Discover this hidden wellness retreat in France’s Basque countryside

“It really is like going back in time to a village of 490 people in the middle of the French countryside,” says Dona Aumann, speaking about Hastingues, a charming medieval town nestled in the heart of France’s Basque Country. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, the destination is ideal for nature lovers seeking enrichment and renewal.

A chance meeting with Thomas Piault, who’d been studying English in La Jolla, led Aumann, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway, to ultimately visit L’Ermitage Hastingues, a boutique wellness retreat owned and operated by Thomas’ mother, Agathe Piault.

Situated on a 13-acre estate, L’Ermitage Hastingues consists of an 1870 farmhouse, barn, and adjoining stables beside a stream. Agathe and her husband, François, both horse lovers, saw its potential, purchased the property in 2021, and decided to restore it together. The family joined in on the adventure, including Agathe’s sister, an interior designer who carefully sourced furniture and accessories from regional antiques dealers, her sister-in-law, a naturopath and micro-nutritionist who developed L’Ermitage Hastingues’ healing aspects, and her niece, who took on branding and communications.

“The second I arrived after a 45-minute drive from Biarritz Airport, I was transfixed by the serenity of the estate and the forever expanding views of the French countryside,” recalls Aumann. “To say that you step back in time is an understatement. My world stopped when I entered this magical setting with endless views and a retreat decorated tastefully with minimalist cotton and linen fabrics.”

Guests of L’Ermitage Hastingues are personally greeted by Agathe, who Aumann says treats everyone like royalty. “No request is too much, including a chef who caters to everyone’s dietary preferences, an on-call massage therapist, facialist, personal trainer, and yoga instructor. The private rooms are all unique in every way — are all ensuite and all have views,” she adds. The saltwater pool and adjoining spa add to the delight of the recently renovated multi-acre grounds, affording private areas for a morning walk or a location for meditation.

The 2,150-square-foot main house of the estate includes a beautiful living room overlooking an open fireplace. Nearby sits the cottage and annex, which opened its doors in March 2023 after two years of construction. The 6,150-square-foot cottage offers the French interpretation of high-end lodging and can accommodate up to 15 people. Designed as a place dedicated to moments of sharing, the destination allows for various types of stays including vacations with family and friends, private events or celebrations, business seminars, yoga and wellness retreats, and more.

“It is a location to change a perspective on life and to appreciate the supreme quiet and reverence of a hidden gem in a mystical environment,” says Aumann. “I still savor every minute I was there and can’t wait to return.”

For the visitor who truly falls in love with L’Ermitage Hastingues, there is also the unique opportunity to become its next owner. Three years in the making, and with her vision fully realized, Agathe recently made the decision to relocate to Biarritz to join her daughter there and will entertain offers on her beloved, one-of-a-kind wellness retreat in Southern France. 858.752.7531, daumann@bhhscal.com, ermitage-hastingues.com