The History of Domaine des Ormes, Domaine & Resort

The Roots: 1860 – 1977

The story begins in 1860, when the Houitte de La Chesnais family, jurists from the Saint-Malo area, purchased this former episcopal estate. Six generations followed one another, caring for the château, the ponds, the woodland and the outbuildings. For over a century, Les Ormes remained a family estate, an elegant and preserved place where history and nature coexist.

Everything changed in 1977. That year marked the first major shift, when Arnaud, Sonia and Séverine’s parents made the bold decision to leave farming behind and create a campsite. At the time, the idea seemed almost improbable: a small campsite at the heart of a historic estate, with only sixty pitches and very limited resources. There was a single bar-reception area, one swimming pool, two horses, two donkeys, two pedal boats (which sank by September), and a great deal of hard work. The team was small but driven by a lively, contagious enthusiasm.

The very first holidaymakers quickly fell under the spell of the place. They returned because they felt good here, because they were welcomed like friends, because the atmosphere was unlike anywhere else. Without realising it yet, the family had just laid the foundations for what Les Ormes would eventually become.

The 1980s: a first wave of boldness

At the end of the 1980s, a simple survey conducted among campers changed everything. When asked whether they preferred a squash court, a second tennis court, or a golf course, the overwhelming answer surprised everyone: a golf course. The idea was ambitious, almost extravagant, but the family embraced it wholeheartedly.

The fields were cleared, architect M. d’Ormesson designed the layout, and in 1989 the 18-hole golf course was inaugurated. This moment marked a profound change: Les Ormes was no longer just a campsite, but a fully fledged destination, a place where guests came to enjoy a truly unique experience within a site that continued to grow alongside its visitors.

The 1990s: expansion and diversification

The following decade confirmed the desire to broaden the site while preserving its identity. In 1994, the family acquired the Hôtel des Ormes, located two kilometres from the estate. With its rooms, restaurant and swimming pool, the hotel opened the doors to a wider public, from families and couples to professionals and groups.

The following year, in 1995, a particularly rainy summer encouraged Arnaud to rethink holiday experiences. Rain should never ruin a stay again. This led to the construction of a covered waterpark, a first in western France, which quickly became one of the estate’s iconic features.

In 1998, a residence of studios and apartments was built opposite the hotel, further strengthening the accommodation offering. Then, in 1999, the family took over a small 2-star campsite in Saint-Malo, La Ville Huchet, which they gradually transformed. A new waterpark, chalets, refurbished facilities—all these developments contributed to its rise to a 4-star campsite within ten years, before it became independent while maintaining close ties with Les Ormes.

The 2000s: imagination, nature and the rise of the unusual

Les Ormes has never sought to follow trends. At the beginning of the 2000s, the desire to innovate and offer something different took on a new dimension.

In 2004, Arnaud decided to surprise his sister Sonia with an unforgettable wedding gift: a treehouse, without water or electricity, suspended between sky and earth. The charm worked instantly, and the idea of opening it to guests soon became obvious. The first official overnight stay took place on Valentine’s Day, and it was an immediate success. Les Ormes became the very first place in France to offer treehouses as tourist accommodation.

That same year, an equestrian centre opened. Horses had long been part of the family’s life, and Les Ormes soon became a vibrant hub for riders. With an indoor arena, a clubhouse and a wide variety of disciplines, the centre quickly developed a strong community. Today, ninety horses and ponies and more than three hundred members keep the club thriving.

In 2007, a wave pool and a large indoor waterplay area were added to the aquatic facilities, reflecting the continuing desire to offer experiences that surprise and delight. The following year, in 2008, a new type of accommodation was launched: the Cottages’Huttes, charming round wooden lodges designed for comfort in every season.

Then, in 2010, the estate innovated once more with floating cabins. After sleeping among the treetops, guests could now drift gently across a lake, surrounded by water and tranquillity.

The 2010s: experience above all

The years that followed confirmed the ambition to push experiences even further. In 2015, a cable water-ski lift was installed on one of the estate’s lakes, transforming the area into a playground for those keen to try waterskiing, wakeboarding or inflatable towables. Laughter, splashes and thrills quickly made it a popular attraction.

In 2019, a project of exceptional scale came to life: the construction of the Dome. This 4,500 m² tropical space allows guests to swim all year round in a warm, luminous atmosphere, whatever the Breton weather. The Dome rapidly became one of the resort’s defining landmarks, both for its design and for the experience it offers.

A spirit that never changes: family and hospitality

What stands out throughout the history of Domaine des Ormes is that, despite the evolution of the site, the essentials have never changed. Warm hospitality, a desire to surprise, a sense of simplicity and a strong family spirit have always guided every decision. Arnaud, Sonia and Séverine often say that in 1977 no one could have imagined what the estate would become. Yet the soul of the place has remained exactly the same.

Les Ormes has grown into a world of its own—a place where experiences are lived, where memories are created, and where people reconnect. Nothing quite resembles it, because everything has been shaped with genuine care and intention.

A domain looking towards tomorrow

Today, new projects continue to emerge, ideas circulate and the teams imagine the future with enthusiasm. But this future will never move away from what has always made Les Ormes special. The estate will remain a place dedicated to sharing, nature, creativity and encounters.

At Les Ormes, guests do more than simply stay. They experience, they feel—and more often than not, they return.