As if staying at a 13th century château in France was not idyllic enough, tennis lovers are in for a real treat at Domaine des Étangs, Auberge Resorts Collection in Massignac. The property in the Charente region in south west France is home to a floating tennis court, gracefully placed on a tranquil pond near the swimming pool.
Exemplifying the Domaine’s ethos – blending luxury with whimsy, seamlessly integrated into its natural, art-filled setting – the floating tennis court has been widely featured as one of the world’s most beautiful and unique tennis courts. Giving the chance to “play a match on water”, this unique facility also offers spectator viewing benches, shaded by trees, so guests can enjoy the action in comfort.
Other activities for guests to enjoy include walks around the expansive grounds and a thermal baths pool house.
About the château
Once the private holiday estate of the Primat family, the property was transformed into a luxury hotel and art de vivre retreat in 2015. As of April 2023, Auberge Resorts Collection was selected by Garance Primat to manage Domaine des Etangs, which, from its origin as a fiefdom of the knights of Chasteigner de la Roche-Posay to its 1860s renovation as a family castle, remains emblematic of rich French history.
The chateau embodies the absolute best of French design, blending a world class restoration of an ancient castle and original farm buildings with a sophisticated palette of curated modern art and artisan architectural interventions.
At Dyades, a MICHELIN-starred farm-to-table sanctuary, every dish is a love letter to the land – crafted under the visionary hand of executive chef Matthieu Pasgrimaud. The hotel also features a renowned art gallery, a wellness space built around the original works of the old mill building, and charming multi-story rooms carved out of restored 18th century barns.
Since joining the Auberge Resorts Collection in April 2023, it has earned prestigious accolades, including the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and 2 Michelin Keys.
For more information see aubergeresorts.com