A successful revival in the Périgord Noir at Château de Maraval
Suivez Planète Déco sur Google — ajoutez-nous à vos favoris pour retrouver nos articles déco dans votre fil d'actualitésDiscover the design of Château de Maraval, a 4-star hotel in the Périgord Noir. Themed rooms, a spa in the French countryside
Château de Maraval is emerging from a long slumber in Cénac-et-Saint-Julien, in the Dordogne. Built in 1476 by Jehan Aymar, this château in the Périgord Noir has endured five centuries without losing its character. The Kounie Group has just transformed it into a four-star hotel with a spa. The estate is located just a few minutes from Sarlat and Domme, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” It opens onto an ancient forest where time seems to have stood still...
You approach the château via a driveway lined with linden trees and flowering oleanders. Two light-colored stone turrets topped with slate frame the façade and set the tone for your stay. Here, the decor tells a family story rather than serving as mere hotel decor. Each room blends ancient stone, gilded brass, and rich velvet. The result is harmonious and comfortable.
Before becoming a hotel, Maraval was a convent for Trappist nuns in the late 19th century. The nuns made chestnut chocolate there to support their community. The estate’s name, in fact, comes from a local variety of chestnut tree. An old outbuilding associated with this activity is now called the Commanderie.
The Kounie Group chose not to erase this history when renovating the property. Instead, it drew inspiration from the world of the Roaring Twenties. Joséphine Baker, who lived in the Dordogne, is commemorated in several areas of the château. Her flamboyant energy informs the choice of colors and materials.
The reception area opens onto a bar clad in golden brass strips arranged in vertical waves. A monogram is inscribed in cursive in the center, like a signature. Above the counter, a long chandelier with glass bubbles casts a warm light. Stemmed glasses suspended in a gilded rack complete this chic bar setting.
Two immense antique paintings, reminiscent of 17th-century Flemish art, frame the door to the concierge’s office. This blend of historic heritage and contemporary brass works remarkably well.
The adjoining living room features duck-blue velvet, used for upholstered benches and deep armchairs. Round side tables rimmed with brass invite you to linger. A contemporary fireplace warms the atmosphere.
On the adjacent wall, a gilded metal wall sculpture evokes stylized foliage. The deep blue, gold, and gray tones are perfectly balanced. On the walls, contemporary abstract paintings complement the patinated metal sculptures. A small fireplace with a suspended hearth casts an amber glow.
Each of the château’s six rooms has its own name and identity. The Flamenco bedroom evokes Andalusian elegance through its deep reds and scarlet leather armchair. Klimt is the name of the second bedroom, which pays homage to the Viennese painter with a golden “Kiss” hanging above the bed. The Dior bedroom evokes haute couture, while the Zen bedroom focuses on simplicity and tranquility. The Ethnic bedroom features an array of warm textures and motifs from around the world. Finally, the Joséphine bedroom rounds out this collection with a direct homage to the Roaring Twenties and Joséphine Baker.
The Maraval and Commanderie suites are huge. This themed-room approach avoids the uniformity that plagues so many renovated establishments. Upholstered headboards, brass reading lamps, and velvet cushions recur from one room to the next. This subtle common thread unifies worlds that are otherwise very different from one another.
The bathrooms deserve special mention in this château. One of them is entirely clad in pearlescent mosaic, from floor to curved ceiling. A white freestanding bathtub takes center stage, surrounded by towels embroidered with a subtle gold monogram.
Under the eaves, another bathroom blends veined marble with century-old exposed beams. A skylight brings in natural light directly above the bathtub. This interplay between rough stone and polished marble perfectly captures the spirit of the place. Here, luxury is expressed through the selection of fine materials rather than through ostentation.
Right next to the château, the Kounie Group is renovating a former farmhouse into an event venue. This new venue, named Domaine de Chloé, has preserved the original stonework and spatial layout of the farm building. The architects have added contemporary elements without compromising its rustic character.
