Les Gites De Brives

We were grateful when the owners replaced a broken fan, especially in 35°C heat. Parking was convenient right by the door, and check-in was easy. We’d booked the large apartment for a wedding at the nearby Château, about 800m away, so we’d have room to get ready. The main problem was the condition of the place. The shower doors wouldn’t shut, the drain was blocked and gave off unpleasant residue, and the cutlery, dishes and drying rack were dirty. The barbecue was dirty too. Linen didn’t match or feel up to “hotel” standard, and the sofa covers seemed unwashed. The old ironing board and iron that wouldn’t steam added to the sense that upkeep had been neglected. We never felt comfortable, even wearing flip-flops inside and in the shower. The guest book asked people to sweep and wash dishes themselves, which fit our impression that little else was cleaned between stays. We left a night early and found somewhere else. Handy for the Château, but with the lack of cleanliness and care, it wasn’t worth the price.

The pool area was nice, and the playground worked well for the kids. Sheets were clean, and the gîte was fairly clean, though it could have been better. Towels, hand wash, tea towels, washing-up supplies and dishwasher tablets were provided. We were a party of 30 and wanted to spend time together, but got moaned at several times for moving tables and chairs, even though we always tidied up afterwards. On arrival at the pool, the couple running the place barked instructions at us, which didn’t feel welcoming. Promised services didn’t happen, and some were charged extra. The barbecue was disgusting, and the oven was dreadful. The upstairs rooms were stifling. With the windows open, mosquitoes got in, and there were no fans in either room. Our two young boys had to sleep downstairs, one on the settee. We’d asked to pay for a late checkout because we had to stay until 5pm with three younger children. Instead, they offered just one small gîte for all 30 of us to get ready in, saying the larger ones weren’t available to keep on. But both large gîtes showed as available on Booking.com, and they didn’t want to accommodate us. We were only there for two of the four days because of the wedding, which was at a different venue. At least the wedding itself was nice. We basically just had to sleep there, and I wasn’t impressed. I’m not sure how it got a 4/5 star rating.

The pool itself wasn’t bad, but guests were warned about being red-carded and having it shut if they broke the rules. The other guests and I weren’t children, and we didn’t appreciate being spoken to as if we were a stag or hen party. My wife and I came for a few days for a wedding at a local chateau. The suite was tiny, more like a bedsit, and dirty. Its furniture looked mismatched and second-hand, and the plates, glasses and cutlery didn’t match either. The fridge wasn’t great and the bed was uncomfortable. The toilet sat right by the pillow, behind a sliding door that did nothing to contain smells, so you’d better be close with whoever you’re sharing with. The barbecue was dirty, with the previous guests’ coals still in it. Also, some photos you find by Googling the site are from when other hosts owned and managed it, so don’t be fooled. The whole place felt run down and needed attention. It has so much potential, but it looks tired and the customer service was lacking. I wouldn’t recommend it or go back.

There was broken glass behind the spare bedroom door, the toaster was full of crumbs, and the kitchen cupboard had out-of-date condiments. Under the bed was absolutely filthy, and dusty old cobwebs were under the dining chairs. It didn’t look like anywhere had been cleaned when we arrived. We’d booked the gîte for a month, and it felt like the longest month of my life. The lounge sofa was extremely uncomfortable because its springs had broken. When we arrived, there was a mop and bucket outside, so I thought the host had just finished cleaning. Wishful thinking!