LaVendange Child Friendly Gites : HomePage
"You couldn't ask for a more child friendly, toddler friendly, welcoming and well stocked gite. Great location for sight seeing or for relaxing by the pool. We are sad to be leaving..." EVANS FAMILY, COLUMBARD, SEPT 07
"The play area and toys have been excellent for our two-year-old. We had everything we needed for him in the cottage. We have also enjoyed the pool, table tennis, badminton and other equipment. The cottage was very comfortable. LaVendange really is a very safe and relaxing environment for families with young children. Added to this, the great days out to the beaches, zoo, St. Jean market, La Rochelle etc. all made for a very enjoyable holiday." TYNDALL FAMILY, VERDHELLO, SEPT 07
"We particulalry liked the large play area for toddlers which enabled us to relax while they played safely." HAYES-GREEN FAMILY, CHASSELAS, SEPT 07
"We really had a marvelous time at La Vendange and Alex made lots of new friends. The garden is great for children: safe, but big enough for our little one to explore ! The gite was really clean on arrival, very well equipped and it was great to have the booster seat, bathroom step, plastic plates, bowels etc. all provided !" FAIRBRASS FAMILY, SYRAH, SEPT 07
"We have really enjoyed our stay here. La Vendange is a very child friendly place with all that you could need for a small family." TONG FAMILY, COLUMBARD, SEPT 07
"We really enjoyed the whole setup here. Lovely location, great for kids - Sylvie doesn't want to go home (always a good sign). Thanks a lot for making us feel really welcome ! TIZARD FAMILY, CHASSELAS, SEPT 07
"A childrens' paradise ! Fantastic garden and pool facilities for children to play safely. Lovely accommodation, which was comfortable and superbly equpped for the whole family. Beautiful surroundings for great day trips and cycle rides. We would heartedly recommend to all - especially those with young families". WILSON FAMILY, COLUMBARD, AUG 2007
"We really liked the play area and safety for children as this enabled us to relax and not worry about security". BAINBRIDGE FAMILY, CHASSELAS, AUG 2007
"Why did we come back to LaVendange ? 1. Great place for the kids to meet and play with new friends ! 2. Nice warm pool ! 3. Great big bed - lovely ! WOOD FAMILY, SYRAH, AUG 07
"A wonderful stay at this very child friendly gite. Lovely safe garden with lots for the children to do. Our children ( aged 7,6 and 2) have loved playing with the other children + swimming in the pool. Hapy children = happy parents ! COSSINS FAMILY, VERDHELLO, AUG 2007
"Another great holiday at La Vendange, (our third stay)" COLCOMB FAMILY, SYRAH AUG 2007
Family friendly garden and pool area. Secure and relaxing for both children and parents". CHERRY FAMILY, SYRAH, AUG 2007
"Very relaxing - well equipped cottage with plenty to do in the area, or fine doing nothing at all ! The boys ( 11 and 7 ) enjoyed the field and the football match ! We all enjoyed the comfortable beds." BRITTAIN FAMILY, COLUMBARD/CHASSELAS AUG 2007
"Garden was great for children. Lovely pool and a very safe environment. Lovely relaxing holiday. Thank you." KENNY FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JULY 2007
"Everything we needed in our comfortable cottage, set in beautiful countryside. The children loved being able to play with new friends in a child friendly garden and they loved feeding the little chickens." SMITH FAMILY, CHASSELAS, JULY 2007
"Fantastic location and superb facilities for young children." URQUHART FAMILY, COLUMBARD, JULY 2007
"Very relaxing ! Great garden for the kids: they spent many hours playing with new friends. Very helpful hosts: we particularly appreciated help with getting to a doctor and organising the late night pharmacy. Thanks for an enjoyable stay." RUPPRECHT FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JULY 2007
"Appreciated the Sunday shopping service and the advice and directions folder for trips out was spot on." KEENAN FAMILY, SYRAH, JULY 2007
"The cottage is very comfortable and the garden is perfectly set up for children. We enjoyed the table tennis in the barn and the wonderful solar-heated pool - especially the <inflatable> walruses." MARTIN FAMILY, CHASSELAS, JULY 2007
