A 17th century building, several generations of owners and a family adventure that continues today in Sérignac-sur-Garonne.
Why we chose The Black Prince
Before falling in love with the Lot-et-Garonne, we fell in love with the Black Prince because of course we had a crush on this place.
This 17th century building has a special personality. Its stone walls, inner courtyard, dovecote, park and spaces full of history tell something that one feels before even being able to explain it.
In fact, before this visit, we knew very little about the region. We had not come here for the Lot-et-Garonne. We came for this house.
Of course, we knew that many challenges lay ahead. Work was needed, spaces deserved to be redesigned and we wanted to bring our own vision of the hotel and restaurant industry.
But beyond the professional project, we saw a lively place, with a story to pursue.
This is what convinced us to settle here and make the Black Prince much more than just an establishment: a place that we develop every day while respecting its identity and history.
A building that seduced us
The Black Prince was not built to become a hotel. Since the 17th century, this house has been part of the landscape of Sérignac-sur-Garonne and has survived well before the arrival of travelers who stay there today.
Over time, the building has retained many elements that reflect its history: its stone walls, period fireplaces, interior courtyard, pigeonnier or even the Monks' room with exposed stones.
As is often the case in old houses, certain details also fuel curiosity. A library hides a secret passage and an old underground passage, now condemned, once connected part of the building to the village church.
These elements are part of the charm of the place. They remind us that this house had several lives before becoming a hotel-restaurant.
What we particularly appreciate here is that each space has its own personality. At the corner of a corridor, in a room, in the corner of a fireplace or in the park, there is always something to discover.
Since our arrival, we have chosen to preserve this identity while gradually bringing more comfort to the travelers who visit us.
Even today, we take pleasure in introducing this heritage to our visitors, whether they are passing through for a stopover, a family holiday, a professional meeting or a few days of discovery of the Lot-et-Garonne.
A history that spans the centuries
The Black Prince finds his origins in the 17th century. At that time, it was not a hotel but a vast rural manor house surrounded by farmland.
Over the generations, the property evolves and becomes a major agricultural operation. The cultivation of tobacco is particularly developed and the buildings welcome both the inhabitants and the farm animals. At its peak, the whole represents an important part of the village of Sérignac-sur-Garonne.
Some traces of this past are still visible today. The inner courtyard recalls the organization of old rural houses, while the period chimneys, the pigeon loft and several architectural elements testify to the history of the place.
As is often the case in old buildings, some stories are also passed down from generation to generation. A secret passage is hidden behind a library and an old underground, now condemned, would have allowed to reach the area around the village church.
After having belonged to several families, the property was acquired in 1986 by the Vich family. The building, then very far from what it is today, is undergoing major restoration. After several years of work, the hotel and restaurant opened in 1989.
In 2010, a new family took over the operation of the establishment and continued its development. When we arrive in 2018, we become the guardians of this history, with the desire to preserve the identity of the place while making it evolve for today’s travelers.
What we have built since our arrival
When we took over Le Prince Noir, we were immediately seduced by the potential of this building. We also knew that it would take time, work and many ideas to bring him our own identity.
Since our arrival, we have undertaken many improvements and renovations, entirely carried out by us. We have always favored a simple approach: preserving the character of the place rather than transforming it completely.
Over the years, we have renovated spaces, redesigned some rooms, furnished the living room, improved exteriors and created new relaxation areas. Much of the furniture, decorative items and elements that today make up the atmosphere of the Black Prince have been found, restored or diverted from their original use to give them a second life.
We particularly like to integrate elements that have a history and that match the spirit of this old house. Each object, each piece of furniture or almost was chosen with the idea of reinforcing the authentic character of the place rather than following a standardized decoration.
The projects have never really stopped. Each year brings its share of improvements, new ideas and sometimes challenges. This is also what we like: to gradually evolve the establishment while preserving what attracted us during our first visit.
Over time, the Black Prince has become much more than a workplace. A part of us is found today in its spaces, its atmosphere and the many details that visitors discover during their stay.
The Black Prince has become much more than a professional project. Our son took his first steps there. Our children grew up within the walls of this house, and some of the customers who have been visiting us for several years have seen them evolve season after season.
A family venture
When we took over Le Prince Noir, we didn’t just embark on a professional project. We chose to build a part of our life there.
Our children grew up here. Our son took his first steps there and, over the years, the regulars have sometimes seen our children grow up almost as much as the establishment evolves.
Like many family businesses, the line between work and personal life is sometimes blurred. The days are often very busy, numerous projects and unforeseen events are part of daily life. But this constant presence also allows us to stay close to our establishment and the people we welcome.
Throughout the seasons, we have had the pleasure of seeing some customers come back year after year. Some discovered the hotel shortly after our arrival, others became regulars that we find with pleasure. These relationships, which are built over time, are part of what we value most in our profession.
The Black Prince is now a place of passage for many travelers, but it has also become an important part of our family history.
Our philosophy of hospitality
Over the years, we have come to understand that what travelers remember most is not always the size of a room or the amenities on offer.
It is often the attentions, the exchanges and the way they were received.
Whether our clients are on a stopover after a long day of work, on a bike trip on the Canal des Deux Mers, in a company seminar or staying in the Lot-et-Garonne, we try to welcome them as we would like to be.same: simply, with sincerity and without pretension.
We do not seek to be an impersonal hotel where everyone passes by without leaving a trace. We like to take the time to answer a question, recommend a visit, recognize a regular guest or simply welcome those who come through our door.
It is this attention to people that guides our choices, our projects and the way we live the Black Prince every day.
Because beyond the rooms, the restaurant or the services offered, our greatest satisfaction is to see customers leave with the desire to return.
