Domaine de la Dombes: A unique getaway amidst fauna and flora

Today’s modern world is increasingly defined by two things: near-constant technology use, and ‘busyness’. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called stress ‘a worldwide epidemic’, and figures from the global Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that 72 per cent of Europeans now live in ever-busier urban areas. Little wonder, then, that places such as Domaine de la Dombes, in the Ain, France (one hour’s drive from both Lyon and Geneva) continue to thrive.

The vast, picturesque Domaine offers 35 cabins, of which no two designs are the same. Some float on water, others are tucked among the treetops, and yet more still are hidden within the animal park itself, offering a magical retreat for groups of two to six people. “People who live in cities are so happy to come here,” says director Thomas Raquin. “They leave their cars and their devices, and explore.”

The more luxurious lodges have both electricity and water, but visitors can opt for a cabin with neither, for that real sense of adventure (proper bathrooms are but a short walk away). “People want a real experience,” Raquin says. “Often, they may spend one night in a floating cabin, and the next in the animal park. It’s a really original way to sleep.” Guests can also choose from on-site activities such as treetop rope courses, ziplining across the lake, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, mini golf and even a private Jacuzzi. Everything is available to hire or buy on-site, including food, drink, bikes and fishing rods.

A menagerie of wild deer, boar, donkeys, chickens, ducks and rabbits roam the parks, and although there are timed public feeds everyday – at which guests may ask questions – the animals are free to roam their huge enclosures. “The animals are used to people,” says Raquin. “But we are far from a traditional zoo where the animals are cooped up and going crazy.” The Domaine is also careful to be as ecologically-friendly as possible, and has recycling points, composting toilets and solar panels. Even the huge 3,000-square-metre bathing lake is cleaned using sand.

Overall, Domaine de la Dombes’ mission is to offer a rare, but increasingly necessary, natural escape from the frenzied pace of modern life. “We want our guests to leave their busy lives behind and disconnect,” says Raquin. “People told us that outdoor cabins would be just a phase, but they just get more and more popular.”

domainedeladombes.com