l’EssenCiel
- Premier host
- Piré-Chancé, Brittany, France
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2 per room
- Bedrooms: 1 per room
- Bathrooms: 1 per room
- Minimum stay: 1 night
L’EssenCiel is a truly jaw-dropping hotel, whose avant-garde concept is patented and unique in France. Secluded in Piré-Chancé, a picturesque, heritage-steeped commune in north-west France, your stay will also include the most beautiful rural views.
Creatively imagined by the owner and skilfully crafted by the Nantes’ architectural practice Unité, the hotel’s design is inspired by the structure of a tree, with 36 rooms that resemble cosy nests on branches.
For the very best scenery, the highest nests soar over 28 metres above the ground… but don’t worry if heights aren’t for you, as there are six at ground-level, too.
Whichever luxury nest you opt for, you’ll find it sublimely styled and furnished by a professional design studio in nearby Rennes, with warm-toned décor and comfy double or twin beds. You’ll also have a coffee machine to charge your mornings, pristine en-suite facilities with fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries.
Once you’ve checked in, there’s plenty to explore without having to leave the awe-inspiring confines of the hotel (which is convenient, as you may not want to!) Relax in the spa, which is home to a hot tub, sauna, and hammam, or head for the indoor pool to indulge in some lazy afternoon laps.
If you’re feeling hungry there are two hotel restaurants to choose from: one a relaxed buffet and the other a Michelin-starred extravaganza, as well as private dining rooms for special events or celebrations.
Prefer chatting over drinks? There’s a sociable lounge area with irresistibly comfy sofas, and a relaxing garden for soaking up the summer sun. The 31-hectare property also includes an elegant park, with a permanent exhibition of almost 80 mesmerising sculptures.
Keep readingAt a glance
- An avant-garde, architect-designed hotel in rural north-west France, with a unique tree-inspired structure.
- There are 42 nest-like rooms to choose from, some at ground level and others elevated high over the countryside.
- Rooms boast double or twin beds, with full en-suite facilities.
- The hotel includes a lounge area, an indoor pool and a luxury spa.
- The 31-hectare property also includes two restaurants – one Michelin-starred – a sculpture-park and artists’ workshops to browse and to express your soul as an artist.
- The culture-rich city of Rennes is just 25 minutes away, and there are plenty of walks and cycle routes to take in the local area.
Features
Disability Accessible
Family Friendly
Hot Tubs
Large Groups
Swimming Pools
Facilities
Double or twin rooms each include a private en-suite with towels and toiletries, coffee-making facilities. On site on the property grounds: restaurants, private event and dining rooms, bars, spa with hot tub, sauna and hammam, indoor swimming pool, sculpture park, artists’ workshops.
Local activities
Walking, cycling, historic sites, museums, castles, cathedrals, shops, markets, restaurants.
More information
If you’re venturing out, Piré-Chancé is perfect for enthusiastic walkers and cyclists, with a wide range of dedicated trails to follow. If you’ve brought appropriately sturdy footwear, why not try the ‘Path of the Squirrel’, an intermediate-level, three-hour hike, and work up an appetite for a hearty, chef-prepared lunch back at the hotel?
You could also head into bustling Rennes, just 25 minutes away. The capital of Brittany and a designated City of Art and History, you can rest assured there’ll be plenty to see and do. History buffs will rejoice in the fact that there are three medieval cities, Châteaugiron, Vitré and Fougères, close by; all boasting fascinating castles to visit.
What else? Cradle a coffee at the Place du Champ-Jacquet square, surrounded by timber-framed houses, or do some shopping at the covered market in Place des Lices, before heading back to L’EssenCiel for some well-deserved rest!
Things to note
Pets are not permitted to stay. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at an additional cost.
Where you'll be staying
Piré-Chancé, Brittany
What the guests of l’EssenCiel say
“A truly stunning sight as you approach the location and one that does not disappoint once you are inside. The staff are proactive rather than reactive and provide excellent personal service. The quality of the interior matches the wow factor of the exterior, rooms are ‘small but perfectly formed’ and has often been said ‘the best things come in small packages’. Our room (5th floor) provided a wonderful view of the estate and Château and the individual rooms on the ground benefit from their own outside seating areas! Breakfast was a self service buffet with great choice. I will visit again, even if it means going out of my way. Thank you for a lovely stay.”
“We stayed here only for one night just as a pit stop to our final destination. The staff prepared our room with so much care, bringing everything we need for our little 11 months old baby (cot, changing station, bottle warmers, baby toiletries). Sadly the restaurant next to the hotel was fully booked but at the reception you can find food options that can be warmed up. The design of the hotel is really interesting and the spa is just what you need after a long driving day. We will definitely return. Many thanks for your hospitality.”
“From the moment we arrived at L’EssenCiel we knew it was special, the appearance as you drive up is Wow! The staff at the reception desk and everywhere in the Hotel are attentive/polite and professional. The pool/spa area is wonderful, breakfast is a delight and the room sublime. We upgraded our room on site to a Nid Celeste and benefitted from the view on the 5th floor.”