"We had a really restful holiday, thank you ! The cottage and facilities exceeded our expectations and we enjoyed the pool, table tennis and relaxing in the garden area. We also ate out several times and had some fun day trips out. Theres something for everyone and we would recommend La Vendange to our friends and family" CLYNE FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JULY 2007
"Very well equipped gite, especially child friendly for young families. We couldn't imagine a better set-up of garden, pool and sitting area and have never found it in any previous gites, villas or apartments we've stayed in. " REID FAMILY, COLUMBARD, JULY 2007
"We very much enjoyed our holiday at LaVendange - The garden (in particular the slides and the chickens!) was a hit with our daughter who loved running around and letting off steam. The peace and quiet of the area was fantastic and there are plenty of interesting places to visit for all ages. Could have done with longer than a week to fit it all in! " SAYERS FAMILY, COLUMBARD, JUNE 2007
"Very toddler friendly gite and gardens - a perfect layout for young families " SMYTH FAMILY, SYRAH, JUNE 2007
"The Kitchen facilities are very good, with everything you need. Garden excellent, particularly with children in mind. " NEWTON FAMILY, CHASSELAS, JUNE 2007
"Has been fantastic to let out toddler roam safely about in the garden, playing in the sandpit while we watch from our cottage with a glass of wine ! " ABBEY FAMILY, VERDHELLO 2007
"A wonderful place for all the family from 0 to 100. The childrens' facilities were great and provided a very welcome distraction for toddlers, which makes the holiday more relaxing for the parents". BENWELL FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JUNE 2007
"Family holiday Heaven ! All the indredients to keep the most active/demanding toddler happy : heated swimming pool with toys + garden with their very own house = rather chilled parents ! " O'NEIL FAMILY, COLUMBARD JUNE 2007
"Very child friendly, which made it a relaxing stay for us all." TAYLOR FAMILY, VERDHELLO, MAY 2007
"Excellent accommodation with all the items required to feel like home. " LEAR/PHIPPS FAMILY, COLUMBARD, MAY 2007
"This has been an opportunity to do all the things we love to do at home but never have time for. Best family holiday ever - even with one rainy week ! " BALLANTYNE FAMILY, CHASSELAS, MAY 2007
"Very beautiful area. Lovely for children. Very quiet location. Owners very friendly and chatty. Great garden. Zoo is amazing at La Palmeyre." BLATHERWICK FAMILY, SYRAH, MAY 2007
La Vendange Guest Comments 2006
"We've had a wonderful holiday at LaVendange, but one week is not enough ! There is so much to see and do in the surrounding area, but the temptation is just to stay at LaVendange and let the kids play and swim. The girls had a wonderful time and didn't want to leave. The layout of the property is really well done and the childrens' play area is secure so you really have peace of mind. Richard, thanks for the eggs, they were scrumptious !" HEYNS FAMILY, CHASSELAS SEPT 2006
"Peaceful location. Fantastic pool ! Very nice rustic gite and really lovely weather ! FUGE FAMILY, COLUMBARD, SEPT 2006
"Well equipped kitchen. Very helpful owners ! Lovely setting with sunflowers and country walks. Fun football match with other nearby gites. " FITTER FAMILY, SYRAH AUG 2006
"Excellent for families, particulalry with children around 10/11 and under. I hardly saw mine all week as they were off playing with all their new friends !" TIDBALL FAMILY, CHASSELAS AUG 2006
"The hosts, Richard and Sarah actively promote a sense of community spirit between the families staying at LaVendange so expect to make lots of new friends here ! JONES FAMILY, COLUMBARD AUG 2006
"As per our stay here last year - a lovely relaxed atmosphere with the big advantage of ready made playmates for the children. The new addition of the table tennis table was good fun - get you next time Richard ! It would be useful to have some printed guidance on how to use UK mobile phones here etc. ie. equivalent of std codes. " THOMSON FAMILY, SYRAH JULY 2006
"One of our best holidays in recent years. Free wine on arrival and restaurant booking service were definalty a boon" SMITH FAMILY, SYRAH JULY 2006
