There are places that reconnect us with the essential. Nestled in the heart of the Périgord forest, the Grand Chênes Ecolodge is one such magical spot. Perched several meters above the ground, its cabins offer a unique experience, blending contemporary comfort with wild immersion. Here’s the story of a stay that changed my perception of true luxury.
The Arrival: The Path That Leads to Self
“Leave your car here and take time to walk to your cabin. It’s the first step in disconnection.”
Claire’s words, the property owner, resonate like an invitation to let go. I load my backpack and set off on the forest trail. Claire accompanies me, pointing out tree species, showing me deer tracks.
Claire and her husband Thomas created this place eight years ago, abandoning their Parisian careers to realize a dream: offering ecological accommodation without sacrificing comfort.
After fifteen minutes, we arrive at the foot of a century-old oak. I look up and discover my cabin, almost invisible among the branches. “The Hawk’s Nest,” announces Claire. “The most isolated of our five cabins.”
The Refuge: Essential Luxury and Sustainable Ingenuity
The interior defies my expectations. Far from the austerity I imagined, the space exudes warm luxury. The light wood of the walls contrasts with the dark furniture. A bay window opens onto the canopy.
“Everything was designed with minimal impact in mind,” explains Claire. “The wood comes from sustainably managed forests. The furniture was crafted by local artisans.”
The systems that make the cabin self-sufficient are ingenious. Electricity comes from solar panels. Rainwater is collected and filtered. Dry toilets transform waste into compost.
“We wanted to prove that ecology can rhyme with comfort,” affirms Claire. “Here, we show that you can live in harmony with nature without giving up life’s pleasures.”
The Disconnection: Rediscovering Your Senses
Left alone, I observe the declining sun. Without a phone – no network here – my senses gradually awaken.
I hear the rustling of leaves, the creaking of branches, birds calling to each other. I distinguish the shades of green in the canopy. I breathe in the forest scents: humus, resin, wildflowers.
This sensory hyperawareness is intoxicating after months in urban noise, where our senses are saturated but never truly engaged.
Dinner, savored by candlelight, is a revelation. Each bite seems more intense.
At night, I turn off the lights and lie facing the bay window. Without light pollution, the sky reveals itself. Thousands of stars twinkle, the Milky Way draws its ribbon across the celestial vault.
The Immersion: The Forest as Teacher
The next day, I’m awakened by dawn light and the concert of birds. A light mist floats between the trees, giving the landscape a fairy-tale dimension.
Claire has left me a map of the trails. I opt for a three-hour loop through different ecosystems.
The hike is a delight. I walk slowly, attentive to details never noticed before. Near a stream, I spot a deer approaching to drink. Motionless, I observe it at length – a privilege that only patience can offer.
The Transmission: Learning to Cultivate Differently
Upon returning, I find an invitation from Thomas for an introduction to permaculture. The garden is enchanting. Far from conventional straight rows, it’s a mixture of vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
“Appearances are deceptive,” smiles Thomas. “Each plant has its place in this ecosystem.”
A former urban planner turned agroecologist, Thomas has been practicing permaculture for ten years. He explains the principles: beneficial associations between plants, optimal use of resources, respect for natural cycles.
“Permaculture isn’t just a gardening technique,” he explains. “It’s a philosophy of life. Observe before acting. Work with nature, not against it.”
The Departure: Taking the Invisible
The time to leave comes too quickly. Packing my things, I realize I’ve barely used half of what I brought. These days have taught me to be content with less.
Claire comes to get me. On the path, we walk in silence. Near the stream, she stops and picks up a small pine cone.
“A farewell gift,” she says, handing it to me. “When city life becomes too noisy, hold it in your hand and remember what you felt here.”
I keep this pine cone on my desk. When stress rises, I take it between my fingers and find the peace of the Périgord forest.
For perhaps this is the true luxury offered by the ecolodge: not material comfort, but this inner richness, this ability to be fully present, to savor the moment, to reconnect with nature.
If you’re interested in traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices, discover the ancient salt marshes of Guérande, where artisans maintain centuries-old techniques in harmony with the natural environment.
Address Book:
- Grand Chênes Ecolodge: 15 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda. Reservation required.
- Wild Plants Trail: departing from Saint-Cyprien.