French Riviera Paradise: Luxury Villa & HUGE Garden near Etang de Laprade!
French Riviera Paradise: Luxury Villa & HUGE Garden near Etang de Laprade – My Messy, Wonderful, and Slightly Overwhelmed Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the "French Riviera Paradise: Luxury Villa & HUGE Garden near Etang de Laprade". Forget those sterile, robotic reviews – this is the unfiltered, slightly neurotic, and utterly enthusiastic version, straight from my brain to your screen. I’m basically still picking sand out of my hair, but I have thoughts.
First Impressions (and a Near-Meltdown):
Getting there was an adventure, let me tell you. Airport transfer? Booked. But, of course, the driver was late. Fine, I can handle it. I packed my patience. I even packed a spare set of underwear (you never know). Then, the first thing I saw was the sheer, unadulterated size of the villa. It's not just "large," it's "holy-moly-where-do-I-even-start" large. I, bless my heart, felt a teensy bit overwhelmed, but I'm pretty sure that was also due to the copious amounts of champagne I'd consumed at the airport lounge while waiting for the driver.
Accessibility – Did They Really Think This Through? (Mostly Yes!)
Okay, let's be real: I'm fairly able-bodied, so I wasn't testing the wheelchair accessibility. But, based on what I could see, they’ve tried! Elevator? Check! Facilities for disabled guests? Listed, so fingers crossed they deliver! The walkways seemed wide, and I spotted a few ramps. Still, I’d recommend contacting them directly for specifics if accessibility is a major concern. They even had an "Exterior corridor," which, for me, just meant a lovely view from my room, but I appreciate the thought.
Cleanliness and Safety - My Germ-Freak Side is Thrilled!
This is where they seriously impressed me. In the current climate of existential dread, I was pleasantly surprised. Anti-viral cleaning products? Absolutely. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yes, please! (And maybe a shot of vodka in my coffee to top it off). My room was "Rooms sanitized between stays" – and I could smell the cleanliness. They even had "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, which is music to my germ-phobic heart. I actually felt safe, which is a massive win in my book. There’s also "Staff trained in safety protocol," and I observed them diligently following procedures. They really seem to take this seriously, which I admire. Oh! And they had "Hot water linen and laundry washing" – thank goodness! No excuse to wear the same outfits for the whole stay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Delight!
Right, where to begin… the food. OMG, the FOOD.
- Restaurants: Multiple! Restaurants? Plural! The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" was a surprisingly good option. "Western cuisine in restaurant" was also available…duh.
- Breakfast: They had a "Breakfast [buffet]". I, of course, went straight for the "Breakfast [buffet]" and loaded up on croissants and pain au chocolat. The French really know how to do breakfast. They also offered "Breakfast in room," which is ideal for lazy mornings… and I definitely had a few of those.
- The Poolside Bar. You could take a drink by the pool. I’m telling you the "Poolside bar" was my happy place. It was the perfect spot for a cheeky glass of rosé while watching the sunset. I’m currently dreaming about the happy hours, and they are also offering "Happy hour"
- The Coffee Shop: Great for a pick-me-up after a long day of lounging.
- Room service [24-hour]: You bet I took advantage of this feature a few times. There's also a "Snack bar"
- The Desserts: I think I ate three of them one night. Dessert is essential, okay? "Desserts in restaurant." Need. More. Dessert.
- The Bar. They have one! (In case you didn't get it yet, I like to drink).
You can tell I was impressed; I was particularly fond of the "Bottle of water" handed to me upon arrival. I wouldn’t say I have a favourite.
Things To Do – Where Do I Start?! (And Did I Do Everything?)
The sheer range of options was almost paralyzing. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:
- The Pool: The "Swimming pool [outdoor] with that "Pool with view" was truly spectacular. I spent hours there, alternating between swimming and just staring at the world.
- Spa: The spa was gorgeous! I highly recommend a treatment. They offer a "Body wrap," a "Body scrub," and a "Massage," which was absolute heaven.
- Sauna & Steamroom: Both were available and wonderful for relaxing after a long day.
- Gym/fitness : It has a fitness centre.
- Water Activities (Not Strictly On-Site, But Close Enough): I wanted to try all the water activities one day.
- The HUGE Garden: The garden IS huge. I thought it would be a casual stroll, but I got lost for a whole hour and a half!
- Relaxation Options! There is a "Foot bath"! Fantastic, perfect for tired feet.