An island set amidst the water will host the most romantic secular ceremonies. The site can accommodate up to two hundred fifty guests in a flexible setting. Three seminar rooms and a spacious outdoor patio round out this event offering. This expansion cleverly extends the decorative identity established by the neighboring château.
Château de Maraval enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the Périgord Noir. Sarlat, with its historic center and market, is just fifteen minutes away. Domme overlooks the Dordogne Valley a few kilometers away. The Lascaux Caves and the gardens of Eyrignac round out this exceptional region.
Hot-air balloon rides even allow you to fly over the region at sunrise. This proximity to a designated heritage site directly informs the château’s design choices. The local stone, color palette, and selected materials harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Producers of walnuts, foie gras, and Bergerac wine round out this immersive Périgord experience. A stay at Maraval thus becomes the starting point for a culinary and cultural exploration.
Staying at Maraval also means getting a firsthand feel for a chapter of French history. The château bears the mark of families that have lived there since the 15th century. It has weathered wars, regimes, and changing fashions without losing its rural identity. This continuity mirrors that of many châteaux in the Périgord, the discreet guardians of the nation’s heritage.
The Kounie Group, a family-owned business based in the Hérault region, proudly embraces this regional connection. Its renovation of Maraval is part of a broader movement to revitalize French heritage. This movement breathes new life into forgotten estates rather than turning them into static museums. France is home to thousands of châteaux, and few have undergone such a cohesive transformation.
Maraval’s success lies in a rare balance between respect for the past and a contemporary vision. Here, every bedroom, every living room, and every bathroom serves a specific purpose. The spirit of the Roaring Twenties, embodied by Josephine Baker, provides the backbone of the entire project. The result is captivating without ever veering into excess or pastiche. Maraval proves that a château in the Périgord can reinvent itself without betraying its soul.
Château de Maraval opens its doors with six guest rooms and two intimate suites. A private spa, featuring a hammam, jacuzzi, and outdoor sauna, rounds out this wellness retreat. Shiatsu and Thai massages are offered on the floor in a deliberately subdued atmosphere. Combining fine dining, nature, and meticulous decor, this château marks a successful return to the Périgord scene. To stay at Château de Maraval and experience life in a château in a stunning setting, click this link!
You approach the château via a driveway lined with linden trees and flowering oleanders. Two light-colored stone turrets topped with slate frame the façade and set the tone for your stay. Here, the decor tells a family story rather than serving as mere hotel decor. Each room blends ancient stone, gilded brass, and rich velvet. The result is harmonious and comfortable.
From trappist nuns to the roaring twenties
Before becoming a hotel, Maraval was a convent for Trappist nuns in the late 19th century. The nuns made chestnut chocolate there to support their community. The estate’s name, in fact, comes from a local variety of chestnut tree. An old outbuilding associated with this activity is now called the Commanderie.
The Kounie Group chose not to erase this history when renovating the property. Instead, it drew inspiration from the world of the Roaring Twenties. Joséphine Baker, who lived in the Dordogne, is commemorated in several areas of the château. Her flamboyant energy informs the choice of colors and materials.
A bar clad in brass and vintage fabrics
The reception area opens onto a bar clad in golden brass strips arranged in vertical waves. A monogram is inscribed in cursive in the center, like a signature. Above the counter, a long chandelier with glass bubbles casts a warm light. Stemmed glasses suspended in a gilded rack complete this chic bar setting.
Two immense antique paintings, reminiscent of 17th-century Flemish art, frame the door to the concierge’s office. This blend of historic heritage and contemporary brass works remarkably well.
The living room, duck-blue velvet and a chess set
The adjoining living room features duck-blue velvet, used for upholstered benches and deep armchairs. Round side tables rimmed with brass invite you to linger. A contemporary fireplace warms the atmosphere.
On the adjacent wall, a gilded metal wall sculpture evokes stylized foliage. The deep blue, gold, and gray tones are perfectly balanced. On the walls, contemporary abstract paintings complement the patinated metal sculptures. A small fireplace with a suspended hearth casts an amber glow.
