Les Gites du Merle

Such a lovely spot to spend time.

A great base for a quiet break in the Provençal countryside, with lovely beaches only a few kilometers away. The two-level apartments are charming and tucked among greenery, and the large garden has a swimming pool plus a wood-fired oven, grill, and hotplate. The owner is very kind, bringing freshly baked croissants and baguettes in the morning. She also makes excellent white wine and gives guests a bottle to try.

The hosts were friendly and the garden was nicely looked after, but for the price I paid I don't see what the extra value is. The dishes were incomplete, there was no dish soap, and the dishwasher doesn't fit the plates. Better-equipped cottages can be found for less. It's otherwise peaceful, apart from planes passing right overhead as they land.

The pool put us off completely. Its water was brackish and cloudy, and there was a greenish film on the walls, so we didn't swim. We had chosen the place partly because of the pool. We were there with my wife and daughters at the end of August, planning to stay five days, but left after two. In gîte no. 5, a strong musty smell hit us on arrival and had got into all our clothes by the time we left. Cleaning was poor too: lots of dust, a greasy kitchen hood, dirty curtains, a live snail in the dishwasher, and insects on the floor. The five gîtes were built at least 30 years ago, and the place feels as if nothing has been updated or added since. There was no television or internet connection, by cable or WiFi, despite what the website said. Most of the kitchen gear was dated junk, as if picked up at a local flea market, and some of it belonged in the garbage. It's a shame, because the property has generous spaces and lots of potential with more capable people paying attention to guests. I really can't recommend it.