"We liked the communal aspect and we got on very well with the other families. It was an "old fashioned" experience for the kids, leting them have some freedom" STEVENSON FAMILY, SYRAH JULY 2006
"What can we say, La Vendange is in a perfect peaceful location, ideal to just veg by the lovely pool or visiting the many beaches and attractions. Joel was happy as he met lots of friends and still talks about his holiday now! We were able to completely relax knowing that the children were safe in the garden which was well equipped with slides and swings. Tim enjoyed his daily bike ride to the bakery, the great thing was he could take Joel with him on the back & Leon on the front!!! Thank you for your hospitality, you really did make us feel welcome and we would certainly come back. We just didn't want our holiday to end! " ALLARD FAMILY / JUNE 2006, COLUMBARD
"The layout of the cottages, play areas and pool is ideal for families, espacially those with younger children. The location provides a wonderful, quiet rural base for sightseeing. Excellent service and very friendly informative hosts. Thanks for a great holiday." THOMAS FAMILIY, JUNE/JULY 2006
"We have had a superb holiday here; this being our first time abroad with our 3 year old we were a little apprehensive, but it has been lovely. The cottage was equipped with everything we could possibly need and Katie could play outside safely in full view from the cottage. The swimming pool area is very nice and safely enclosed. Richard provided good entertainement for the children." ROSCOE FAMILY / JUNE 2006, VERDHELLO
"We appreciated the shade and the rustic character of the cottages and loved the area with it's beautiful Romanesque churches and carved stonework. LAKE FAMILY / JUNE 2006, CHASSELAS
"LaVendange is situated in a peaceful, scenic area. We have had a wonderful, relaxing two weeks here. The cottages are homely and comfortable and our two children loved the pool and the play equipment in the large garden. There are plenty of interesting places to visit for all ages and we will be back to visit the places we didn't have time for on this trip !" BLACK FAMILY / JUNE 2006, COLUMBARD
"Overall it was excellent and good value. Disabled features very good. Ground floor worked well for a wheelchair; with no steps, raised W.C, shower with seat and grab bars which support weight well. We would be happy to recommend LaVendange" CARR FAMILY/ MAY 2006, VERDHELLO
"Fantastic garden/play area for small children and beautifully planted too - even herbs available for our own use. Syrah has a very attractive private eating out area. ARTHUR FAMILY/ MAY 2006, SYRAH
Some Guest Comments 2005
"What an incredibly relaxing, rustic week. It was lovely to have herbs and cherry tomatoes growing outside the front door. Well equipped cottage, fantastic atmosphere, helpful friendly owners and amazing stars every night. Thanks." STORRAR FAMILY, AUG 2005, CHASSELAS.
"The swimming pool was fantastic for lazy days. The swings, hammock etc. in the garden are perfect entertainment for all, young and old" COLLIN PARTY AUG/SEPT 2005, COLUMBARD and CHASSELAS
"We found our gite to be well equipped and child friendly. The peacefulness of the area was very enjoyable, particularly the total lack of traffic noise - a wonderful change from home. Another plus was the option NOT to have a TV !" THOMSON FAMILY, JULY/AUG 2005 SYRAH
"Our second stay here at LaVendange and every bit as relaxing as the first". COLCOMB FAMILY, AUG 2005, SYRAH.
"We really enjoyed our stay here and would recommend LaVendange to our friends. TV and selection of kids videos were a godsend for our 3 year old ! SHODERU/FINLAY PARTY SEPT 2005, SYRAH
"We had a great two weeks here! The Gites' common area was very child friendly and we were lucky to meet some geat families. A very positive and friendly atmosphere". MURRAY/SAUNDERS PARTY. AUG 2005, VERDHELLO.
"A great family holiday ! Very relaxing. Richard and Sarah are very welcoming and always helpful. Truly a family-friendly place, where the children can play with new friends. Katie (10) says "I liked it because there were lots of children to play with, lots of freedom and plenty to do"." HOTCHKISS FAMILY, AUG 2005, COLUMBARD.
