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Bretesche vegetable garden : Permaculture and Ecology

Bretesche vegetable garden : Permaculture and Ecology

Categories : Domaine's Life, published on : 6/5/24

Permaculture, a cultivation method inspired by nature, has become a fundamental pillar of sustainable agriculture. By prioritizing environmentally friendly practices and promoting biodiversity, permaculture offers a sustainable and productive solution for food cultivation. At Domaine de la Bretesche, we have integrated this philosophy into the heart of our vegetable garden, thus offering our guests fresh and flavorful products while honoring our commitment to nature.

What is Permaculture?

Permaculture is much more than just an agricultural method; it's a way of life. It is based on three ethical principles: caring for the earth, caring for people, and fair sharing of resources. Permaculture employs techniques that mimic natural ecosystems, thus creating sustainable, resilient, and self-sufficient agricultural systems. These practices include the use of companion planting, water resource management, and the integration of local wildlife to maintain ecological balance.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN OF DOMAINE DE LA BRETESCHE

In 2019, Domaine de la Bretesche inaugurated an ornamental vegetable garden cultivated according to the principles of permaculture. On initially untouched land of nearly 2 hectares, we created a space where about sixty fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs are grown to supply our restaurants. These fresh and varied products enrich the menus of our two restaurants, inspiring our Chef daily throughout the seasons.

This ambitious project is part of a sustainable development approach, requiring careful consideration with specialists to ensure respect for the land, water, insects, and particularly bees. Production continues to grow, and this year, the vegetable garden will open its doors to hotel guests, offering them the opportunity to stroll through the aisles and discover the 10,000 ornamental plantings. This garden, embellished with numerous perennial plants and flowers, also allows visitors to find these beautiful flowers in bouquets at the hotel.

Permaculture: More Than Just Cultivation...

permaculture

It is the art of cultivating the land while maintaining its natural fertility while considering the biodiversity of ecosystems. It is a sustainable agricultural production, energy-efficient (water, electricity...) and respectful of living beings (humans, animals). Permaculture is work done according to natural cycles, which have a significant influence on harvests. The water feature set up in the heart of the vegetable garden collects rainwater, and numerous basins scattered among the crops attract pollinating insects.

What comes from the earth returns to the earth: organic waste from the kitchen is reused in the garden to fertilize the soil. Fallen leaves from trees are used to nourish and retain soil moisture. All of this contributes to soil regeneration. We have also provided the restaurants in Missillac with a compost bin. This way, they can come and deposit their waste after their service. Our gardener, Gonzalo, only uses natural products (bicarbonate, ashes, manure...) because in the garden, everything is useful, nothing is wasted.

Gonzalo, a True Permaculture Globetrotter

Gonzalo

Domaine de la Bretesche entrusted its vegetable garden to a permaculture enthusiast. At 54, Gonzalo, originally from Ecuador, brings his expertise in permaculture to the estate. With experience from around the world, Gonzalo has worked for many years in fruit farming, animal husbandry, and beekeeping. He also draws inspiration from the research and literature of permaculture pioneer Masanobu Fukuoka, originally from Japan.

The Garden's Hens

Poules

While strolling through the vegetable garden, you won't miss our free-ranging chickens. The 70 to 80 eggs they produce each week are used on the buffet for our breakfast. If you pay attention, you might notice a chicken that's a bit different from the others... It's the one that lays the blue eggs you see on the buffet. It is an Araucana breed chicken, whose eggs' whites are low in cholesterol

Vegetable Garden Tour

We would be delighted to welcome you to discover during the summer (not during the winter) this little corner where time seems to stand still. Reservation required 24 hours in advance.

Domaine de la Bretesche, a luxury retreat in the Breton hinterland…

Our 5-star hotel boasts a perfect location for exploring the charms of the region. But before setting out, one is naturally tempted to surrender to the pleasure of simply enjoying the estate… From the moment you pass through its imposing wrought-iron gates, you are struck by the beauty of the surroundings. First, by the omnipresent nature — centuries-old oak forests, expansive lawns, and picturesque groves.

The beauty of the 15th-century château comes next, its reflection shimmering across a vast, tranquil lake. And upon reaching the hotel, one can admire its elegant buildings of pale stone accented with touches of red brick.

Across our 200-hectare estate, visitors are free to choose at their leisure: a detour to the Cinq Mondes & Omnisens Spa (14-metre pool, sauna, herbal tearoom), an 18-hole golf course winding through the grounds between lake and forest, or a bike ride to the ornamental kitchen garden, home to farm animals in the warmer months.

