Gîte Les Oliviers

The layout gave each of our families privacy, while the bright, well-equipped living area was a lovely place for all of us to spend time together. We stayed for a week during the summer holidays at Gîte des Oliviers, with two other couples and their children. The cottage was a good size, and the sea was less than a kilometer away, which was great with the children. Shops were nearby too. The price was reasonable for what was offered, and it matched the description. We hope to return next summer, or maybe at another time of year.

I didn't go in the end, because the phone conversation put me off. I needed beds for three people for one night, arriving after dinner and leaving by 8:00 the next morning. We were going to a competition and would probably have had breakfast out. The listing on leboncoin said €35 for one night, and I thought up to €50 for all three of us was reasonable since we only needed mattresses. The woman asked what I was willing to pay because she'd need to turn the heating back on. She replied, “€50 per person, then?” I clarified that I meant €50 total for the three of us. She said that at that price we’d have to bring our own sheets and towels. I said I’d planned to offer that anyway, since it didn’t make sense for her to wash everything for one night. She added that she wasn’t on site and that getting someone to come over would already cost €20. Then she asked if we’d eat there. When I said we’d likely eat out to enjoy the seafront and support local businesses, she said, “So you have money to go to a restaurant but not to pay for the night.” The €35 rate, she explained verbally, was for workers, though that wasn’t specified on leboncoin. I admit I should have guessed, but at that price we thought we could treat ourselves to a little meal out. I got a bit annoyed and said that if she offered free cleaning, we’d eat there. We were trying not to make a mess because we wouldn’t have time for a thorough clean. I wasn’t going to get up at 6:00 to clean, and we only wanted the bare minimum to do. She said cleaning wasn’t her responsibility and wouldn’t be free, so I said we wouldn’t eat there to avoid making a mess. She said she’d think about it, give me time to look elsewhere, and call again the next day. I’d contacted her on Wednesday for Friday night, so there wasn’t much time to find something at that price at that time of year. Her guarded, distrustful manner, as if she was looking for a problem, made me think even a lighter clean would have caused trouble if we’d gone ahead. I ended the call and said it clearly wasn’t going to work and we wouldn’t come. I booked a small hotel instead. It was more expensive, so we’ll probably only have fast food, but at least I’ll have peace of mind. I’d have preferred to spend my money with a private owner, but she evidently doesn’t need it. I can see why others left difficult reviews. I decided to try anyway, but I won’t do it again.

We found the cottage comfortable for 9-10 people, and the kitchen was well equipped. The interior layout made it easy to share the house, and there was local information available. The setting was very pleasant, especially for spending time outdoors, and the owner was welcoming, accommodating, and attentive to renters’ needs. Check-in and check-out were very simple. It’s well placed for exploring various attractions in the region. A couple of small things could be improved: two or three light bulbs in the common room need replacing, and the bedding can get quite uncomfortable over a medium or long stay. It’s ideal for a family or close group of friends. We’ll definitely return to enjoy the cottage and the warm welcome. Thanks for the stay.

We came as a group of ten friends for a weekend near Guérande. The shaded, tastefully landscaped garden was especially appreciated during the heatwave. Inside, the accommodation was cozy, clean, and nicely decorated, with good quality bedding. Each of us had privacy in the house. We didn’t meet the host in person, but communication was clear, and Valérie was responsive and attentive. I highly recommend it!