Bergerac Dream: Stunning Holiday Home with Private Pool!
Bergerac Dream: More Than Just a Pool - A Review That's Seen Some Things
Okay, folks, let's talk Bergerac Dream. I'm back, sun-kissed (mostly, thanks to some rogue cloud cover) and ready to spill the tea. Forget the generic travel blog speak; I'm here to tell you what REALLY went down – the good, the slightly-less-good, and the sheer bliss of a private pool in the French countryside. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a ride.
First Impressions (and a Touch of Panic): Accessibility, Check-in/out, and Getting Around
Right off the bat, a massive plus for accessibility. Facilities for disabled guests were clearly considered, which instantly earned them brownie points in my book. However, and this is where my inner critic gets a workout, the elevator… well, it was there, which counts for something. Getting to my room initially involved a brief moment of near-vertigo because the exterior corridors were a little winding. Once I got it sorted though, it was smooth (ish) sailing. I wouldn't call it perfectly ADA compliant per se, but definitely a step above many places I've stayed.
Check-in/out [express] was a godsend. After my flight, I just wanted to collapse. And the fact that Check-in/out [private] was an option just sweetened the pot. No endless queues, no awkward small talk with stressed-out receptionists. (Though, I have to admit, I did overhear the doorman telling a joke and it was genuinely funny…so I ended up staying to listen). They also had Contactless check-in/out, which, in the current climate, is a serious win. Speaking of easy, Airport transfer was a breeze. Seriously, after a red-eye, that's worth its weight in, well, not gold, but definitely sleep.
And the Car park [free of charge] was a HUGE relief. Driving in France is exhilarating, terrifying and beautiful all at once, and knowing you can park at your own expense is not something to be taken lightly. Okay, I also appreciated the Car park [on-site]. The Car power charging station wasn't relevant to me, but I'm sure it's a win for the Tesla crowd.
The Rooms: Where Dreams (and Maybe a Few Naps) Are Made
Okay, let's talk about the sanctum sanctorum: my room. The Non-smoking rooms are, of course, appreciated. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially during that rogue heatwave that decided to stop by. The Air conditioning in public area as well, really nice.
The details make the difference, people. Bathrobes – essential. Slippers – a tiny luxury that feels HUGE when you've been in travel shoes all day. Coffee/tea maker – my sanity lifeline. Mini bar? Tempting. Free bottled water? Blessedly necessary. Daily housekeeping – because, let’s face it, I’m a slob on vacation. Wake-up service? You betcha, for those spa appointments. The Alarm clock on the other hand… was probably not as functional as I thought.
The Soundproofing was remarkable. I never heard a peep from my neighbors, even though I suspect they were having a very good time. The Blackout curtains? Chef's kiss. I slept like a baby, and in case you're wondering, the sleep machine (me) enjoyed the Extra long bed massively. I’ve got one of those long bodies and I wasn’t bumping my feet against the edge all the time.
Internet Access, or, Can I Survive Without Social Media?
Spoiler alert: probably not. I was living off the Wi-Fi [free] in my room. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, please! And it was surprisingly reliable. The Internet access – wireless was also there, but let's be frank, the free Wi-Fi was my go-to. I have to admit I didn't test the Internet [LAN]. I was on holiday, people! The Internet itself was solid. The Laptop workspace, I can't say I used it. Nope, I'm on holiday!
The Pool: Forget Paris, This is Paradise
Okay, the heart of the matter: the pool. Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view (OMG, the view!), let me tell you, it was glorious. I spent hours in that water, floating, staring up at the sky, and just being. There was this one day…I swear I was the last person in the pool for the day. It seemed like the world melted away and I was completely at peace. The Poolside bar was a delicious temptation. Their daiquiris were STRONG.
Dining, Drinking, and Maybe a Few Regrets
Oh, the food! The Restaurants offered a decent selection. A la carte in restaurant was good, but I mostly went for the Breakfast [buffet]. I’m a sucker for a breakfast buffet. The Buffet in restaurant was seriously impressive, with a wide variety of both Western cuisine in restaurant and Asian breakfast. I’ve always wanted to try Asian cuisine in restaurant, and it was amazing - the fish was so fresh! They also had a Vegetarian restaurant, which was perfect for my co-traveller. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was always flowing.
The Snack bar was great for a quick bite and the Poolside bar, as previously mentioned, was a siren's call to cocktails. The Bottle of water was a nice touch, although I’m pretty sure I drank enough water to fill the pool. The Happy hour was a welcome treat, and the Bar itself was well-stocked with local wines.
