Instants d'Absolu Ecolodge
Rustic-chic biophilic design meets African lodge aesthetics. Hardwood and bamboo floors, earthy plant-dye color palettes from local botanicals (mugwort, beech, Scots pine), alpaca throws, tree-trunk bedside tables. Deliberate digital detox architecture — no in-room phones or internet. The word 'silence' is used on the website as a design element, not a marketing cliché.
Book 45+ days in advance for an automatic 15% discount on your stay
Why It Matters
The only hotel on Lac du Pêcher, one of France's least-developed volcanic highland lakes. Pioneering a 'living biophilic design' concept with interior wall colorings made from local dyeing plants — reportedly a first in French interior design. Featured in Elle, Madame Figaro, Travel + Leisure, L'Express, and GEO. Also a Michelin Guide listed property and Tablet Hotels member. The 'thala-source®' wellness bath — an outdoor pool with underwater sound waves, chromotherapy and lake views — is built specifically for this ecolodge.
A 300-year-old former Templar farmhouse converted into a 12-room ecolodge on the shores of Lac du Pêcher, deep inside the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne. It is the only building of any kind on the lake — not counting the bird observatory across the water. No screens, no in-room Wi-Fi, no neighbors. Just silence, volcanic highland views, a lakefront restaurant serving daily-changing surprise menus, and a custom-built Boreal Spa with underwater sound waves and chromotherapy. Owners Laurence Costa and Daniel Siegel were inspired by African lodges: the idea is comfort and authenticity in absolute nowhere.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Bedroom with XXL View & Private Terrace
From EUR498 / nightThe stand-out room category for those who want direct lake immersion. A large private terrace cantilevered over the water makes this the most coveted spot in the property — particularly the 'Guetteur de Lune' (Moon Watcher) variant with its open-air terrace for stargazing or watching the dawn over the lake. Includes dinner, breakfast, and 90-minute Boreal Spa access. Half-board pricing.
King
Escape Bedroom
From EUR275 / nightThe entry-level room, and deliberately so. Lake or forest views (depending on unit), a comfortable king-size bed with pillowtop mattress, writing table, and sitting area with kettle. Called 'happy sobriety' by the owners — nothing superfluous, but well made. Booked with breakfast and Boreal Spa access (60 minutes/day in small groups). Dinner available on request and subject to availability. Also offered as a single-night 'Wellness Escape' (with 30-min massage per person) or 'Wilderness Escape' (with a guided outing).
King
Junior Suite Inspired by Nature
From EUR448 / nightA larger suite where the interior walls are literally colored with local plant dyes — mugwort, birch, juniper, beech, Scots pine — in a technique developed by designer Virginie Lagerbe (winner of the Talents du Luxe et de la Création award in the Innovation category). Spacious enough for yoga practice (mats on request). Booked with dinner, breakfast and 90-minute Boreal Spa access included. The 'Soleil Couchant' (Sunset) variant connects to the Sun with Fire energy themes.
King · 35 sqm
On the Slopes of the Volcanos – Suite
From EUR498 / nightThe top suite category, positioned to face the volcanic landscape. African lodge-inspired aesthetic with the same rough-luxe materials found throughout the property — virgin wool, alpaca, leather accents, pinewood furniture. Dinner, breakfast, and 90-minute Boreal Spa access included. Priced identically to the XXL View room but with more square footage and a distinct volcano-facing orientation.
King
Private Home (Full Property Privatization)
From EUR3,300 / nightThe entire ecolodge can be privatized for groups of 4 to 16 guests across up to 10 rooms. Concierge service included; chef available on request. Ideal for family reunions, corporate retreats, or the 'Cantal Grand Spectacle' signature immersive journey. Priced in B&B format with additional services negotiated separately. Rates vary significantly by season.
VariousThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A fully private, tailor-made immersive journey through the Cantal volcanic highlands for groups of 4–12 guests. Combines exclusive accommodation, guided nature experiences, and gourmet meals. Bookable through a dedicated sub-site.
Winter outings with sled dogs across the snowy Cézallier plateau. A winter-specific activity, weather and conditions permitting.
A contemplative outdoor wellness circuit designed to reconnect guests with nature through mindful movement and sensory engagement.
Fly fishing on the lake is referenced in local tourism listings. Must be organized in advance.
A signature and genuinely singular experience: walking with migrating wild geese and other birds in the Cézallier highlands. Available April through October. Described by the lodge as 'once-in-a-lifetime'.
Guided hikes through the Pinatelle forest and volcanic landscape led by the owners or local guides. Naturalist interpretation of the territory's peat bogs, wildlife, and geological history.
A self-guided interpretive trail around the property with signage explaining the local ecology, geology, and wildlife.
Horseback riding excursions through the volcanic highlands. Organized on request.
Guided evening astronomy sessions. The zero light pollution at Lac du Pêcher makes this one of the better spots for stargazing in central France.
Rail bike excursion organized by the lodge on the local disused railway lines of Cantal.
Self-guided walks along marked trails around Lac du Pêcher and through the Pinatelle forest, peat bogs, and volcanic peaks. Trail maps provided by the lodge.
Yoga sessions with instructors (yoga mats available on request in suites large enough for practice). Also referenced as part of wellness retreat packages.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A meeting room available for corporate retreats and leadership offsites.
Wi-Fi available only in the communal lounge. In-room internet is deliberately absent as part of the digital detox philosophy.
The property is fed by its own spring, supplying both the Spa and restaurant. Still spring water available at table; sparkling water carbonated on-site.
On-site kitchen garden and Myfood greenhouse supply the restaurant. Guests can visit and connect with the garden as part of the 'living world' philosophy.
Pets are strictly not allowed on the property in order to protect the surrounding wildlife and nature reserve.
Electric vehicle charging available on site, per the regional tourism listing.
Access to the Boreal Spa (60–90 min/day depending on room type) included in all room rates. Includes thala-source® outdoor pool, sauna, barrel steam room, and meditation area.
There is no conventional swimming pool. The outdoor thala-source® is a therapeutic hydrotherapy bath, not a lap or leisure pool.
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