La Petite Couronne is a tranquil eco-hotel born from the dream of Iwan and Nancy van Es, who left the Netherlands in 2008 to create a wooden retreat in the rolling Landes Chalosse countryside. Surrounded by meadows and oak forests, this 3-star ecolodge invites guests to slow down and breathe easy. Sustainability is at the heart of its mission: the hotel earned the prestigious European Ecolabel in 2010, guaranteeing an eco-friendly stay. Every detail reflects a respect for nature – from the building’s timber construction and energy-efficient design to its solar panels that heat the water. Inside the ten spacious loft-style rooms (each with a balcony or terrace), natural materials like bamboo-fiber linens and soy foam mattresses ensure comfort with a green touch. The property’s Cabane des Canards lodge is a gem of sustainability: partially off-grid with its own solar panels and furnished entirely with local products. Guests wake to birdsong and views of pastoral hills, then enjoy organic breakfasts featuring eggs from the farm and produce from the hotel’s own vegetable garden. Days here are filled with simple joys – a dip in the solar-heated pool, a bike ride on country lanes, or a soak in the wood-fired “Dutchtub” spa under the stars. La Petite Couronne’s hospitality is warm and personal, with the owners often sharing local tips or arranging nature experiences. Committed to low-impact living, the hotel uses rainwater harvesting and low-energy lighting, minimizes waste, and provides an EV charging station for guests. This little crown jewel of green hospitality proves that elegance and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. As one guest noted, you quickly “feel at home” in the peaceful atmosphere the van Es family has created. La Petite Couronne is more than a hotel – it’s a heartfelt invitation to enjoy the authentic, eco-conscious France of the south-west.