LaVendange Child Friendly Gites : HomePage

La Vendange Family Friendly Gites: Guest Comments

Summer 2009

"Had a wonderful time. The girls loved the pool, swings, chickens and especially the trampoline. Mummy and Daddy loved that they were having such a good time ! The peace and quiet, Richards' excellent hosting and the general cameraderie of the place. We loved it here last year and loved it this year too and It is so child friendly !" RICH FAMILY, COLUMBARD, JUNE 2009

"We love it here and shall be returning again next year. We have had, once again the best family holiday we could have wished for." Mc DOWELL FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JUNE 2009

"We have had a fantastic week at La Vendange. Our only regret was that we didn't book for two weeks ! The gîtes are lovely. the kids loved the garden and pools and our fellow guests were all very pleasent to socialise with. The hospitality extended by Richard was also appreciated ! " EAST FAMILY, CHASSELAS JUNE 2009

"Talia (21months) loved everything, but especially the trampoline and the lovely heated pool. I like the way waste food gets used up by feeding the chickens. It was lovely to pick up fresh eggs each day. The zoo at La Palmeyre was excellent, especially hand feeding the giraffes and elephants ! Talia loved petting the baby goats. Richard was very friendly and chatty and we really enjoyed the communal BBQ that he organised with the other families. Very peaceful location." NEEDHAM FAMILY, SYRAH, JUNE 2009

"We've had a wonderful relaxing stay, knowing that our son (2) had lots of fun things to play with in a very safe environment, allowing us to relax and enjoy ourselves too. There are lots of child friendly places to visit in the surrounding area, ideal for the rainy first part of the week. We are already planning a return visit for next year " PEARCE FAMILY, CHASSELAS JUNE 2009

"We loved the cottage: spacious bathroom, very comfortable main bedroom, black out blind in childs' bedroom and equipment such as the stairgate made life much easier. Benjamin also loved the Meg and Mog DVD ! Lovely to have 2 swimming pools incl. one for toddlers and lots of toys + the trampoline in the garden". SMITH FAMILY, COLUMBARD JUNE 2009

Richard is very welcoming and friendly with lots of local knowlege and recommendations. The property is great: huge garden and separate pool area. Gîtes are clean and safe with some good features. Totally safe for little ones so relaxing is easy." PERKINS FAMILY, COLUMBARD MAY 2009

"We had a wonderful stay here. Everyone was so friendly and the cottage was perfect in size and layout. It was great to have both our own garden and the communal area for play + games + social. It is great to have the two pools !" ROBERTS FAMILY, CHASSELAS MAY 2009

"Service from Richard and family was exceptional. Everything we asked for or enquired about was provided. 5 star service level with a smile. We enjoyed the added advantage of the teddy bear picnic and pottery painting. Our children loved their holiday home and all the facilities were used and enjoyed. It was great to get the kids out with us on the bikes and the Wifi Internet was an additional advantage". FARRELLY/SWEENY FAMILY COLUMBARD MAY 2009

Summer 2008

"The service provided was first class. Both Richard and Sarah were at hand should we have needed anything and nothing was too much trouble. There are many things which separate La Vendange from other Gites: the shopping service, the toys for kids, the potty and stool in the bathroom for toddlers, the eggs from the hens and the general cleanliness of the gîtes. It was so child friendly it was exactly what we needed..." MURPHY FAMILY, COLUMBARD, SEPT 2008

"La Vendange is perfect for the <5 and unders> who can stroll the grounds in complete safety, be entertained and entertain each other. It gives a glimpse of country life where the pace of life is slow enough to allow you to appreciate your suroundings and each other. Thomas loved meeting Rebecca <the village donkey> but she does not like cucumber !" JACKSON FAMILY, VERDHELLO, SEPT 2008

"We had a great time - and what a difference a heated pool makes ! Loved the big bed and crisp while linen in the main bedroom" PRICE FAMILY, VERDHELLO SEPT 2008

"Lovely cottage. The perfect holiday for young families. Pool area very safe, as is the garden. Lots to see and do. Our 2+ 3 year olds loved it, as did we !" PERRY FAMILY, SEPT 2008

"We've never been on holiday before where there are lots of other people but this year we did it so that Noah would be entertained with other children. The layout and security of garden was fantastic; having a happy 3yo made sure that we had happy parents! This is what made it such a sucessful holiday even with the rain we had. We really liked the privicy of Syrah' patio and it was handy to have a freezer so we could just do one big shop at the start of the holiday." WELLS FAMILY, SYRAH, SEPT 2008

"Despite some poor weather we had a terrific holiday in a splendid environment. The whole place is a testament to the energy and thought that has been ploughed into the property. Friendly atmosphere from the outset : welcoming and relaxing. We would whole heartedly recommend to any young family who would value the chance to chill out ! " HARVEY FAMILY, CHASSELAS, SEPT 2008

"Well catered and managed cottage. Very child friendly. Lovely pool and surroundings. Would certainly recommend. BILLINGSLY FAMILY, SYRAH AUG 08

"We have had a fantastic time though we have hardly seen our children as they've been playing with all their new friends in the very child friendly garden. The set up is great and Richard is often around and approachable for queries, information or a chat ! Lovely pool - usually warm. Thanks for a great holiday ! GOODWIN FAMILY, COLUMBARD AUG 2006

"Peaceful location and a good, relaxing holiday. We all enjoyed feeding the chickens and collecting our eggs !"

