Guests are sure to fall in love with the enchanting views at L'Esplanade, a lovely boutique hotel nestled in the walled medieval commune of Domme. Like much of the town's buildings, the hotel is set in a medieval stonework home, creating a rustic yet endearing country vibe. The terrace restaurant is a big hit with locals and tourists, as it lets them savor delightful French cuisine while admiring the scenery of Dordogne's valleys and hills. Culture and history enthusiasts will enjoy strolling about the town, enthralled by the medieval atmosphere. Another big plus is that guests can also bring along their four-legged family members to enjoy the verdant beauty of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, as L'Esplanade warmly welcomes pets.
Although L'Esplanade is a beloved establishment in Domme, the history of this clifftop country house is mostly a mystery. The owners Sophie and Pascal Bouland instead focus on the present, providing guests with a quality hospitality experience worth remembering. Sophie takes charge of the hotel part of the establishment, ensuring the rooms and suites are well-maintained and well-kept. Chef Pascal, on the other hand, masterfully handles the affairs at the kitchen and restaurant, crafting menus and dishes that bring out the best of Dordogne Valley's flavors.
Design and Architecture
L'Esplanade is very much a modern hotel, but that doesn't mean the owners have forsaken the property's historic charms. Alongside stylish contemporary furniture and fixtures are their antique counterparts. Certain rooms of the hotel have preserved the old wooden beams and timbers. Certain areas of the hotel also gleam with old-timey vibes, such as the lobby and entrance archway.
Restaurant
Bar
Terrace
Family rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Bar
Terrace
Family rooms
Air conditioning
Breakfast in the room
Wine/champagne
Bar
Breakfast in the room
Wine/champagne
Bar
Pets allowed
Pets allowed
Sun terrace
Outdoor furniture
Sun terrace
Outdoor furniture
Non-smoking rooms
Pets allowed
Non-smoking rooms
Pets allowed
Internet services
Internet services
Hiking
Walking tours
Hiking
Walking tours
WiFi
Free WiFi
Internet services
WiFi
Free WiFi
Internet services
Concierge service
Daily housekeeping
Concierge service
Daily housekeeping
Board games/puzzles
Board games/puzzles
First aid kit available
First aid kit available
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Cashless payment available
Physical distancing rules followed
Invoice provided
Invoice provided
Your dining adventures at L'Esplanade will be in good hands with Chef Pascal Bouland in charge. In his own words, he puts in his whole heart, passion, and knowledge to bring out the finest flavors of the ingredients he uses. You won't be bored with classic French dishes as he will provide fascinating new twists to them. Exquisite seasonal fares also become items not to miss out on.
Opening hours: 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm (lunch), 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm (dinner); Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
The lounge at L'Esplanade is available for privatization and can be tailored for specific types of celebrations such as birthdays and baptisms. While it is not outright stated, it's worth contacting the management if the hotel can also host your intimate wedding reception. Chef Bouland can even work on a special personalized menu for your event.
Reservation requests can be made through the hotel's website.
Cultural Experiences
Being a walled medieval town, Domme itself can be considered a heritage site. Visitors can spend their days roaming the town's streets and alleys, trying out local delicacies and drinks at the taverns and cafes. You can even play a little game of trying to take a selfie at the town's medieval gates. If you'd like to see more castles, the whole region is filled with the remnants of centuries-old fortifications. Among the biggest draws in the province are Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Castle and Château de Beynac, both of which have been restored and continuously maintained.
Other Celebrations
Small events can be held at the hotel's lounge through privatization. If you're planning an affair at a much smaller scale, such as a romantic dinner for two, you can instead check with the management and see if they can address your needs.
Fortified castle from the 13th century with a museum and reconstructed armaments and siege machines (16-minute drive)
Defensive medieval castle built atop the cliffs of Beynac-et-Cazenac (19-minute drive)
Local museum depicting daily life in 18th-century Domme (1-minute walk)
The nearest airport to L'Esplanade is Brive-Souillac Airport (BVE), 55 minutes from the hotel by car.
The nearest railway to L'Esplanade is Sarlat Station, 16 minutes away by car.