Gîtes de Thouy

Jean Ives and Florence made us feel like family, and we were so grateful for the special treatment. They know the area well and took us to local specialty spots we wouldn't have found by ourselves. The accommodation and comfort were the best. An amazing, unforgettable experience that felt like home!

We spent a week at Thouy for our wellness group’s first overseas retreat, the third annual one. My wife and I came from Portland, Oregon, and the other ten members came from around the U.S., with about half the group from Portland. After a beautiful drive through a national forest, we arrived to a warm welcome from Florence and Jean-Yves Vetsch. They speak French, of course, and both speak English well. They were a big part of what made the week feel like a happy family reunion. They showed us farmers markets and local sights, and even demonstrated how to make bread. Sometimes they cooked for us or shared meals our organizers had made, though that may only work when there’s just one group staying. They also brought their two adult children and their friends to meet us. We shared wine and stories, laughed at each other’s accents and language mistakes, and helped each other practice. The weather was the one downside this year. September usually brings temperatures in the 80s and 90s, but this year began in the 70s and dropped into the 40s too soon. Even with the pool heated, our group, aged 53 to 77, didn’t take casual dips. The pool area still became a favorite spot for evening sing-alongs and star-gazing. There are five rental cottages, or “gites,” on the property. Each is 200 to 250 years old and shows its age, though the plumbing and kitchens have been updated. The spring water comes filtered straight from the mountain, and it tastes delicious. The Cerisier, meaning Cherry Tree, was our choice because it’s the only single-story cottage. I’m recovering from knee replacement surgery, and there were only two steps down to its private patio and yard. Getting to the private parking spot does mean taking a short pebbled incline. It’s convenient, but currently not suitable for wheelchairs. The Cerisier has a large covered patio with a BBQ and plenty of covered and open-air seating. From this steep location, you can enjoy views east, west, south, up, and down. Inside, there are two good-sized bedrooms separated by a bathroom, with a small central hallway, automatic lights, and doors between those areas and the main living space. One bedroom has two twin beds, the other a queen. Both have shelves, hanging space, reading lights, bedside tables, comfortable mattresses and bedding, and heaters beneath the French windows, which open. The large bathroom has a good shower stall, an “American” toilet (yay!), an opening window, and a wide double vanity with a mirror and drawers. There are lots of hooks, a heated towel rack that also warms the room, a washing machine, and good-sized drying racks. The living, dining, and kitchen area is huge, with tall French doors at the south end opening onto a Juliet balcony. The kitchen is enormous, attractive, and equipped for food preparation and large-group meals. Our organizers picked our cottage from the five available to serve as the group cafeteria, social hub, and party house for the week. Thank you, Florence and Jean-Yves, for a true joy of an experience!

What a view, and the pool is amazing! The houses are so clean, too. Thanks a lot for being so welcoming. We’ll be back!

Florence and Jean-Yves were exceptional hosts, and they showed us some beautiful spots around the Sidobre. We stayed five days in the hamlet of Thouy, a peaceful place where time seems to stand still. The cottages were superbly equipped for our comfort, and there was plenty to do, including the pool, tennis courts, and ping-pong table. Thanks again for your hospitality. See you soon! 🥰 Nicolas and Léa