Gîtes des planchettes

The two owners are both really friendly. They rent out two apartments and also run a takeaway pizzeria, and the pizzas are very tasty. The apartment’s furnishings felt like a bit of a jumble, though that has its own charm. The kitchen has plenty in it, including pepper, salt, olive oil, and washing-up supplies, and there are games and books in the cupboard. What mattered most to me was the beds, and they were very good, with thick mattresses, a clean appearance, a light duvet, and lovely soft bedding. The pool is small but perfectly fine for a quick dip. There’s a dishwasher and washing machine in the kitchen, but bear in mind that you get 10 kWh per day and have to pay extra for anything above that. I wasn’t a fan of the bathroom or having to shower in the bath. They also have two curious cats. One bit of advice: bring all the groceries you’ll need, because there isn’t much to find in the surrounding area.

The adjoining pizzeria serves delicious pizzas made with local ingredients. There are two apartments and two chalets, all with access to the shared pool, and you can book time in the relaxation area as an added extra. The accommodation has all the modern comforts. Marigny is a great base for exploring the lake district, with everything within a half-hour drive. Lake Chalain is about an hour’s walk from the gîte.

We had a peaceful, relaxing, and enjoyable short week in Marigny, and we’ll be back. The cottage is lovely and quiet, with a beautiful pool and great walks nearby. The Hérisson waterfalls and Lake Chalain aren’t far, and there are plenty of places to visit within a 30-minute drive. Véronique and Daniel welcomed us so warmly, made homemade pizza on site, and gave us excellent information about local activities and places to see.

We really enjoyed our stay and would come back, maybe next time when we can try the host’s pizzas. We were there Tuesday to Friday and missed them, since he makes pizzas on weekends, and perhaps every day in peak season, I think. The chalet was comfortable and fully equipped, with a dishwasher and washing machine. The host was super friendly and shared lots of useful local knowledge, including tips on things to do, hikes, restaurants, and shops. Lake Chalain is a very short walk away, with lots of hiking trails nearby, and there’s also a big swimming pool. You can book sauna and spa or jacuzzi sessions for an extra price. For a swim, I recommend Doucier beach on the other side of the lake.