And whenever they wish, our guests can be tempted by an excursion through Brittany, just moments from the hotel.

Escapes in Southern Brittany less than an hour from the hotel

A Brittany Road Trip: along the route of megaliths and picturesque harbours

The rugged coastline of the Morbihan is ideal for a revitalising road trip. Alternating long stretches of sand with rocky outcrops in a beautifully preserved natural landscape, the region offers magnificent panoramas. Dotted with charming ports, towns and villages, this southern coast of Brittany is full of places worth discovering.

Itinerary 1 – Carnac and its megaliths in half a day:
Less than an hour’s drive from the hotel, these ancient stones plunge you into a fascinating history that lies at the origin of many Breton legends. Learn more in our article on the Côte des Mégalithes.

Itinerary 2 – Auray, La Trinité-sur-Mer and the Quiberon Peninsula in one day:
Just 50 minutes from the Domaine de la Bretesche, set course for Auray. This charming medieval town on the river captivates instantly—wander through lively streets and pause at the picturesque Saint-Goustan harbour.
La Trinité-sur-Mer evokes ocean-racing adventures as you stroll along its marina, lulled by the sound of halyards tapping on masts. Enjoy seafood or the day’s catch at L’Azimut.
Finally, the Quiberon Peninsula will enchant you with its dramatic Wild Coast to the west and its fine sandy beaches to the east.

Itinerary 3 – The Rhuys Peninsula, between the Gulf of Morbihan and the ocean:
Closer to our hotel, this route alternates between coves, dunes and marshes. At its tip lies the pretty port of Arzon, only 50 minutes from the hotel. Be sure to visit the Château de Suscinio in Port-Navalo, once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany dating back to the late Middle Ages.

Losing yourself in the heart of Brittany’s natural landscapes

Brittany abounds with preserved natural areas and majestic forests. At its centre lies the most famous: Brocéliande. Further south, the Brière Regional Natural Park, a true haven of biodiversity, is directly accessible from our 5-star hotel. Both promise unforgettable excursions.

Escape 1 – Discover a land of legends:
At the heart of Brittany lies a mythical forest — that of Merlin, korrigans and fairies. In reality, the Paimpont Forest (or Brocéliande) is a natural haven filled with centuries-old trees and criss-crossed with hiking trails. Paimpont, with its charming abbey reflected in a vast pond, is an hour’s drive away.

Escape 2 – A journey on the water:
Treat yourself to a discovery of the marshlands aboard a chaland (flat-bottomed boat), gliding into the most remote corners of the park before visiting its pretty thatched-roof villages. Learn more in our article dedicated to the Brière Park.
Good to know: all boat rides are guided, with the boatman sharing stories of the region. Departure points are less than 20 minutes from the hotel.

Escape 3 – Wandering beneath the trees:
If you prefer to explore the natural park and its magnificent forests on foot or by bike, we will be delighted to suggest the best routes through its hiking trails and numerous cycle paths. Simply ask our concierge. We are also happy to provide bicycles for your outing — solo, as a couple, or with the family.

The Côte d’Amour: discovering the charms of the Pays Nantais

Straddling two regions, the Pays Nantais once belonged to Brittany. Today, its cultural heritage bears witness to this history, as does its gastronomy, which can be enjoyed along the coast from Le Croisic to La Baule. Between salt marshes and seaside resorts, the Côte d’Amour promises beautiful escapes.

Escape 1 – The medieval town of Guérande and its iconic salt marshes:
A 40-minute drive is all it takes to admire its historic ramparts, wander through its charming streets, and visit its famous salt pans. Learn more in our article dedicated to the town of Guérande.

Escape 2 – The Côte d’Amour for a few hours… or more:
La Baule-Escoublac, Le Croisic and Le Pouliguen are only 30 minutes from the hotel. Plan a half-day visit to one of these destinations, or a full day if you wish to enjoy a gourmet restaurant with a sea view or indulge in water-sports activities. Discover some of our favourite addresses on the Côte d’Amour.

Between land and sea, history and nature, our 5-star hotel opens the doors to a region where every horizon tells a story. Let yourself be carried by the Breton spirit and the gentle charm of the Pays Nantais, and after your excursions, return to the luxurious sanctuary of the Domaine de la Bretesche — a haven of elegance and serenity.