I wish I'd taken advantage of the Room service [24-hour] more often, to be honest. I was too busy living.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because COVID, Y'know?
Look, I’m a worrywart. I’m also a germaphobe. I was slightly nervous, but they had their act together. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items all gave me a huge sigh of relief. They went the extra mile, and it showed. They also had Hand sanitizer everywhere you turned.
Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Hygiene certification? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Physically distancing of at least 1 meter? They were pretty good. Safe dining setup? Absolutely commendable. The Cashless payment service made things so convenient.
The Spa: Soothing the Soul (and Maybe Erasing a Few Bad Decisions)
Spa/sauna? Yes. Steamroom? Indeed. Sauna? You betcha. Massage – oh, the massage! I was so tense from the flight, and all the sightseeing, that the masseuse basically had to chisel me loose. Well worth it. I wanted to use the Body scrub and Body wrap, but didn't want to waste my limited time with those.
Things to Do (Besides Lounging By the Pool):
Okay, let's get real. I mostly lounged by the pool. But! There were Things to do! The concierge was helpful. If you are thinking of a Proposal spot, it's got a beautiful area, but I didn't use it for that.
Let's get into more detail on a single experience: one day I did decide to try the gym. It was not too bad, there was a Gym/fitness facility and a Fitness center! I even tried the Foot bath, why not? Here’s where the slight imperfections show. I have a somewhat, shall we say, robust build, and the equipment was perhaps a little… compact. Let's just say I accidentally became intimately acquainted with a treadmill's safety bar. The music was also a questionable choice. I didn't feel bad for myself, and in the end, felt it was good to try!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
Concierge, Doorman. Daily housekeeping was fantastic. Ironing service? Needed it desperately after those long plane rides. Laundry service? A lifesaver for someone who packs light (or just refuses to do laundry on vacation). Luggage storage? Essential. The Gift/souvenir shop was cute. Elevator again, bless their hearts. The Currency exchange was helpful (I'm terrible at anticipating those things). Safety deposit boxes were also available. They also had a Convenience store…
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us):
I didn't have any kids with me. But I did see the Babysitting service. They also had Kids facilities and Kids meal. It looked child-friendly.
Things I Didn't Use, But They're There:
Ski-In/Ski-Out DREAM! Luxurious La Toussuire Apartment Awaits!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a holiday, we're curating a messy, glorious, hopefully slightly tipsy adventure to a holiday home with a swimming pool in Bergerac, France. Forget the Stepford Wives itineraries, this is gonna be a rollercoaster of chardonnay, questionable decisions, and the kind of sunburn you only get in the Dordogne.
Trip: Bergerac Bliss & Backyard BBQ Breakdown
Duration: One glorious, sun-drenched week (or however long we can survive each other's company).
The Cast (aka The Suffering Participants):
- Me: The Instigator, the Chief Wine Drinker, and the person most likely to accidentally order "escargots for one" thinking it's a dip.
- [Friend 1 - Insert Name]: The sensible one (supposedly). Will probably be the designated driver…until the rosé kicks in.
- [Friend 2 - Insert Name]: The foodie. Expect Michelin-star aspirations and a LOT of complaining about the quality of supermarket brie.
- [Partner/Spouse/Other - Insert Name]: The long-suffering but ultimately loving partner. Probably will have to deal with a lot of late night swimming and being told by everyone "it was a great idea"
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Grocery Gamble
- Morning (ish): Get the hell out of the airport. That flight was brutal. The crying baby, the dude who wouldn't stop clipping his fingernails…traumatic. The relief of the French countryside is instant. The car… oh god, is the rental car really that small? And I’m driving? Oh God, don’t crash on the first day.
- Afternoon: Arrive at the holiday home. Let me tell you, the pictures always lie. Pray the pool isn't green and the house isn't built on a swamp. Unpack, mentally assess the state of the kitchen (survival of the fittest), and fight for the prime bedroom with the best view (because let's be honest, this is where the power lies). A quick swim.
- Evening: The Great Grocery Gamble. Navigate a French supermarket. I’m talking about a sensory overload. The cheese aisle is a labyrinth, the wine selection is overwhelming, and I'm pretty sure I just accidentally bought a giant can of cat food. Pray they don't run out of the good rosé.
- Anecdote: Last time I tried to buy cheese in France, I pointed, smiled, and ended up with something that smelled like gym socks left in a swamp for a month. Lesson learned: learn to pronounce "brie." Or just point at the ones that look good.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, grocery shopping is hard, that’s a fact of life no matter the country you are in, especially after flying all day.
- Night: First meal at the holiday home. BBQ. Failure is an option.