My Favourite (and Slightly Embarrassing) Moment:
I can not not talk about the time I tried the "Sauna." I've used a sauna before, but this one was special. I got a little over-enthusiastic about the hot rocks, started feeling a bit lightheaded, and had to make a hasty, slightly undignified, exit. I’m pretty sure a couple of other guests saw me, which was mortifying, but also… kind of hilarious. Note to self: less is more.
Services and Conveniences – They Thought of Everything! (Almost!)
This place is loaded with perks:
- "Air conditioning": Needed in the relentless French sun.
- "Concierge": Super helpful for arranging excursions and making dinner reservations.
- "Daily housekeeping": My room was always spotless. The housekeepers were so friendly!
- "Elevator": A lifesaver with my luggage.
- "Food delivery": Had a night in watching movies, and this was perfect!
- "Gift/souvenir shop": I didn’t buy anything but it seemed to be in a handy spot.
- "Luggage storage": Very useful for early check-in and late check-out.
- "Car park [free of charge]": They really consider everyone.
- "Laundry service": Really needed it, in the end.
Rooms – My Little Sanctuary (With a Few Quirks):
My room, one of the "Non-smoking rooms," was stunning. Spacious and all air-conditioned. It had "Air conditioning," of course, which was a godsend. The "Bed?" So comfortable. The "Private bathroom" was massive, with a separate shower and bathtub. The "Free Wi-Fi" meant I could guiltlessly binge-watch Netflix. I especially appreciated “complimentary tea.”
- "Free Wi-Fi": Yay!
- "Bathtub": So, so relaxing.
- "Mini bar": Always a plus
- "Desk": For when I wanted to do a little work, I brought my laptop and I had a "Laptop workspace"
- "Hair dryer": Essential for the French Riviera Humidity.
Things That Weren't Perfect (Because Life Isn't):
- Internet Access: The "Internet access – wireless" wasn't always lightning-fast in certain areas.
- Noise: The occasional party at night didn't bother me.
- Price: It’s luxury, so it’s expensive. Worth it? Probably.
- Smoking Area: I’m not sure there was a "Smoking area", and I didn’t see one but it wasn't a problem for me.
For The Kids:
They had a "Babysitting service." I don’t have kids. It looked pretty good.
Overall Verdict:
I'm still smiling, weeks later. The French Riviera Paradise is a truly wonderful place. Is it perfect? Nope. But the imperfections only added to the charm, and I had an amazing trip. Highly recommended, provided you’re prepared for a bit of luxury, a lot of relaxation, and maybe a slight case of post-holiday blues. I want to go back… like, right now.
SEO & Metadata (Because You Asked):
- Title: French Riviera Paradise Review: Luxury Villa & Garden Near Etang de Laprade – HONEST
Okay, hold onto your berets, because this isn't your polished, perfectly curated Instagram travelogue. This is my actual, unfiltered, probably-slightly-chaotic itinerary for a week in a villa near Etang de Laprade in Soustons, France. Let's do this thing…
Day 1: Arrival! (And the Great Luggage-Tetris of 2024)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): The dreaded morning wake-up call. The airport. The familiar, soul-crushing smell of stale coffee and overpriced croissants. I swear, airport security is designed to induce existential dread. Successfully navigate security (took off shoes, remembered liquids were small enough).
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Flight to Bordeaux. Prayed we wouldn't get stuck next to that guy, you know, the one who thinks the armrest is his. Thankfully, pure luck. The French countryside from the window is so pretty, I even took a picture of a cow! (Don't judge).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Pick up the rental car. They spoke French, and I tried to use my high-school French but realized the only phrases I remembered were "Where is the bathroom?" and "I'd like a bottle of wine." Not exactly conducive to car rental negotiations. The car itself? A tiny hatchback. Good luck fitting luggage for two people and a week's worth of "essentials" (read: too many books and shoes).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Drive to Soustons. The GPS, bless its silicon heart, tried to send us down some seriously dodgy-looking country roads. The phrase "GPS is a liar" was whispered more than once. Arrived at the Villa! It's even more beautiful in real life. But… luggage-tetris time. Turns out, the "large garden" has a slightly uneven lawn and a whole lot of… well, I'll let you guess.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Unpack. Fail at unpacking. Decide to embrace the chaos of scattered clothes for the first night.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Grocery shopping: The first culture clash. French supermarkets are a labyrinth of deliciousness and sheer bewilderment. I ended up with a baguette the size of my arm and a cheese I think is meant for horses. Hopefully it tastes better.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Onwards): Dinner! (Hopefully edible). Open the wine and marvel at the stars. Realize I'm officially on vacation. Breathe.