"The warm welcome and chatty hospitality really made the holiday special. Our kids fell in love with the baby chickens and we all feel rested and relaxed" MALTMAN FAMILY, SYRAH AUG 2008

"Fantastic hot pool - we swam in all weather. The kids (8,5,2 yrs) loved it here. They were kept busy in the garden and pool the whole two weeks and made many new friends. The chickens were also a big hit with many eggs enjoyed for tea ! Richard and Sarah were excellent hosts and very accommodating. Thank you." FERNANDEZ FAMILY, SYRAH, AUG 2008

"We had a great two weeks at La Vendange (Verdhello). With two very small children (8mths and 2yrs) it was really great to be able to let them play outside in the safety of the gardens and mix with the other children. The cottage layout was perfect for us and the stairgates meant that we had no worries about the steep stairs." CROOK FAMILY, VERDHELLO, AUG 2008

"We really enjoyed our holiday and the kids loved the garden, pool and meeting new friends. Very well equipped cottages and Richard and Sarah couldn't have been more welcoming" STOCKDALE FAMILY, COLUMBARD, AUG 2008

"Zach (18months) loved the little wooden house and green swing. Sam (4.5) loved the trampoline and table football. Both boys loved the chickens ! Richard was welcoming and helpful and we really liked Erics' wine." DUCKWORTH FAMILY, CHASSELAS, JULY 2008

"Ideal layout for children and adults to enjoy a relaxing holiday" STEENBERG FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JULY 2008

"Once again we had a relaxing week and the children made lots of new friends. They loved playing in the garden and the pool. The new trampoline was also very popular !" KENNY FAMILY, SYRAH, JULY 2008

"Excellent holiday. Very welcoming and helpful". CLOUGH FAMILY, SYRAH, JULY 2008

"Another great holiday at La Vendange. The girls want to stay for the whole school holidays !" SMITH FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JULY 2008

"Richard and Sarah were extremely helpful. Richard in particular was often available to answer questions (eg where to find the local wine merchant) ! Our kids loved La Vendange - very good family setup." De SILVA FAMILY, SYRAH, JULY 2008

"We had a fantastic stay. The property suited our needs down to the ground. We all enjoyed the relaxed ambience the gites provided for our extended family. Many thanks for a great week." COOPER FAMILY, CHASSELAS, VERDHELLO JULY 2008

"We've had a wonderful time ! Richard and Sarah have created a welcoming, friendly and very child friendly gite. The range of facilities appeals to all age including a lovely warm swimming pool that we found very hard to get out of. It was like a warm bath ! STEADHAM FAMILY, SYRAH JUNE 2008

"Last year our group of families stayed at Pagel. Our holiday at La Vendange was not only more cost effective, it was so much easier. The toys and garden are all visible from the gîte garden allowing the parents to keep all the children in sight without having to follow them around the grounds. The pool was like a warm bath and the gîte was well stocked and had a great shower. " MADDOCKS FAMILY, CHASSELAS, JUNE 2008

"We've had a fantastic week and it's been perfect just to sit back and watch the kids play." BEECHING FAMILY, VERDHELLO, JUNE 2008

"Richard and Sarah, you have been charming hosts - always very helpful and we appreciate your help with Ellie who had Chicken Pox. We loved the pool and the great facilities for children of all ages. Ellie loved the lawn, all the toys and the sandpit etc. Our gîte was really well equipped. We'll definatley return when no. 2 arrives !! " Mc IVOR FAMILY, VERDHELLO JUNE 2008

"With a 2 and a 4 year old, we really wanted to find somewhere that the children could play safely so we could have some time to relax. La Vendange exceeded our expectations: our children had an absolute ball ! We especially loved greeting the bread van each morning with a "bonjour" to collect our fresh baguette and chocolate bread." ELLISON FAMILY, COLUMBARD JUNE 2008

"The garden worked exactly as we had hoped when we saw the photos on the website. Within minutes of our arrival, our children had teamed up with others, leaving us to relax and enjoy watching them. The chickens (and our 2 egg/day allowance) went down really well with the children: going into the run, picking up the warm eggs and then eating them for breakfast was great fun !" SHUTTLEWORTH FAMILY, CHASSELAS, MAY 2008

"Very good setup - lots of space and activities for children. Richard and Sarah very helpful. LAW FAMILY, SYRAH MAY 2008

"Excellent and well equipped gîte. Very child friendly accommodation and facilities" CROSBY FAMILY, SYRAH MAY 2008

"Have had a great time here - facilities for children geat and pool was great too once the sun came out!" TENNANT FAMILY, VERDHELLO, MAY 2008

2007

"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

"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

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 !