This is part of a series about our stay at Domaine des Etangs.  Make sure to read the overview (and view the video tour) and then follow along for more information about the accommodation, the food, the activities and the suitability for families.

If you have children older than five, then Domaine des Etangs is really lovely for families.  I say above five because the lakes all around make it a bit of a safety hazard for toddlers, unless you keep an eye on them at all times.

They are generally very welcoming for families but here are all the details you need to know.

Rooms and food

• Rooms: most of the rooms in the castle are big enough to have an extra bed or cot. I saw several families having a room there.
  You can also rent one of the cottages which will definitely be OK for families with children of any age. Great to go with a group of friends too. See my post on the accommodation for more details.
• Food: the gastronomic restaurant has a menu for children which I saw other children really enjoy. It’s soup and vegetables for starters, then a nice chicken or pasta dish and you can’t go wrong with the chocolate fondant or ice cream for desert.
  Outside of the restaurant, though, there are no food options or room service. So unless you are in the cottage and cook your own food, it’ll be a bit of a challenge for young ones.

How to keep the kids occupied

• Pool time: the “thermes” in the lower ground are only open to the residents of the castle and to older children. Babies and toddlers wouldn’t be allowed. Similarly the outdoor pool only accepts children from the age of 7. For those above 7, the good news is that there are absolutely no limitation of time. The pool is heated.
• Playground: there is a fantastic playground where even adults can have fun. I tried the trampoline and the zip wire and I could have played table tennis or the giant chess game too!

Children will love the wooden houses, the swings and all other playground equipment.

• Games room: teenagers will probably hide themselves in the massive (yes, another massive room) games loft; There are a variety of games, areas to lounge, big TVs etc…
• Outdoor games: you can use the croquet equipment in the pigeon house and of course you can run all around the grounds.
• Bikes: as mentioned in the activities post, the bikes are easy to pick up from the conservatory. There are helmets and baby seats that you can borrow too. Each cottage comes with its own set of bikes as well.
• Library: finally, if you have forgotten to take books, make sure to check the library where they have a full collection of famous cartoons; Most of them are in French though so do ask for English books.

And a very special room and treatment at the spa

There is something in the Mill (the treatment area) which I have never seen before. A room where treatments can be given jointly to the parents and one child.

They told me that this can either be baby massage, which they then show each parent how to do, or a mini treatment from the age of 5. There are various options such as just doing the back, the top of the chest, the face for 30 or 45 minutes. The room itself is absolutely stunning housing the old mill machines, a shower and a bar area!

As you can see, there is enough to keep all the family busy.   Do you have any questions about family holidays at the Domaine des Etangs? Post them in the comments below.

This is part of a series about our stay at Domaine des Etangs.  Make sure to read the overview (and view the video tour) and then follow along for more information about the accommodation, the food, the activities and the suitability for families.