Domaine de laire

Lina and Paul were such warm, thoughtful hosts that we ended up talking with them until 3:30 a.m., long after the children had fallen asleep. Lina offered everything we needed for our comfort with exceptional kindness. Her husband, Paul, had kept a respectful distance while we ate, until we invited him to join us. The shared guesthouse living room was tastefully decorated and impeccably clean. I had spent a full month at the Laire estate every year from 1974 to 1985, when it belonged to La Voix du Nord, and wanted my family to see the place where I’d had such happy childhood and teenage holidays. After learning it had been sold in the early 2000s and bought by a Belgian couple to become a gîte and bed and breakfast, I thought about visiting for a short stay. Online reviews made me hesitate for a long time. While on holiday in the Drôme region, I finally decided to stop there on the way home. A quick call to the owners, and I booked accommodation for five people, including three children and a baby. I felt emotional, but also apprehensive because some of the reviews were harsh. We arrived on Monday, August 12th. I was surprised and concerned to see that the main grounds, where we used to play, weren’t perfectly maintained, though the buildings seemed well preserved. Lina, a woman in her early seventies, showed us the room she had set aside for us and said we could change if we wanted. There was also a huge, perfectly maintained en-suite bathroom. When I explained why we’d come, she offered to show me around the buildings so I could revisit some memories, especially the room that used to be our dining hall. The property has been sold and will soon be owned by the PSA Group. I’m writing simply to thank Lina and Paul for their wonderful hospitality and to set the record straight. I find it utterly intolerable that a 2018 comment suggested their son behaved “inappropriately” with very young girls, when Maud, may she rest in peace, died two years before those vile accusations were made. She was 41 and died of a heart attack. If your stay wasn’t to your liking, that’s one thing, but please show respect for the deceased and for her parents’ grief. Her tragic loss also explains why the meadows of my childhood are relatively neglected. I know Lina and Paul aren’t comfortable with the internet, and one of their friends tells them about comments posted about them. I hope this one reaches them.

The three hens and the horses in front of the house were a lovely little bonus, and we were told about the most beautiful spots in the area. It’s also a perfect place for a large celebration, with a very well equipped professional kitchen. We were given a very warm welcome, though we’d hesitated after reading some reviews. Yes, it’s not a castle built in 2019. It’s a former holiday center, but it was clean, with sheets, walls and ceilings all in good condition. Our only comment is that the rear fire exit could use some refreshing. A place worth seeing!

The place was filthy and very old, and the price was far too high for what it was. Don’t rent it. I found the owner awful, a real crook, and truly disgusting, though I’m putting that politely.

Hygiene seems unreliable, and getting an invoice is impossible. Hygiene seems unreliable, and getting an invoice is impossible.