How much does a night in a floating chalet in the Gironde cost? The full budget breakdown

Unusual accommodation has a reputation for being expensive. The reality is more nuanced, especially once you understand how the pricing works. At Domaine du Dahu in Sablons, in the Gironde, between Bordeaux and Périgueux, the floating chalets start from €110/night — a rate that includes more than it might appear. Here is everything you need to know to plan your budget with no nasty surprises.

The base rate: from €110/night

The floating chalets at Domaine du Dahu are available from €110/night. This entry-level rate corresponds to low season on a weekday. It includes:

• The night in the chalet, resting on the private 3-hectare lake
• Access to the private terrace with no overlooking neighbours
• Heating and Wi-Fi
• Use of the fully equipped kitchen
• Access to no-kill fishing on the lake

This rate does not include breakfast — the equipped kitchen lets you organise yourself freely — nor watercraft. If you would like to paddle, you are welcome to bring your own canoe or inflatable paddleboard (life jacket mandatory). Swimming is not permitted.

The 4-season system: understanding price variations

Like the vast majority of tourist accommodation, Domaine du Dahu's chalets operate on a 4-season pricing system: low, medium, high and peak. The season level depends on the time of year and the day of the week (weekday or weekend).

In practice, this means the same chalet can display significantly different rates depending on whether you book:

• A weekday night in low season (most accessible rate)
• A weekend in high season (highest rate)

To find the exact rate for your chosen dates, check the seasons and rates calendar or go directly to the chalets page. Rates are displayed clearly, with no hidden fees.

Weekday or weekend: what is the difference?

The weekday/weekend distinction is an important part of the estate's pricing. Booking on a weekday — Monday to Thursday — is almost always cheaper than an equivalent weekend stay. This rule applies in every season, including peak periods.

If you have flexibility with your dates, this is the most effective lever for optimising your budget without sacrificing the quality of your stay. Two weekday nights, even in shoulder season, will often cost less than a single weekend in high season.

What is added on top of the nightly rate

Two items need to be budgeted for in addition to the base rate:

• Tourist tax: €1.15 per adult per night. It is collected by the estate and paid to the local authority. It is settled at the time of booking — no surprise on arrival.
• Pet supplement: €14 per pet per night. Pets are welcome — a policy that is rare among unusual accommodation providers, and a genuine advantage for dog or cat owners.

Beyond these two items, there are no hidden cleaning fees or unexpected deposits. Check the chalets pages for full conditions.

The character gîte: an alternative for larger groups

If there are more of you — a large family, a group of friends, a team getaway — the estate also offers a 170 m² character gîte, 4 bedrooms, sleeping up to 6. The entry rate is €210/night, which works out to less than €35 per person for a group of 6. For multi-night stays, the value here is particularly strong.

As with the chalets, the gîte's pricing varies by season and day. Check the seasons calendar for details.

How to optimise your budget

A few best practices to enjoy the experience at the best possible price:

• Go on a weekday: the rate is lower, and the lake is quieter. It is objectively the best time to enjoy the wildlife and the silence.
• Check the seasons calendar in advance: some "high season" periods correspond to specific dates (public holidays, school breaks). Shifting by a week can make a meaningful difference to the rate.
• Book early for peak season: there are only 5 chalets. The most sought-after dates go quickly.
• Bring your own provisions: the equipped kitchen lets you prepare meals on site, which significantly reduces the total cost of the stay.

The floating chalet: a quality-to-experience ratio that is hard to beat

Compared to other forms of unusual accommodation in the Gironde — treehouses, gypsy caravans, yurts — the floating chalets at Domaine du Dahu offer a noticeably higher level of comfort at a competitive price. For a fuller comparison, see our article Unusual accommodation in the Gironde: floating chalet, treehouse or gypsy caravan — which to choose?

And if you want to know what the experience is actually like before making up your mind, read Sleeping in a floating chalet: what a night on the water is really like. You can also browse our selection of unusual accommodation in the Gironde for a broader view of the region.

Cancellation is free up to 30 days before arrival. Booking enquiries receive a reply within 24 hours.