Domaine de Primard: A Country Dream at the Gateway to Normandy

Nestled along the banks of the Eure River and surrounded by lush gardens, Domaine de Primard is more than just a luxury retreat—it is a romantic escape into nature, refinement, and quietude. Located just an hour from Paris in the countryside of Guainville, this 18th-century estate once belonged to French cinema icon Catherine Deneuve. Today, it has been reimagined by the Domaine de Fontenille collection into a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel that embraces a slower rhythm of life without sacrificing sophistication.

Our recent two-night stay at Domaine de Primard was nothing short of restorative. Between the rustling of leaves in the wind, the soft croaking of frogs near the pond, and the hum of bees in lavender fields, we discovered a place where luxury unfolds in the most natural of ways.

A Warm Welcome in a Setting of Untamed Beauty

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a serene tree-lined path that leads to the grand pink-toned manor house. The reception staff welcomed us with an effortless elegance and quiet kindness that immediately set the tone. The estate’s layout feels like stepping into a pastoral French painting—complete with orchards, greenhouses, a small farm, and gently flowing waterways.

From the start, the staff ensured that every detail was handled with grace—from personalized dining arrangements to helpful suggestions on how to enjoy the grounds and nearby villages. The ambiance was intentionally unhurried, allowing time to breathe, to think, and to simply be.

Nature-Driven Gastronomy by Romain Meder

Dining at Eglantine, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant helmed by Chef Romain Meder (formerly of Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée), is the highlight of an experience at the Domaine de Primard. His cuisine, deeply committed to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, felt like a natural extension of the landscape itself.

For lighter options, the Octave brasserie—named after Catherine Deneuve’s character in the film Le Dernier Métro—offered a delightful lunch of trout from nearby rivers, hearty farm-fresh eggs, and tarts made from orchard apples. Every bite, it seemed, told a story about place and season.

Our dinner began with delicate appetizers. Those were followed by a delicious fish with pickled garden green peas and buttery sauce that teased the palate. Then a beautifully cooked breast chicken served with wild mushrooms and jus. Each dish was plated like art, but with heart—the kind of cuisine that celebrates the earth, without pretense.

One of our Garden-View Suites: Tranquility Meets Timeless Elegance

One of our rooms, located in the main house, was decorated in soothing sage greens, with linen curtains swaying gently in the breeze. The windows opened onto a dreamy garden view—an ever-changing canvas of early blooms and golden light. The antique furniture, combined with modern comforts, struck a perfect balance between heritage and modern-day indulgence.

A clawfoot tub, a rain shower with organic bath products, and a small writing desk made it easy to unwind or dream up ideas for future projects. In the evenings, we would sit by the window with a glass of Loire Valley wine, listening to the peaceful chorus of country sounds.

Wellness, Gardens, and the Art of Slowing Down

The Susanne Kaufmann Spa at Domaine de Primard is housed in a separate building just across a wooden footbridge. It’s a tranquil haven with a hammam, sauna, heated outdoor pool, and treatment rooms offering tailored facials and massages. The experience here goes beyond wellness—it invites total reconnection with oneself.

Mornings began with guided walks through the permaculture gardens, where we learned about the estate’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. The estate is also home to donkeys, sheep, and chickens—reminders of life’s simplicity and cycles.

Bikes are available for guests who wish to explore the surrounding Eure Valley, while literary lovers can cozy up with a book from the hotel’s curated library, nestled near the drawing room.

A Heritage of Elegance

Domaine de Primard is not only a destination, but a preservation of a certain French art de vivre. The property reflects Catherine Deneuve’s elegant taste and discreet lifestyle—subtle, graceful, poetic. Though modernized for comfort, the domaine’s bones still speak of aristocratic restraint and timeless countryside luxury.

The estate frequently hosts cultural events and culinary weekends. The mix of sophistication and earthiness here feels refreshing—especially for Parisians and international travelers looking to escape the noise of city life.

Why Domaine de Primard is Worth the Journey

Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a gastronomic weekend, or a digital detox surrounded by nature, Domaine de Primard delivers a soulful and elegant experience. It’s a place that doesn’t demand anything of you—except your attention to beauty, your appetite for good food, and your openness to stillness.

For more details or to plan your visit, you can explore their official site: www.domainedprimard.com

In the end, our time at Domaine de Primard was not just a stay—it was an immersion into a lifestyle where refinement meets the rhythm of the land. It is one of those rare places where you don’t just feel like a guest—you feel like you’ve come home.

Header Photos Credit and all of the photos in this article: French Quarter Magazine