L'estanquet

The lake was a lovely extra for all the “adventurers.” We had a wonderful weekend with you, Jean-Pierre. Thanks for making us feel so welcome, and for being so kind, thoughtful, and available. Highly recommended :-)

After a long, difficult day on the Camino de Santiago, I ended up choosing this guesthouse almost by default. The place looked quite shocking when I arrived, inside and out, and cleanliness and order obviously aren't Jean-Pierre's priorities. But after getting past that first reaction and the mistrust it caused, I slept really well. I also found Jean-Pierre to be a genuinely charming, welcoming, and unusual person. A pleasant stay in the end, though it won't suit anyone with very fixed expectations of accommodation.

We got out of there quickly, disgusted that this place is even called a gîte. The setting may be nice, but the gîte was filthy. Our room was damp, and the mattress was wet with moisture. I seriously doubt the dirty sheets were changed between guests. The fridge and mini-freezer were revolting inside, and the composting toilet was awful.

Jean Pierre is a distinctive, very friendly host, and his enthusiasm for nature really rubs off on you. He doesn't constantly hover, so you can settle in and feel at home. The cottage is in town but surrounded by greenery, and has a very natural feel. It may be a shock if you're used to a different way of living, so you need an open mind to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Not a place for creatures of habit, but a really enriching experience if you can embrace the difference.