Les Mazets du Paty

We booked one of these cottages for two people and arranged to pay directly on arrival, with no deposit or Booking.com reservation. We had a long drive ahead, so I asked about the latest check-in time. The hosts said we could arrive whenever we liked using self check-in, then sent instructions by text. We let them know we'd be late. So far, all fine. Things went wrong when we arrived at 9:30 pm. We drove into their yard by mistake, and the hosts came out extremely rudely, without even greeting us. We apologized and explained we'd just driven more than 10 hours, but they kept getting nastier and said they thought we were thieves. Would thieves really drive onto someone's property with their headlights on? We were checking the map to make sure we hadn't gone the wrong way when they came back and banged on the car window in the rain and wind, verbally attacking us again. They said we shouldn't assume we had every right just because we were guests. If they'd listened to what we were saying, they would have understood we weren't taking advantage of anything. They might even have walked us to the cottage. Instead, we felt so uncomfortable that we decided not to stay. The hosts let us leave at 10 pm without hesitation, despite our exhaustion, and insisted we wouldn't find somewhere else that late. Some hosts treat guests with real warmth, but this felt like businesslike kindness. I don't think these people understand empathy or have a passion for their work. Their Booking.com reviews are very good, but perhaps they need those reviews to keep guests coming. We chose to book directly, and that was the arrangement. For context, I've also run holiday cottages in the Landes and have been a business owner for over 12 years. These hosts remind me of colleagues who are fed up with guests but complain when they have none. Think carefully before booking. There are genuine hosts who care about their work and deserve your attention far more. It's sad how harsh people can be and how they take their bitterness out on others who don't deserve it.

The owner was so kind, courteous, and helpful that she even gave us a bigger chalet for the same price. It was beautiful, very spacious, fully equipped, and wonderfully quiet. The chalet is tucked into the Camargue, a quaint and relaxing spot, and conveniently placed for getting around. The Camargue itself is magical!

The place was quiet and clean, but it felt cold and unwelcoming. Nobody was there when we arrived, even though it was only 7 PM. And the photo showing shelves and a fireplace bears no resemblance to the actual place.

If you’re after a quiet spot in the countryside, this spacious, pleasant cottage fits the bill. It sits between Arles and Saintes Maries de la Mer, and the hostess was thoughtful and attentive.