outbuildings — each offer unique character: exposed beams, period fireplaces (some working), antique furniture, fleur-de-lys tapestries, and contemporary touches. Some suites overlook the formal French garden, others the sweeping parkland. There is even a secluded cabin for two, set on a private island along the Boire river.

With stone walls, crystal chandeliers, and 18th-century furniture, restaurant L’Orangerie highlights classic cuisine featuring fruits and vegetables from the organic permaculture garden. The spa, located in the former 15th-century bakery, offers treatments by Douces Angevines and Les Jardins de Gogane : perfect for a romantic escape.

Cycling in the countryside, tennis matches, billiards, or private cinema sessions — there’s no need to leave this peaceful retreat during a countryside weekend getaway.

Just 20 minutes from Paris, hidden within the Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Maison du Val reinvents the art of the country house escape. Located in Louis XIV’s former hunting lodge — built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart — this historic property, owned by the Société des membres de la Légion d’honneur, has been transformed by Les hôtels (très) particuliers group into a countryside residence for urban dwellers seeking nature.

The classical façade conceals a warm, lively interior designed by En Bande Organisée. Original parquet floors, Sun King medallions, wood paneling, and frescoes blend with vintage finds, tropical plants, and contemporary design pieces.

Opening onto four hectares of parkland or the forest, the 49 rooms feature two styles: beige and forest-green tones for the Tradition category, and more contemporary, eclectic decor for the Évasion rooms.

A library with 10,000 books, a private cinema, a kids’ club in the former stables, a piano in the dairy, a gaming room, and a karaoke room ensure plenty of indoor activities. Outdoors, enjoy morning fitness classes, exploring the estate by pedal cart, forest walks, pétanque, and molkky.

And then there’s the all-inclusive concept: aperitifs and afternoon snacks included, self-service bars, and Sunday brunch on the terrace, with menus crafted from 100% fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

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