Each room tells a story of a journey
Each of the château’s six rooms has its own name and identity. The Flamenco bedroom evokes Andalusian elegance through its deep reds and scarlet leather armchair. Klimt is the name of the second bedroom, which pays homage to the Viennese painter with a golden “Kiss” hanging above the bed. The Dior bedroom evokes haute couture, while the Zen bedroom focuses on simplicity and tranquility. The Ethnic bedroom features an array of warm textures and motifs from around the world. Finally, the Joséphine bedroom rounds out this collection with a direct homage to the Roaring Twenties and Joséphine Baker.
The Maraval and Commanderie suites are huge. This themed-room approach avoids the uniformity that plagues so many renovated establishments. Upholstered headboards, brass reading lamps, and velvet cushions recur from one room to the next. This subtle common thread unifies worlds that are otherwise very different from one another.
Bathrooms designed as spaces for relaxation
The bathrooms deserve special mention in this château. One of them is entirely clad in pearlescent mosaic, from floor to curved ceiling. A white freestanding bathtub takes center stage, surrounded by towels embroidered with a subtle gold monogram.
Under the eaves, another bathroom blends veined marble with century-old exposed beams. A skylight brings in natural light directly above the bathtub. This interplay between rough stone and polished marble perfectly captures the spirit of the place. Here, luxury is expressed through the selection of fine materials rather than through ostentation.
The Domaine de Chloé, an extension designed for special occasions
Right next to the château, the Kounie Group is renovating a former farmhouse into an event venue. This new venue, named Domaine de Chloé, has preserved the original stonework and spatial layout of the farm building. The architects have added contemporary elements without compromising its rustic character.
An island set amidst the water will host the most romantic secular ceremonies. The site can accommodate up to two hundred fifty guests in a flexible setting. Three seminar rooms and a spacious outdoor patio round out this event offering. This expansion cleverly extends the decorative identity established by the neighboring château.
The Périgord Noir, a region that inspires every detail
Château de Maraval enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the Périgord Noir. Sarlat, with its historic center and market, is just fifteen minutes away. Domme overlooks the Dordogne Valley a few kilometers away. The Lascaux Caves and the gardens of Eyrignac round out this exceptional region.
Hot-air balloon rides even allow you to fly over the region at sunrise. This proximity to a designated heritage site directly informs the château’s design choices. The local stone, color palette, and selected materials harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Producers of walnuts, foie gras, and Bergerac wine round out this immersive Périgord experience. A stay at Maraval thus becomes the starting point for a culinary and cultural exploration.
A strong connection to French heritage
Staying at Maraval also means getting a firsthand feel for a chapter of French history. The château bears the mark of families that have lived there since the 15th century. It has weathered wars, regimes, and changing fashions without losing its rural identity. This continuity mirrors that of many châteaux in the Périgord, the discreet guardians of the nation’s heritage.
The Kounie Group, a family-owned business based in the Hérault region, proudly embraces this regional connection. Its renovation of Maraval is part of a broader movement to revitalize French heritage. This movement breathes new life into forgotten estates rather than turning them into static museums. France is home to thousands of châteaux, and few have undergone such a cohesive transformation.
Our take on this interior design
Maraval’s success lies in a rare balance between respect for the past and a contemporary vision. Here, every bedroom, every living room, and every bathroom serves a specific purpose. The spirit of the Roaring Twenties, embodied by Josephine Baker, provides the backbone of the entire project. The result is captivating without ever veering into excess or pastiche. Maraval proves that a château in the Périgord can reinvent itself without betraying its soul.
A new chapter for the estate
Château de Maraval opens its doors with six guest rooms and two intimate suites. A private spa, featuring a hammam, jacuzzi, and outdoor sauna, rounds out this wellness retreat. Shiatsu and Thai massages are offered on the floor in a deliberately subdued atmosphere. Combining fine dining, nature, and meticulous decor, this château marks a successful return to the Périgord scene. To stay at Château de Maraval and experience life in a château in a stunning setting, click this link!
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