8 independent reviews for Self guided walking vacation in France
Reviews for Self guided walking vacation in France
Claire Debenham review 12 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
A beautiful self-guided walk through the Mervant Forest alongside a wide meandering river, in deep woodland. Hardly anyone else seen all day, herons on the river and birdsong in the forest. Lots of walnuts and sweet chestnuts to be foraged on other walks too- love a bit of foraging!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The train journey from the south of England to Niort was very easy and pleasant. Niort is a lovely city to stay overnight if you have an early start on the return journey. Very clean and spacious, gorgeous river, absolutely clear so that we could see shoals of fish and other wildlife too. And a medieval city center, lovely for walking round in the day or evening. The accommodation has a relaxed atmosphere, including delightful Bernese Mountain dogs who bring smiles to your face with their friendly greetings. If you have particular dietary needs as I do, they will be catered for-do let them know in advance.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes- we travelled light and on public transport. Most of our walking days began from the accommodation , with some lifts to other locations. The food that Vince cooked for us was delicious and mainly sourced locally, too.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent break in the French countryside. We went home thoroughly revived and happy.Jill Cadorath review 19 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spending time with the two Sarahs and Vincent around the dining table at mealtimes. The food and company were excellent.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do the self-guided walks - the instructions, maps and information are extremely good and foolproof. The walks are not challenging but an ideal way to spend a relaxing day outside.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Vincent is growing vegetables and fruit and uses local suppliers where possible for all the lovely food. We purchased cheese at the local market. Waste food is fed to the chickens.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good - I loved the casual, relaxed nature of the place and the hosts.Therese Gaal review 7 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
How easy and quickly you felt at home with Sarah, Sarah and Vince yet you were catered to every minute. Also the water was so fresh and so pure. I never needed a moisturizer.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ask for Vince’s crème brûlée3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everything about the house and the yard supported conservation4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was ‘brilliant’ !Carmelita Wood review 6 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful ancient woodland, wild flowers and scenery. The medieval villages to visit.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Perfect if you enjoy the outdoors3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful hosts who cannot do enough for you.William Hennessy review 19 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Getting together with my cousins and spending time with them.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware that the owners run a dog breeding business with many very large dogs. It's not a big place and there will be many freequent encunters with the dogs. Consider this carefully if you re not a dog lover.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, they used local food products.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I liked the food, the area, and the accommodations. If we had known about the dogs prior to making our reservation we may have made a different decision about staying there. Maybe not. But it would have been nice to know.Marie Scotland review 23 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visit to Vouvant and Mervent forest2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would not recommend going. Generally very poor hygiene and overall standards.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A little.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Though the owners are very friendly, but the standard is poor (no heating in communal areas; many dead flies in and on floor by fly killer in dining room, dog hair in food, not cleaned up during our week; remains of fruit salad and jams for breakfast, poor knowledge of local area)Read the operator's response here:
We are extremely sorry that these two guests did not enjoy their vacation. No complaints were made to us at the time and when they left the property both confirmed they had enjoyed their stay.
We do have heating in all our communal areas and pride ourselves in offering fresh, nutritious and tasty meals enjoyed by our current and returning guests as demonstrated by our 5 star reviews.
We particularly procure ingredients from local farmers directly to ensure money is returned to the local economy and our attention to detail to encourage responsible environmental practices is second to none. We recently won an international award for our overall review rating of 9.4 from 10 with reviews submitted by travelers around the world.
Jenny Broe review 17 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The outstanding hospitality, the ambiance, beautiful setting, delicious food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The owners support local businesses. We were taken to local tourist spots and conservation areas.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I am very pleased I booked 2 weeks instead of one. The hosts treated me like family in the best possible way.Scott McFarlane review 11 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lovely hosts in a beautiful part of the world.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If traveling by train it’s a good idea to pre buy your tickets for future journeys. The rail staff are very friendly and willing to help. I also used a Google translator app to help my terrible French.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our hosts recycled, and were very responsible with being experienced farmers and lovers of nature.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall very very good. Nothing to complain about.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
