The Domaine de Camboyer, a 17th-century gem nestled on the banks of the Canal du Midi, epitomises timeless elegance and a commitment to a sustainable future. Once a noble French estate, it underwent 18 months of meticulous renovation before opening its doors as a 4-star hotel on August 19, 2024. With 3 private gîtes, 15 unique rooms, a relaxing spa, and a reception hall housed in a historic barn, this protected site, classified as a sensitive natural area, offers a luxurious experience in harmony with nature.
One of the estate’s signatures is its innovative floral decoration, created in collaboration with florist Valérie Piel from Flora Poësie. Through the introduction of preserved plants, Domaine de Camboyer blends aesthetics, sustainability, and respect for local traditions.
The Story Behind Preserved Decoration: An Inspiring Encounter
While the Domaine de Camboyer was still under renovation, Isabelle Darmau, the hotel’s managing director, attended the Green Wedding. It was here that she met Valérie Piel, founder of Flora Poësie. Impressed by the quality and creativity of Valérie’s work, Isabelle immediately envisioned incorporating preserved flowers into her hotel project.
Valérie was invited to create unique bouquets for each room, with a budget and moodboards designed to coordinate the compositions with the colours and atmospheres of the place. Before this encounter, Isabelle and her team were unfamiliar with preserved plants.
“We work with many local partners and we highlight them. Everyone notices the bouquets and is interested in our initiatives. There are no unsustainable solutions in the rooms,” explains Isabelle Darmau.
The Creative Process Behind Preserved Bouquets
The preserved decoration project was an exciting challenge for Valérie Piel. When the Domaine de Camboyer entrusted this task to Flora Poësie, the estate was not ready yet. To guide the creative process, Isabelle Darmau’s team provided carefully crafted moodboards for each room. These moodboards contained specific colour palettes and atmospheres, which served as the foundation for designing the bouquets. The only constraint was that the compositions had to be adapted to a precise position, on a piece of furniture, to optimise their integration into the space.

EnIn addition to the preserved bouquets, each room also includes herbariums made with plants from the estate’s meadow and handmade pillow mists, contributing to an authentic and immersive guest experience.
This project marked Valérie Piel’s first large-scale commission, highlighting the Domaine de Camboyer’s avant-garde spirit. By opting for an artistic and ecological approach from the outset, the establishment demonstrated that it was possible to combine innovation, sustainability, and creativity in floral decoration.
An Exemplary Ecological Commitment
The Domaine de Camboyer embodies a green approach through initiatives covering all aspects of its operation.
A historically rich building, sustainably renovated
Restoring a 17th-century estate while respecting the environment is a challenge met with success. Original materials were reused whenever possible, thus reducing waste from the renovation process.
Eco-responsible practices for an exceptional place
- Clean energy: biomass, pellet stoves, and LED lightbulbs.
- Natural resource management: rainwater collection, water-saving faucets.
- Sustainable transport: electric vehicle charging stations and bike rentals.
- Biodiversity preservation: LPO refuge, nesting boxes, and botanical trails to raise awareness among visitors.
These actions reflect a commitment to harmonising luxury and sustainability, offering a unique experience without ecological compromise.
Why is Preserved Decoration a Sustainable Solution?
Preserved plants stand out for their numerous advantages, making them an ideal choice for an eco-conscious establishment like the Domaine de Camboyer.
Sustainability in low maintenance
Without the need for watering or direct sunlight, preserved compositions retain their beauty for several years. This reduces water consumption and the waste associated with maintaining natural plants.
Timeless aesthetics — no need for replacements
Each preserved bouquet is a handcrafted masterpiece, perfectly coordinated with the colours and style of the rooms. These compositions embody both luxury and simplicity, enhancing the visual identity of the place. The estate will be able to keep it for years.
A sustainable and aesthetic trend
For Valérie Piel, preserved plants are more than just an ecological choice: they are part of a modern floral trend where preserved plants elegantly blend with dried flowers to create unique atmospheres.

The Impact of Preserved Decoration on the Customer Experience
At the Domaine de Camboyer, every detail is designed to offer a memorable experience for guests, and the preserved floral decoration is a key element.
Creating a calming and unique atmosphere
The plant walls, bouquets, and floral compositions bring a calming and luxurious atmosphere. Guests are often fascinated by these decorative elements, sparking questions and discussions about the establishment’s ecological initiatives.
Supporting local partners
The bouquets from Flora Poësie, the herbariums made on-site, and the handmade mists highlight local craftsmanship, strengthening the connection between the estate and its region.

The Domaine de Camboyer is a Source of Inspiration for All
The Domaine de Camboyer proves that it is possible to blend heritage, luxury, and sustainable development. By incorporating innovative solutions such as preserved decoration, it has become a model for establishments looking to reduce their ecological footprint while offering a premium service.
Hospitality and catering professionals can draw inspiration from this example by adopting similar practices, demonstrating that sustainability and aesthetics are perfectly compatible.
If You Represent a Hotel or Hospitality Business, we invite You to Rethink your Approach to Environmental Responsibility
The Domaine de Camboyer invites everyone to rethink interior decoration with sustainable solutions like preserved plants. Thanks to Isabelle Darmau’s vision and Valérie Piel’s talent, this 4-star hotel combines local traditions, ecological innovation, and timeless elegance.
For a greener future and an enriched customer experience, preserved decoration is not just an option but a necessity for establishments mindful of their environmental impact.
What is an LPO refuge?
An LPO refuge refers to a designated area, either public or private, where the owner commits to preserving and protecting nature, including wildlife and plant life. The term “LPO” stands for Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (League for the Protection of Birds), which is a French organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and biodiversity.