At Domaine des Étangs, a 13th-century chateau nestled in the forest of France’s western village, Massignac, a collection of nearly 500 contemporary pieces, curated by entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder Garance Primat, is displayed within the castle walls and across the estate’s glades and gardens. With only a handful of suites, guests savor both the beauty of nature and the creative works it has nurtured in a quiet, intimate setting. Surrounded by the forest, they find space to reflect, wander, and breathe.

For humans, art is natural. Dating back to 100,000 B.C.E., the practice of artistic creation and expression predates the birth of human civilization between the Tigris and the Euphrates, as well as the written word. Over the past centimillennium, humans have channeled countless moments, feelings, and cultural movements into works of art—each a testament to the living, breathing spirit of our species and our world. And this is what you will find at Domaine des Étangs.

​But Domaine des Étangs is more than a destination—it’s a state of mind. Wander its footpaths, and you’ll find that time seems to loosen, unspooling at the pace of rustling leaves and shifting light. Sculptures rise from meadows like quiet apparitions; canvases glow against centuries-old walls; the lake mirrors the sky in an almost conspiratorial reflection. Here, art and nature interact in an endless, looping conversation,continuing on for years to come. 

The essence of Domaine des Étangs is distilled in the eponymously named book Le Domaine des Étangs, written by Laureline Amanieux, photographed by Charlotte de Rosnay and published by Albin Michel. Guests and fans of the Domaine des Étangs alike can now experience the atmosphere of the place itself, as the book gathers its artworks, legends, and landscapes into a singular, transportive experience. Coinciding with the book’s launch, we spoke with Primat about the impulses, intuitions, and earthly magic that continue to shape the Domaine—and the world it invites us to step into.

Domaine des Étangs dates back to the 13th century and has long been part of your family’s legacy. What does this book represent for the estate and its ongoing story?

This book is, above all, an act of transmission—a way of sharing the vision and values that have shaped Domaine des Étangs across generations. The estate is a living place where humans and nature exist in harmony, and where every stone and landscape reflects our belief that there is no greater creator than nature itself. 

Rooted in the present yet always oriented toward the future, the Domaine continues to evolve through openness and renewal. Through the lens of contemporary art, the book celebrates the ongoing dialogue between creativity, heritage, and the cycles of life. It is both a testament to the past and a living invitation to imagine what is yet to come.

You’ve often spoken about the connection between art and nature. How do Domaine des Étangs and this book bring that philosophy to life? 

At Domaine des Étangs, art and nature are inseparable. The estate functions as an open-air museum where each artwork is carefully positioned to create an immersive experience—inviting visitors to contemplate, to reconnect with nature, and ultimately, with their own inner nature. 

A stay at the Domaine is also an encounter with the elements—earth, water, air, fire, and aether — that have shaped the land for millennia. The presence of the meteorite that created the Rochechouart-Chassenon astroblème, beneath the foundations of the château, is a powerful reminder of our link to both the infinitely small and the infinitely large and that we are all made of stardust. It speaks to our place in the universe and highlights how essential it is to live in harmony with nature. Everything begins with Nature, and everything returns to it. The book reflects this philosophy by showing how art, science and nature together open a path toward a more balanced and meaningful way of living.

The estate houses close to 500 contemporary art pieces, many of which are featured in the book. How does this collection transform the atmosphere and experience of the space?

With nearly 500 artworks displayed across the estate, the collection brings a universal and universalist spirit to the Domaine. Each piece is positioned to encourage a sense of interconnectedness, reminding us that even when we feel separate, we are part of a living, interdependent whole.

Here, art speaks a universal language—one that touches the senses, suggests possibilities, and invites reflection. The collection also conveys a shared responsibility: we have all inherited this Earth, and caring for it belongs to all of us. This is the deeper message of the collection—to encourage stewardship, awareness, and connection far beyond the boundaries of the Domaine. In doing so, art transforms the atmosphere into one of dialogue, openness and a renewed appreciation of the bonds that unite us.

You’ve said that beauty is something meant to be shared. What do you hope readers or visitors take away from this book?

Art and nature are universal languages that speak directly to our sensitivity and imagination. Through this book and this collection, my hope is to reach the hearts and souls of readers and visitors—opening pathways to new ideas, new feelings, and new possibilities. 

Sharing beauty is an invitation to contemplate different futures. In the present moment, we are already shaping what comes next, and the collection stands as a living expression of these futures unfolding. I hope the book inspires everyone to dream, to reconnect with what unites us, and to imagine a world guided by harmony, creativity, and care for our shared heritage. Dreaming is already creating.

You’ve described Domaine des Étangs as a place for passion and creativity. Where do you personally find your own sources of inspiration?

My inspiration comes from the living world. Like the dragonfly, which needs all the elements to thrive, I try to evolve in harmony with nature and with the spectacle of life around me. A sunset, the flight of birds, bees at work—these moments are as inspiring as any artwork.

Domaine des Étangs is a place where nature is free to reclaim its rhythm. In this constant dialogue with the elements, I find balance, renewal, and an endless source of creative energy. Each day here offers a new lesson in beauty, resilience, and the art of living.

You visited the château often as a child. What is one of your fondest memories from those early visits?

Some of my fondest memories include sharing long family meals, baking cakes in the kitchen with one of my brothers, caring for the farm animals, and cultivating vegetables in the garden. Domaine des Étangs has always been a place for children as much as for adults—a place where curiosity is nurtured, and where art is present everywhere, accessible to all. To live is to pass on.