The Landes department, just South of Gironde, is one of my favorite places for its less visited sites. Most people coming to Bordeaux run to Smith Haute Lafite and Caudelie for spa treatments and culinary delights. One place that has been on my personal list for ages is Les Pres de Eugenie, in Eugenie Les Bains.
Eugenie was the Spanish wife of Napoleon III, together they would transform the SW of France. Besides the beautiful palace in Biarritz and the Landes pine forest, a spa town was created about two hours SE of Bordeaux. Today it has one of the best spas with Sisley products, a Michelin restaurant, five star hotel and a charming village to walk around.
With so many options on site to enjoy lunch it was hard to decide! The three star Michelin Michel Guérard will be for another time, it was not the day for a luxury meal this time.
The restaurant we went to was the farm style, La Ferme des Grives, more rustic spot with classical dishes. It’s been a dream of mine for years to see this open fireplace and dining room. The plates were really visually pleasing and nice set of options for all courses.
You can find lighter, health focused fare at one of their other restaurants La Grande Cuisine Minceur.
I took a stroll around the village with its boutique antique store, tourism office, restaurants, and bakery. This is the perfect location for a couples retreat or a family break with older children. The Landes department is a fun place to get away from the crowds, explore a lesser seen part of France. Read more about Les Landes.
There is enough for a weekend but you’ll want to rent a car to explore the area surrounding if you’re here longer than a weekend spa retreat. Be sure to check the closures of the spa off season and book treatments in advance.
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