![Chateux Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240766-scaled.jpg)
After a captivating visit to Paris, we ventured an hour west into the Normandy countryside to explore further and checked into Primard. Opting to drive, we found the journey easy, though taking a train is a feasible option with a pick-up service available from the station.
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France as many creeks](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240751-scaled.jpg)
![The bar at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240728-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France staircase](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240739-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240754-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240727-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240729-scaled.jpg)
![Make a reservation at the greenhouse at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240765-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240753-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France wisteria](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240757-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France gardens including deep purple tulips](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240763-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France gardens](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240743-scaled.jpg)
Set on a sprawling estate of over 40 hectares, Primard offered a chance to encounter sheep, Highland cows, donkeys, and abundant wildlife. The chateau is the heart of two dining experiences: the Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant, Les Chemins, and the newer, casual bistro, Martin. Both restaurants, a short stroll from the residence through charming gardens, share a kitchen and promise culinary surprises.
![The plant focused Michelin restaurant at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-les-chemins-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240723-scaled.jpg)
![Zucchini served at Les Chemins restaurant at Domain Primard in Normandy](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-les-chemins-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240696-scaled.jpg)
Our culinary adventure began with a plant-focused seven-course lunch at Les Chemins, where even the decor echoed the theme, with vegetables like leeks, beets, and onions artfully arranged in vases instead of traditional flowers. The menu subtly included fish, but the emphasis remained on the plants.
![Rooms at the Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240735-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France are designed simply](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240732-scaled.jpg)
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France offers plush sheep to children](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240734-scaled.jpg)
![bathtub at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240737-scaled.jpg)
Returning to our room, a sudden rainstorm provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing nap and a soothing bath in the large tub. The chateau’s rooms, decorated with understated elegance rather than flamboyant historical themes, offered calming colors and materials that enhanced the serene ambiance of our stay. Once the storm cleared, we donned complementary French boots and set out to explore the grounds.
![Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France is a child friendly hotel where anyone will feel welcome](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240745-scaled.jpg)
![boots at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France for clients to borrow](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240740-scaled.jpg)
![the gardens at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240742-scaled.jpg)
Our son delighted in running through the hedged pathways, discovering the various plants and animals. Primard proves ideal for both romantic escapes and family outings. It’s well-equipped for children, with amenities like bikes with baby seats and child-sized gear, and our son was particularly fond of the stuffed sheep gift presented upon our arrival, which he held all the way home.
The estate not only houses animals but also features expansive gardens and streams weaving throughout. Nearby, a barn spa promises relaxation, especially inviting during the summer when the gardens are lush with vegetables.
![Asparagus served at the Bistro at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240772-scaled.jpg)
![Pork chop served at the Bistro at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240776-scaled.jpg)
![Paris Bresse dessert served at the Bistro at Domain Primard Hotel in Normandy France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/domain-primard-lesdomainesdefontenille-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240781-scaled.jpg)
We had dinner at the new bistro Martin. We started our meal with a creamy asparagus soup and beautifully presented thick asparagus spears topped with edible flowers. For our main courses, we chose the pintade and one of the most succulent pork chops we’ve ever tasted. The pork was expertly cooked, accompanied by ribs and a rich, flavorful sauce that enhanced every bite.
![Claude Monet gardens and house in Giverny France](https://thetasteedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Claude-Monet-gardens-house-giverny-france-sarah-stanfield-thetasteedit-1240791-scaled.jpg)
Located just 30 minutes from Giverny, home to Monet’s famed gardens, Primard offers a compelling alternative. While Monet’s gardens are a draw, we found ourselves recommending a more relaxed stay at Primard and exploring the local area, including a must-visit boulangerie in town for fresh bread to enjoy on your journey home.
Note: Primard provided support for the reporting of this story.