Villa de l'Étang Blanc

The story

Villa de l'Étang Blanc, Seignosse – Michelin-Starred Modern Cuisine in the Landes

A family story on the Landes coast

Magali and David Sulpice spent six years traveling the world – Réunion, England, China, Australia – before returning to France to bring their shared dream to life. In 2008 they acquired a villa in Seignosse, a quiet corner of the Landes region, and turned it into a three-star hotel and restaurant. Their two daughters grew up on the property, and the place remains very much a family affair.

A Michelin star for local conviction

In 2019, the restaurant earned its first Michelin star, a recognition that the Sulpices wear lightly. “An idea from the start: to work and elevate local products from an extremely short supply chain,” the restaurant states. David does his shopping each morning from nearby producers, letting the season dictate the menu. The result is modern cuisine that tastes of the surrounding land and sea – precise, thoughtful, and unfussy.

Setting and spirit

The villa sits within a nature reserve, a haven for squirrels, birds, and frogs. The calm is palpable, even in high season. Guests are received “like at home,” in six individually styled rooms where Magali chose natural materials – wood, cork, granite – and wallpapers that echo the landscape outside. In summer, a hidden bar-cabana appears at the edge of the Étang Blanc, under a grand oak tree, serving champagne from houses such as Henriot and Billecart-Salmon.

Modern cuisine, rooted in place

The kitchen’s philosophy is simple: respect the product. Dishes change with what the morning’s market offers, and the wine list is thoughtfully curated. The restaurant’s modern cuisine is not about showmanship but about letting the ingredients speak – a reflection of the Landes’ forests, ocean, and lakes. It is an experience that feels both special and natural.