Domaine De Barive

We were there for just one night, so our experience was limited. The location was beautiful and the room was fine, but the place felt lifeless, as if there were hardly any guests. Service got the job done, though we felt like an inconvenience.

The outdoor hot tub was a lovely extra, and the pool was a nice size. We had a great stay, with helpful staff and lovely rooms. Would definitely come back.

The spa was clean and peaceful, and the massage left us feeling refreshed. We also really enjoyed the restaurant. The dishes were carefully prepared and presented, and the sommelier knew the wines well and paired them beautifully with our meal. From arrival, the welcome felt warm and professional. The staff were attentive, friendly, and caring throughout, which made it easy to relax. We had a fantastic stay and would love to return. The food, wine, service, and peaceful atmosphere made it a place we’d happily recommend.

The spa was nearly empty while we were there, so the pool, sauna, hot tubs, and massage facilities felt like they were ours. Massages were reasonably priced for the location and fine for a relaxing treatment, though probably not suited to anyone wanting deep tissue work. The bikes were available to borrow, and there are local cycling routes, but the bikes could use some maintenance. The resort sits in quiet countryside beside a working farm, yet the local town is only a 10 minute drive away, with a chemist, pizza place, and shop. Laon is about 30 minutes away and Reims about an hour. There was plenty of parking, including EV charging points. On arrival, the courtyard and grounds looked beautifully maintained, and the staff seemed to care about the property. Everyone we met was friendly and professional. They all spoke a little English, which was enough for us to communicate. We were upgraded to a Lux room. It was well equipped, and the swing chair was a fun surprise. Breakfast was continental, with high quality produce and even champagne. One morning we had to order, while the other mornings were buffet style, which we preferred. Dinner was excellent, both in taste and presentation, and the restaurant is clearly well regarded. The wine list is huge, though the wines by the glass and the champagne were good too. The restaurant closes on Mondays, but the room service menu still had plenty of choices. One small thing if you eat out on the garden decking at night, bring insect repellent. We got bitten a few times, but it was a small price to pay for a lovely dinner. We had an enjoyable stay, with good food, lots to do, and attractions nearby. We’ll be back.