In the enchanted woods of Esvres, nestled deep in the Loire Valley of central France, there’s a hidden culinary gem where nature, fire, and fine dining come together in an unforgettable harmony. Welcome to Ardent, the gastronomic jewel of the Loire Valley Lodges, and the creative playground of visionary chef Thomas Besnault.
Imagine waking up in a designer treehouse surrounded by centuries-old pine trees. Birds chirp, fresh air floods your private terrace, and you sip coffee as mist rises through the woods. The Loire Valley Lodges is not just a hotel—it’s a sanctuary of contemporary art, luxurious calm, and immersive nature. Each guest lodge is an architectural and artistic marvel, equipped with panoramic views, outdoor bathtubs, and tranquil isolation.
But it’s what happens in the heart of the property—at Ardent—that turns your stay into an epicurean memory.
A rising star in the French culinary scene, he crafts his dishes using ingredients sourced just meters from his kitchen. An “aromatic courtyard” overflows with fresh thyme, coriander, basil, berries, and edible flowers. Just beyond, a sprawling 5,000-square-meter permaculture garden yields apples, ancient squash varieties, cabbages, and more—nurtured without chemicals and in sync with the natural rhythms of the land.
And then there’s the fire. Almost everything in Ardent’s kitchen is kissed by flame—grilled, smoked, charred, or roasted over embers. Chef Besnault channels primal techniques with modern artistry, offering a cuisine that is both elemental and elegant.
One evening, you might savor wild venison with roasted elderberries and forest mushrooms. Another, beetroot smoked with pine needles, served with foraged herbs and ash butter. Each dish is seasonal, sensory, and storytelling. Even the cocktails are infused with ingredients from the estate—raspberry thyme gin, perhaps, or a woodland negroni.
Dining at Ardent is a slow, immersive journey. It’s about reconnecting with nature through the senses—while seated in soft candlelight, surrounded by trees and art, and cared for with refined, personal service.
For luxury travelers seeking more than just a destination—those who crave authenticity, intimacy, and wonder—this is a journey worth planning. At Decouvertes DMC France, we curate one-of-a-kind stays for the discerning traveler: private lodge buyouts, exclusive culinary masterclasses with Chef Besnault, foraging tours in the Esvres forest, and curated wine pairings with the region’s finest biodynamic vineyards.
This is not just another dinner. It is a celebration of land, fire, art, and the bold creativity of one chef who dares to bring the forest into fine dining.
Contact to design your tailor-made Loire Valley experience.