At Les Prés d'Eugénie, Summer Begins With A Celebration Of France's Art Of Living
As luxury hospitality continues to evolve beyond accommodation and dining into fully immersive cultural experiences, the most memorable destinations are increasingly those that create a sense of place rather than simply a place to stay. On June 21, Les Prés d'Eugénie, the celebrated countryside retreat founded by culinary visionary Michel Guérard, will do precisely that as it opens its gardens for what promises to be one of the season's most anticipated gatherings.
Timed to coincide with France's annual Fête de la Musique, the event transforms the storied property into a living expression of conviviality, gastronomy, and culture—three pillars that have long defined the Guérard legacy.
Set in the heart of Eugénie-les-Bains, the summer celebration reflects a growing desire among travelers to seek destinations where experiences unfold organically. Rather than grand spectacle, the day embraces something increasingly rare in luxury hospitality: effortless elegance.
Under centuries-old trees and amid the golden light of a French summer evening, guests will gather for an open-air celebration that blends live music, thoughtful hospitality, and the relaxed rhythm of countryside living. It is a format that feels particularly relevant at a moment when travelers are prioritizing authenticity and emotional connection alongside luxury amenities.
Music serves as the centerpiece of the evening's programming. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Toulouse-based acoustic duo LOOMA will perform throughout the gardens, bringing together pop, rock, and soul influences through a stripped-back yet richly layered sound. Comprised of Eva Roger and Gregory Castanet, the pair have built a reputation for transforming intimate performances into communal experiences, utilizing vocal harmonies, looping techniques, and percussion to create a remarkably expansive atmosphere.
The performance underscores the broader significance of the Fête de la Musique, an annual celebration that has become one of France's most beloved cultural traditions since its inception in 1982. At Les Prés d'Eugénie, however, the occasion becomes something more personal—a reflection of the property's enduring commitment to bringing people together through shared experiences.
The event also marks the debut of a new cocktail program developed in collaboration with Jérémy Lauilhé, the acclaimed Meilleur Ouvrier de France bartender and a native of the Landes region. The collection introduces a seasonal perspective to the property's beverage offering, drawing inspiration from fruits, flowers, citrus, and spice.
Among the standout creations is L'Été sur le Bassin, which combines Lillet Blanc with apricot and jasmine notes, while Belle Créole layers rum with strawberry, rhubarb, coconut, and lime. Additional offerings such as Salammbô and La Païva bring brighter citrus profiles and deeper bergamot-driven flavors to the menu. Equally notable is the property's commitment to non-alcoholic hospitality, with a selection of sophisticated mocktails including Jardins Céladon, Le Fumoir, Rouge Assouan, and Saïgon, l'après-midi.
For guests looking to extend the experience, dining options will remain available throughout the day and evening, including the celebrated healthy menu at L'Orangerie, the property's Michelin-starred restaurant. The offering serves as a reminder of Michel Guérard's pioneering influence on modern French cuisine, particularly his role in redefining wellness-oriented gastronomy decades before it became a global movement.
Taken together, the event represents more than a seasonal gathering. It reflects the enduring appeal of destinations that understand luxury as a feeling rather than a formula. At Les Prés d'Eugénie, summer arrives not through excess, but through atmosphere—music drifting through gardens, cocktails crafted with intention, conversations that stretch into the evening, and a setting that encourages guests to slow down and savor the moment.
