5 hotels perfect for enjoying the forest

Chantilly Forest: Le Grand Pavillon Chantilly

With its hamlet-like setting in the heart of the royal forest of Chantilly, this address is a destination in itself. You put down your suitcases in one of the rooms and suites housed in the sumptuous XVIIIᵉ buildings, and set off straight away to discover the forest.the 6500 hectares shaded by centuries-old oak trees, which you can explore on foot, by bike or on horseback along the many hiking trails. After this breath of fresh air, all that's left to do is recharge your batteries at the Sothys spa, with its hammam, solarium, sauna, treatment rooms and indoor pool. And to recharge your batteries, head for the Craft restaurant and its delicious bistro cuisine or, for a more chic dinner, the Table du Nord and its gourmet menu.

• Double room from 165 euros, breakfast included
• 4 Route de Senlis 60500 Vineuil-Saint-Firmin. Tel: 03 65 36 12 34
• Further information on Le Grand Pavillon Chantilly

Loire Valley Forest: Loire Valley Lodges

Opening in 2020, Loire Valley Lodges is the brainchild of Anne-Caroline Frey, an art and nature enthusiast determined to combine her two passions. The 18 ultra-chic lodges nestling in the heart of a 300-hectare forest are a success... These perched cabins infuse a luminous, arty ambience with contemporary artworks, king-size beds and picture windows that give the impression of sleeping in the trees. No screens or wi-fi here, just a walkie-talkie to order room service or book a treatment. Unless you'd prefer to head for the old farmhouse with its swimming pool, bar-library or Ardent gourmet restaurant, led by chef Thomas Besnault. Ideal after a long walk through the undergrowth or a "forest bath", a rejuvenation session led by sylvopraticians and naturopaths.

• Double room from 435 euros, breakfast included
• 1 Allée de la Duporterie 37320 Esvres-sur Loire. Tel + 33 2 47 38 85 88
• Further information on Loire Valley Lodges

Forêt de Rambouillet: Le Barn

There's no need to introduce this ideal country house address, which has been a favorite since its inauguration in 2018 and continues to attract nature lovers. It's true that the place has everything to seduce: a dream location, in the heart of a 200-hectare stud farm backing onto the Rambouillet forest, and 69 rooms with sober, elegant decor (shaker-style furniture, Barbour fabric curtains and a terrace facing the undergrowth). The spirit of the restaurant is the same, with local produce and generous seasonal cuisine served on large wooden tables in the La Verrière restaurant. A stone's throw away, the old mill houses a sauna, hammam and treatment rooms, ideal for rejuvenating after a day of horseback riding in the forest or cycling on the Chevreuse Valley trails.

• Rooms from 204 euros, breakfast included.
• Le Moulin de Brétigny 78830 Bonnelles. Tel: 01 86 38 00 00
• Further information on Le Barn

Vosges du Nord forest: La Clairière

Nestled in the heart of the Vosges du Nord regional nature park, this address is all about well-being and nature. The proof is in the pudding, with a program of activities offering the chance to recharge your batteries (yoga, Qi Gong, sylvotherapy...), healthy, tasty cuisine and a spa with two pools, a sauna and treatment cabins. So many reasons to invite yourself into one of the 50 contemporary-style rooms, all of which offer beautiful views of the tall beech, alder and oak trees. An ideal prelude to the themed walks offered by the hotel: discovering wild plants, active walking, meditation in motion...

• Room from 182 euros, breakfast included
• 63 route d'Ingwiller 67290 La Petite Pierre. Tel: 03 88 71 75 00
• More information on La Clairière

Forêt des Landes: Les Échasses - Eco Lodge

A magical place, a stone's throw from Hossegor beach and in the heart of the Landes forest, in a 4h park refreshed by ponds. Committed to sustainable development, the hotel features 8 ecolodges set on the water, sumptuous contemporary cabins built on stilts, and a family gîte for up to 6 people. The Relais du Silence label is an invitation to let go and recharge your batteries. You can read your novel in the hammock facing the tall pines. Relax in the swimming pool, wood-fired Norwegian bath, sauna or massage room. Discover the permaculture vegetable garden and explore the forest on foot or horseback, unless you'd prefer to join the accrobranche course... Then head to the restaurant for a chic snack featuring the best hams and cheeses in the Basque Country.

• Room from 327 euros, breakfast included
• 701 Route de la Bruyère 40230 Saubion. Tel: 06 51 96 55 54
• More information on Les Échasses - Eco Lodge