"A very safe and fun place to stay for families with small children (and older ones too)!" STRANGE FAMILY, AUG 2005 COLUMBARD
"We had a very enjoyable week. The accommodation was very family oriented and served us well. HATTON FAMILY, AUG 2005, SYRAH
We found the area reasonably remote: you need a car and a good map ! Quiet and restful yet centrally located for many places/towns of interest. McGREGOR PARTY, AUG 2005, VERDHELLO
"We had a fantastic two weeks, balanced between some sightseeing and relaxing around the pool !" GUNN FAMILY , JULY 2005, COLUMBARD
"A well-equipped cottage, full of rustic charm. Richard and Sarah are welcoming hosts, full of local information. Thoroughly recommend the wine walk! STURGE FAMILY, JULY 2005. VERDHELLO and SYRAH
"There is a great community feel to LaVendange. Richard and Sarah were often around to help and the children (Jake, 6 and Jasper, 2) really enjoyed the facilities and playing with the other children on site. We would love to come back !" OSLER FAMILY, JULY 2005. CHASSELAS
"Good facilities for a wheelchair in Verdhello. I could generally get around without any help", OLSON PARTY, VERDHELLO, SYRAH JUNE 2005
"The best equipped cottage we've been to ! A very child friendly and family oriented holiday venue. The children had a lovely time which meant that we did too ! Very well serviced, lots of play equipment in a safe environment. The surrounding countryside is especially picturesque, with plenty to see". DEMPSTER FAMILY, JULY 2005. COLUMBARD
"We really enjoyed our 2 weeks here. We had everything we needed. The information given about the cottage on the website was good, but we were pleasantly surprised when we got here. MATTHEWS FAMILY, JULY 2005. COLUMBARD
"Setting of cottages in the countryside gives a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Enclosed garden with a wide range of play equipment is excellent if you have young children. Thanks to little Jamie for helping to keep the children occupied ! ". KEITH AND GINNY BERRY, JUNE 2005. SYRAH
Some Guest Comments 2004
A fantastic holiday, where our little ones made many new friends. The garden and the pool are extremely safe and really let us relax whilst the children played." COLCOMB FAMILY, AUGUST 2004. VERDHELLO
"We loved it here. Family oriented, child friendly atmosphere." JUKES FAMILY, AUGUST 2004. COLUMBARD
"We have all had a wonderful holiday here, enjoying the weather, the pool and the company of the other guests and hosts" POTTER FAMILY, JULY/AUG 2004, CHASSELAS
"The pool kept the children busy for 2 weeks - they only got out to eat ! The dishwasher and washing machine made life very easy. Lovely friendly hosts, always helpful and chatty. ASKER FAMILY, JULY/AUG 2004, COLUMBARD
For children, LaVendange is second to none. Richard, Sarah and little Jamie made us all feel so welcome. The pool was wonderful and we all had a great time." O'SULLIVAN PARTY, JUNE 2004, SYRAH AND VERDHELLO
"A really enjoyable stay. Richard and Sarah go out of their way to make you feel welcome. A wonderful safe garden with play equipment for the children. **A toaster would have been useful, but apart from this we thought all the facilities excellent throughout, with everything we could possibly need. The cottage and all the facilities were incredibly clean" COATES FAMILY, JULY/AUG 2004, SYRAH
"We loved the garden and so did our 1 year old. We felt totally comfortable that he could run around and play with all the toys/slide/swings etc. without doing himself any harm. The cottage was well equipped and stylishly presented. Well done !" SHEEDY FAMILY, SEPTEMBER 2004, CHASSELAS
"Safe enclosed play area, well equipped for young children. Enclosed pool with alarm. Very friendly, helpful owners. Cottages well equipped with dishwasher, washing machine, fridge freezer, microwave and full sized cooker. Great for a family holiday". HILLARD PARTY, MAY/JUNE 2004, COLUMBARD, SYRAH and CHASSELAS
Guest comments 1999 - 2003 now deleted from site but available upon request.
About the Owners:
*Richards' family has operated gites in the area since the mid 1990s. La Vendange was renovated between 1997-2000 . We know the area well, speak fluent french and have two young children of our own: Jamie (born May 2002) and Lucie (born Aug 2004). We have lived in all the cottages at one time or another but now live a few minutes drive away from the property, though we are often on site and try to be always available to answer queries, book restaurants, solve problems etc !
** Toasters now supplied as standard ! (Jun 2005)
Copyright Sept 2007. La Vendange Child friendly Gites. Toddler Friendly Cottages