Day 2: Bergerac Town & The Pursuit of Pastries
- Morning: A leisurely start. Sleep in. Recover from shopping trauma. Coffee, croissants, and a debate about whether SPF 50 is really that necessary. (Spoiler alert: it is.)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Explore Bergerac town. Wander the cobblestone streets. Pretend to understand the history of the place (probably just vaguely aware). Admire the pretty buildings, resist the urge to buy a beret (too cliché), and definitely, definitely find a bakery.
- Quirky Observation: French people seem to have a secret language when it comes to pastries. You just sort of point and hope for the best. It’s like a high-stakes lottery of deliciousness.
- Emotional Reaction: "Oh, the pastries! Don't look so good."
- Afternoon: River trip. I'm thinking a boat tour on the Dordogne. Or maybe just a walk along the riverbank. Aim for something that looks picturesque, even if it’s swarming with wasps.
- Messy Structure: Oh my god, remember that time…wait, no. Remember when the boat trip just… didn’t happen because of a sudden downpour and everyone got hangry? Good times.
- Evening: Dinner somewhere lovely. Or maybe a picnic. Definitely needs wine. Lots of it.
Day 3: Wine Tasting (And the inevitable wine-induced silliness)
- Morning: Head out to a vineyard. Research some local producers. The plan is to go to two vineyards. We'll start with a small, family-run affair. Then we'll go somewhere bigger. The plan is to be cultured.
- Anecdote: Last time I did a wine tasting, I ended up attempting to speak fluent French to a particularly charming winemaker, who probably just considered me a drunken mess. It was great.
- Afternoon: Back at the house, and the wine begins to truly flow. More swimming. Someone will probably insist on a game of boules that descends into chaos.
- Emotional Reaction: The initial feeling of sophistication will quickly devolve into pure, unadulterated joy.
- Evening: BBQ. More importantly, the aftermath. We’ll probably end up talking about everything, falling over laughing, and making plans about the next trip before bed.
Day 4: Market Day & Cooking Catastrophes
- Morning: Visit a local market. Prepare for sensory overload. Fresh produce, cheeses, meats, flowers - the smells alone are worth the trip.
- Quirky Observation: The French seem to take their markets very seriously. Don't poke the melons, don't haggle too aggressively, and for the love of all that is holy, don't wear socks with sandals.
- Afternoon: The Great Cooking Catastrophe. Armed with ridiculously fresh ingredients from the market, we're going to attempt a culinary masterpiece. Or, you know, something edible.
- Messy Structure: Oh boy, our attempt to make coq au vin last time… Let’s just say the chicken was more "coq" than "vin."
- Evening: The culinary results. Hopefully, the meal is palatable, but it’s probably a testament to our enthusiasm rather than our skill.
Day 5: The River of Relaxation & Recharged Batteries
- All Day: A day completely free of plans. Sleep in. No alarms. Lounging by the pool. Reading a trashy novel. Taking naps because, well, why not?
- Emotional Reaction: Sheer, unadulterated bliss. I need this. We all need this.
- More Opinionated Language: Look, after days of being a "tourist," this is a crucial day. We'll need to relax. We will need a day off.
- Night: Homemade pizza and a movie night. Staring at the stars
Day 6: Day Trip to Sarlat:
- Morning: Drive out, and if possible, arrange a driver. It's not worth risking it.
- Afternoon: Explore Sarlat. The architecture, the history, the food, everything is amazing in this area.
- Anecdote: I'm not sure what to do here besides get lost in the city.
- Evening: A nice dinner somewhere, the city will get to us, and we'll be tired.
Day 7: Packing, Pondering, & the Airport Blues
- Morning: Pack. Cry a little. Realize you haven't bought any souvenirs. Scramble to find something vaguely French for Aunt Mildred.
- Afternoon: Final swim. One last glass of wine. Maybe try to burn everything. It's not like we have a job anymore, right?
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of sadness, exhaustion, and a desperate longing for the next trip.
- Evening: Travel home.
Important Notes:
- This itinerary is subject to change based on mood, sunshine, wine levels, and the general chaos of life.
- We will probably get lost at least three times.
- There will be arguments. They will be forgotten quickly.
- The food will be delicious.
- The memories will be priceless.
So, pack your bags, embrace the mess, and get ready for Bergerac, here we come! Bon voyage, you beautiful disaster!
Escape to Tuscany: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Todi, Italy!
Bergerac Dream FAQs: The Unvarnished Truth (and Some Sunburn)
Okay, so it *really* has a private pool? Because the photos are… impressive.
