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Spend a magical day in an astonishing place in lot-et-garonne

Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot
Family Time

Have you ever seen such a place? Probably not...as it is the only domain where a sumptuous multicolour castle sits proudly. The Stelsia is deliciously eccentric, open to all and offering different activities, from a relaxing stroll to a luxury stay in 4 a star hotel, a family day in the heart of the biggest mini-golf course in Europe, drinking slushies and playing at an XXL soccer table. Sports grounds, carrousel, 3 restaurants ... Discover with me the Stelsia as I spent a day with my family! Don’t forget your camera…

An outstanding domain

The Stelsia is a 23 hectares park, which was created by Philippe Ginestet the founder of the French shops GIFI. As a native of this Town and Lands Art and History, Philippe Ginestet wanted to revive this 7 hundred years old castle, so the inhabitants of the region could enjoy it. It is now an outstanding and very original tourist complex. Helped by an architect friend, Philippe Ginestet has created a unique bright and joyful project to reimagine this large estate. Everything has been created around the 7 colours of the rainbow: the castle has been renovated, then repainted and an incredible feat of landscaping started to create a feast for the eyes.

A magical castle in wooded and flowered parkland

Everything has been thought for the pleasure of the eyes, here a sculpture of a coloured zebra

Sculpted boxwood, pink and white laurel trees, palm trees, flowerbeds; everywhere is an explosion of colours and exuberant leaves. Stroll along the paths, look! Each one all the more incredible than the last! In the centre of the domain, the castle and its shimmering wall sections are sublimated by the green lawns maintained with care by cute autonomous robots. It is like a true fairy tale, my children were flabbergasted (and me too)!

The roundabout with wooden horses was a big hit with the children

A leisure park for all

The castle is a luxury 4 star hotel complex, a beautiful place with top quality service; just perfect for a romantic weekend. Sadly not the purpose of my visit as I am travelling with my family; I have come here for a day of leisure activities!

Le Stelsia is a 4* Hotel

The entry to the domain is free, you can stroll around the domain to discover this beautiful place; ou can even have a picnic. However, there are also 3 restaurants on site:

• A gourmet restaurant with a starred Chef: Michel Vico
• A bistro and lounge bar: The Bistrot du Château
• A convivial family restaurant: La Bodéga Miami

Visit the park for a walk, a picnic or relaxation

3 restaurants and 3 price ranges suitable for all budgets! Today, I am eating at the Bodéga with my children. We were shown to our table and enjoyed the giant screen on the wall where we were able to follow the highlights of the football games (we were there during the FIFA world Cup). In the kitchen, the chef prepared our burgers. The restaurant offers home style cuisine with local products such as steaks, vegetables and also the lettuce is locally sourced…The bread is prepared by the local baker, look at it, it is made with squid ink! My son is allergic to the eggs in the brioche bread, so the chef prepares an alternative sandwich bread, for the children which was really appreciated!

The entrance of the Bodéga, the family restaurant

A beautiful room, with tables, high bar tables and giant flat screen

A chef and a caring team

The delicious burgers, with squid ink bread

Le bar

A quality service, pampered families!

Hugo is happy!

After our meal, we go for a walk and play in one of the sport grounds with some giant balls, then play a game on an XXL soccer table: I lost!! There are a lot of activities to do: petanque, tennis, basket and beach volley on a sandy pitch!

The front and back terraces, to play and enjoy the sun

Giant ball games!

The family soccer table, for fun games!

Daddy and Hugo have won!

Discover Fantasia! The biggest mini-golf course in Europe

It is time to play a game of mini-golf. Are you ready? Has everyone got a club? The Fantasia is the biggest 18 holes in Europe! It is an amazing spectacle: boxwoods, multicolour stone structures, an artificial river, secret passages, a vegetal maze and bridge…a magical place where we have fun! Children (and adults too), can have their birthday parties here …

Let’s go to the mini-golf!

The sculpted boxwood

In the distance the castle, providing the place an exceptional surrounding

Some relax while other play very seriously!

The boxwood giraffe!

After the mini-golf, it is teatime and back to La Bodéga to enjoy some delicious ice cream and other snacks…During the aperitif, the adults can taste some divine cocktails. Concerts and themed evenings are also organised regularly, check the Stelsia’s website.

Tea TIme

We have finished our tea break and the children heard music they like: the carrousel awaits! With the castle in the background, they turn on the wooden horses and scream with joy. Another tour? Here we go! We carry on our day with a long walk in the park, watching the automatic lawnmowers (‘how does it work?’ ask the kids). All of a sudden it is 5pm and time to go home! Other guests arrive at the Bodéga to spend a great evening; tonight there is a party with a DJ!