Day 2: Beach Day (and the Sand-in-Everything Phenomenon)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Coffee and a croissant (not from the horse cheese shop). Contemplate the meaning of life while looking out at the garden.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Beach day! Head to the beach, because, well, we're near the coast. Plage des Casernes is beautiful. The waves are epic. Decide to be active, and take a paddleboard and fall off, repeatedly. The sand… the sand is everywhere. In my hair, in my swimsuit, in places I didn't know sand could get. I’m pretty sure I'll be coughing up grains for days.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Find a beachside cafe. Eat delicious seafood and feel the sun on my face. Briefly forget about the sand.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More beach. Stroll on the beach. Watch people surf. Try to stay calm about the sand. Attempt to read a book (sand, sand, sand…). Give up and stare at the ocean.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Drive back. Wash the sand off (there is still sand!). Get lost on the way back.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Try to prepare dinner. Accidentally set off the smoke alarm. Swear a lot.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. Give up on cooking and order a pizza. Eat the pizza on the terrace and listen to the crickets. Feel content.
Day 3: The Etang Debacle (aka My Quest For Peaceful Reflection)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up with sand still in my hair. Consider shaving my head.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Attempt to visit the Etang de Laprade. I envisioned myself, serene, paddling a kayak, communing with nature. Ha. The kayak was wobbly. The "peaceful" reflection was interrupted by a squadron of aggressive ducks and a persistent fly. The water itself was gorgeous, but I felt perpetually on the verge of capsizing.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Picnic by the Etang. The breeze picked up. Suddenly, a rogue picnic blanket took flight, spewing sandwiches and a bottle of rosé into the grass. Managed to salvage lunch.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Wander around Soustons. Visit the market. Buy some things I don't need (a beret! Of course). Get completely and utterly lost in the narrow side streets.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Dinner. Try (and fail) to replicate a French dish I saw on the TV. Burnt something.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Watch the sun set, drink wine, and curse the fly.
Day 4: Biarritz Bliss (and the Road Trip of Doom)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Decide to be productive and clean up the mess in the villa. Fail. The clothes are still everywhere.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Road trip! Drive to Biarritz. The drive is beautiful. The GPS, however, has different ideas and tries to send us down a series of very twisty roads.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Arrive in Biarritz. Fall in love with Biarritz. The architecture! The ocean! The surf! The people-watching! Wander around the shops.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Indulge in a seaside meal, expensive, but worth it. Eat the best fish in the world while watching surfers ride the waves.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Attempt to drive back. Accidentally get lost. Again! The GPS is mocking us, I swear.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. Cook something simple. Drink a lot of wine to calm down from the day's navigation (or lack thereof). Stare at the walls of the villa, starting to feel more comfortable.
Day 5: Art, Wine, and French Fumbles
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit an art gallery. Pretend to understand art. Admire the paintings and wonder how anyone gets so creative!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Take a cooking class. Learn how to make a simple French dish. Actually succeeds and impressed with the masterpiece.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Visit a local vineyard. Taste wine. Decide I like all of it.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Stroll around the streets and buy souvenirs. Get lost even more.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Onwards): Cook dinner and enjoy the French cuisine.
Day 6: Rest Day or…The Garden Apocalypse
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Sleep in! Actually get a whole night's sleep, maybe. Read a book. Wander around the garden. Realize I've completely neglected the lawn. Grass needs cutting. Weed needs weeding. General garden maintenance. The thought overwhelms me. I decide to embrace the chaos of the overgrown garden.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch on the terrace. Watch someone cut their grass. Sigh.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Do something random.
French Riviera Paradise: Ask Me Anything (Because Honestly, I've Been There)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *actually* paradise, or is it just Instagram fluff?
Alright, let's be real. Instagram? Yeah, it’s pretty. But "paradise"? Depends on your definition. It's not a perfectly polished brochure. Think... a slightly rumpled linen shirt kind of paradise.
The villa itself? Stunning. Gorgeous. Like, 'jaw-on-the-floor' when you first walk in. Remember that scene in 'Call Me By Your Name' where they just *live* in that sun-drenched Italian villa? Yeah, the feeling is there. But... and there's always a "but," right? The antique furniture? Beautiful. But sometimes, you're terrified a rogue toddler (or slightly tipsy adult) is going to obliterate a priceless vase. I speak from experience, let’s just say. It involved, a clumsy elbow, and a very apologetic husband.
The garden? Oh, the garden. Massive. A *true* escape. You get lost in the lavender fields, and the scent alone is worth the price of admission. I swear, I once saw a bee the size of my thumb. Terrifying, but also kind of majestic. But… (again, WITH the buts!)… prepare for bugs. And mosquitos. And, if you're unlucky, a rogue toad or two. My first night? I was convinced a tarantula was trying to claim my suitcase as its lair. Turns out it was a particularly fuzzy dust bunny. But still.