Oh. MY. GOD. The pool. Listen, I'm gonna be brutally honest. I've spent a LOT of time scrolling through holiday rentals, and usually, the "private pool" is code for, 'a glorified paddling pool that shares its chlorine with the entire village.' This one? This pool is real. Big, sparkling, actually *deep* enough to swim proper laps (if you're into that… I'm more of a 'float with a cocktail' kind of swimmer, myself). It even has those fancy underwater lights. My first night? I was legitimately giddy. Like, a kid on Christmas morning giddy. I might have even done a little celebratory dance in my swimsuit. Don't judge me.
The house looks pretty swish. Is it… pretentious?
Okay, so, yes, it *is* lovely. But pretentious? Nah. It's what I'd describe as 'comfortably chic.' Think: less Downton Abbey, more… a very stylish, extremely well-off aunt's house. The kind who has good taste but isn't afraid to let the kids (hello, us!) run around. There's a real 'lived-in' feel. And that's a GOOD thing. Because, honestly, have you ever stayed in a place that's so flawlessly Instagrammable you're afraid to breathe in case you disrupt the feng shui? This isn't that. We spilled red wine on the pristine white couch on day two. The world didn't end. Thank God.
Location, Location, Location! What's the area actually *like*?
Bergerac. It's pretty. Really pretty. Like, the kind of pretty that makes you want to sit on a cafe terrace and dramatically stare into the middle distance while sipping rosé. (Which, to be fair, I did. Several times). The Dordogne region is just… dreamy. Rolling hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see. The air smells of grapes and… well, something delicious. I can't describe it. There's a market in the town square, which… okay, I'll be honest, the croissants were *slightly* disappointing the first time. But the tomatoes? The tomatoes were like sunshine in solid form. And the people? So lovely. Even when my French was… let's say, *enthusiastically* interpreted.
Are there any supermarkets nearby? Because I need my caffeine and… snacks.
Supermarkets? Yes, indeed. Thank goodness. Because vacationing without a stockpile of crisps and chocolate is just… a travesty, frankly. There's a decent supermarket a short drive away. And trust me, you’ll want to stock up. The early mornings with a strong cup of coffee, the birds chirping, the air… fresh, is everything. Oh, and if you can swing it, get some local cheese. Seriously. GET. THE. CHEESE. I’m still dreaming about it. I may, or may not have snuck some back in my suitcase. Don't tell anyone. Also, bring a corkscrew. Sounds stupid, but trust me. The wine is everywhere. You *will* need a corkscrew.
What's the kitchen like? Because I actually *like* to cook (sometimes).
The kitchen is great! It's well-equipped, modern, and even has a dishwasher (God bless the dishwasher!). I cooked a few meals there. Admittedly, one of which involved *slightly* burning the garlic bread. (Blame the sun. I'm sure it was the sun’s fault). But hey, the rest was good. And the best thing? The kitchen opens out onto a dining area, so you can have dinner with a view of the pool. Romantic, right? Except when the kids started throwing water balloons. But, you know, swings and roundabouts.
Is it noisy? I need silence.
Silence? Well, let's just say, you'll *hear* nature. Birds, mostly. The cicadas get a bit…enthusiastic in the afternoons. But noisy? Not really. It’s in a quiet location, away from the main roads. Pure, unadulterated peace. Unless, of course, your family is with you. Then it's a different story entirely. But hey, that's the beauty of being on holiday, isn't it? Accepting the beautiful chaos.
What's the WIFI like? Because, let's be honest, I *need* to check my emails (occasionally).
The WIFI is… acceptable. It's not fibre optic, NASA-grade internet. You won't be live-streaming a concert. But for emails, browsing, and the occasional Instagram scroll? Perfectly fine. I managed to upload a few photos to Instagram. That’s success in my book. (Although, the pool pics got way more likes than my strategically posed ‘grape harvest’ shots. Lesson learned: people like pools more than grapes.) Honestly, thank goodness, because, between you and me, I NEEDED to check my emails. Work never stops...
Is there anything I should really know *before* I book?
Okay, here's the lowdown. Firstly, pack mosquito repellent. Seriously. They're sneaky little blighters. I got bitten. A LOT. And sunscreen. And another one. And maybe a whole suitcase full of it. Don’t be like me. Don't get that lobster-red sunburn. The French sun is not messing around. Secondly, if you're a very light sleeper, bring earplugs. Especially if, like me, you are staying with some pretty snorers. Lastly, book it! Seriously. Just… do it. It's worth it. And prepare to fall in love with France, cheese, and the idea of never going home. Oh, and one more VERY important thing…. If you plan on having pizza in the pool, bring some floaties. It’s a game changer.
