For several years now,, trees in France have started to bear some curious fruit. Across all four corners of the country, huts and cabins have sprung up between branches in ever-multiplying numbers – a delight for those who love getting close to nature. Read on to find out our selection of unusual accommodation in the four corners of France.
Hauts-de-France: so close to Paris, and yet so far
Between Chantilly, Senlis and Compiègne, north of Paris, Les Cabanes des Grands Chênes offer you Luxury in the Wild* in ‘couple’, ‘spa’ or ‘family’ format version in elevated cabins all fully equipped with water, electricity, shower and meal baskets featuring the best of local produce. But the show stopper here is undoubtedly the experience of being pampered in a Lov'Nid Spa hut.
Massif des Vosges: an experience on stilts or suspended up high
Located next to the Bol d’Air adventure park, Clairière aux Cabanes offers six tree-lined residences including an extraordinary ‘Perched Tribe’ sleeping up to 11 people. The site also offers several equally unusual homes well anchored on solid ground.
La Clairiere aux Cabanes (French only)
Brittany: unusual variations
Sterenn Hut, Folenn Hut, Pradan Hut or Neh er Lenn Cabin: no doubt you can tell you’re in Brittany, and specifically in southern Morbihan where, since 2006, Myriam and Arno have managed these unusual residences perched 10 metres above the ground. And it isn’t only cabins on offer: you can also sleep in unusual accommodations as yurt, trailer, tent-bubble or a Lapland-style chalet. Change of scene guaranteed!
In the Bordeaux region: to each his own tree
In the grounds of the Château des Énigmes in Charente-Maritime, an hour’s drive north of Bordeaux, there’s something for everyone. Lovers can opt for the intimacy of the ‘couple huts’, groups for the spacious ‘family huts’. If you’re coming with the kids, they can enjoy the ‘Parcours des Énigmes’ treasure hunt, which takes in the Château d’Usson, a remarkable Renaissance building moved stone by stone to its current location from the end of the 19th century.
South of Bordeaux, in the middle of the pine trees of the Landes de Gascogne regional nature park, cabins stretching 8 meters high await you at Cap Cabane. A place that is not conceived as a romantic retreat far from the eyes but rather as a mini-holiday club escaped in the nature, with "enough space if we want to be quiet and enough cabins so that the children can find friends".
Biarritz-Pays Basque: a river runs through it
In Cambo-les-Bains in the Basque Country, you can sleep in huts placed on a steel ‘tree’ with three ‘floors’, each with a decidedly Basque feel. At the top, nine metres from the ground, sits a dovecote with private spa and circular terrace with a magnificent view of the hills and River Nive.
Lesnidsdhotes (French only)
Occitanie: dive into well-being
In Pella Roca you’ll live in the lap of luxury. These cabins are each equipped with private jacuzzi and sauna, perched within 9 hectares of moorland, forest and truffle oaks at the entrance to the Causses du Quercy, 75 minutes’ drive from Toulouse and a couple of hours from Bordeaux. Their lucky guests will also find a swimming pool and tennis court on site.
Pella-roca (French only)
Dordogne Valley: luxury, calm and pleasure
We’re staying in the ‘exclusive’ bracket with these delicate cubes created by interior designer Apolline Terrier, set at the heart of 40 hectares of ash trees, beeches, oaks and sequoias in the Corrèze area of Salagnac. The “luxury eco cabins for maximum comfort” each boast kitchenette, shower room, Wifi and contemporary décor.
Cabanesdesalagnac.com (French only)
High-end cabins in the middle of the vineyards in the Perigord
You enter a new dimension with the ‘castles in the trees’ offered at the Domaine de Puybeton in the Périgord. The cabins are well-equipped with Wifi, TV, walk-in shower, Nordic bath and minibar, plus there’s a beautiful infinity pool and ‘gastro’ or ‘bistro’ food platters featuring foie gras and duck. One for special occasions!
Total immersion in Ardèche
Les Cabanes de Labrousse in the Ardèche offer you a 100% natural experience deep in a forest of Douglas Fir and Sweet Chestnut. The estate’s 10 elevated cabins are perfect for couples, families or groups of friends longing to disconnect and spend time communing with nature. Every morning, the arrival of Filou the donkey and Myrtille the mule is eagerly awaited, since they’re the ones who bring your breakfast to the foot of your cabin on stilts. This hideaway is also a perfect opportunity to discover local produce and specialities in your Panier du cabaneur evening meal basket showcasing 100% delicious Ardèche charcuterie and cheeses or recharge your batteries at the spa in the heart of nature.
The Jura Mountains: Luxury in the wild
Push back and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Jura Mountains from the comfort of your private hot tub on the terrace of the Cabane Ecureuil or Cabane Mésange at Les Cabanes du Hérisson. This is the place where the comfort a traditional hotel merges with unique accommodation to take you into a different and more natural time dimension. Make the most of your special time in the natural world to experience the Cascade du Hérissons and the lakes of the High Jura.
Les Cabanes du Hérisson Annual closure from 6 November 2023 to 9 February 2024.
Find out more: The Cabanes de France website lists almost 200 places offering treehouses and other unusual accommodation. Cabanes de France (French only)
Also read: - 8 tips for sustainable travel in France - Labels to know for sustainable travel in France
By France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…