So, is it perfect? Nah. Is it incredibly special and a place you'll remember forever? Absolutely. Especially the sunsets.
Etang de Laprade: Worth the hype? What's to *do* near the lake?
Etang de Laprade... Okay, it’s not the Mediterranean, so don't expect turquoise waters. But it has a charm all its own. It’s tranquil. You can actually *hear* yourself think (which, let me tell you, is a rare luxury these days!).
What to do? Well, you can cycle around it. Gorgeous. You can kayak, apparently (I didn’t; I'm more of a “lounge and read a book” kind of person – unless there's a bar involved). Picnics are a must. Pack *plenty* of cheese and wine. Seriously, the rule of thumb is more cheese than you think you need. You can also hike. There are trails, and they look lovely. Again, I stuck to lounging and reading. Did I mention the wine?
My absolute best day at the lake? We just sat, got sunburnt, and threw rocks into the water, and talked absolute rubbish, the kind of rubbish that is just the best and makes your heart sing. It was a perfect, simple afternoon. The real star of that day was, hands down, the bottle of rosé. Forget the lake, it was the ROSÉ. And the company. And maybe a little bit of the cheese.
Oh! One thing *not* to do: underestimate the sun. Slather on the sunscreen. Seriously. I looked like a lobster after my first outing. Not a good look, folks. Not a good look.
The HUGE Garden... It *actually* big? Is it a chore to maintain?
Huge is an understatement. It's a… a *kingdom* of plants and flowers. Like, you get lost in the rosemary bushes. My advice? Pack a map. Or a drone. Or hire a Sherpa. Okay, I’m exaggerating, but it *is* vast.
Is it a chore to maintain? Well, I'm not the gardener. There's someone who comes and works his magic. But I have to say, simply *being* in that garden felt like therapy. Yes, there's work involved… and if you are the gardener, you are probably a bit miserable with a weeding and raking schedule. But look at it this way: *being* in the garden is the reward for all the work. (And I could tell you a few jokes about a certain husband and a rogue lawnmower. But that's a story for another time. Let's just say grass stains are *not* designer.)
The best part? Finding hidden corners. Little benches tucked away where you can just sit and… breathe. We found a hammock strung between two ancient olive trees. Pure bliss. We spent hours there. Seriously, find a hammock and just breathe.
Okay, let's talk nitty-gritty: What's the kitchen like? And is there a good supermarket nearby?
The kitchen? Oh, it's *dreamy*. Fully equipped (which is code for: yes, they have a decent coffee machine). Seriously, preparing meals there is a joy. Because. you’re in France. Everything tastes better in France. Even the tap water tastes better! (Okay, maybe not the tap water, but you get the idea.)
But here's the thing: be prepared. You're not just going to be able to chuck a pizza in the microwave at 1 AM. Embrace the local markets. The experience is part of the vacation. Go. Wander. Get lost (again!).
Supermarkets? Yes, there are several within a reasonable driving distance. But honestly? Forget the big chains. Find a *proper* local market. The one in... ugh, I forget the town name... (maybe it's Grasse? I’m terrible with names and directions.) Go on market day. The smells! The colors! The people! Buy cheese, buy bread, buy ALL the things. And make sure you practice your French (or at least attempt to). Even butchering a few words will get you a smile. And probably a better price. (Or at least, that's my theory. My French is… shall we say… *developing*.)
The imperfection? The markets, while amazing, can be a bit of a logistical nightmare. Traffic. Parking. And if you show up late, expect things to be…picked over. So, get there early. And bring a big bag. And maybe a friend to help you carry all the deliciousness.
Is it family-friendly? Any tips if I'm traveling with kids?
Depends on your kids. If you have adventurous, go-with-the-flow kids, it would be perfect. If you have the type that whines about EVERYTHING, you may need to adjust your expectations (and maybe pour a very large glass of wine for yourself).
The garden? Wonderful for kids. Space to run around, explore, get dirty. (Bring a *lot* of baby wipes.) The pool? Heaven. *However*, the pool is not staffed with lifeguards, so vigilance is key. I almost had a heart attack when I found my nephew trying to teach himself to scuba dive at the age of 5. It went on for HOURS; he was so dedicated. And then, when I found him on the floor, it was near chaos.
Etang de Laprade is great for a day trip, but try not to go on a scorching day. Sunscreen, hats, water bottles. The basics. Pack them. The local markets. Get those kids involvedHotel Search Trek
