25 independent reviews for Self guided walking vacation in France
Reviews for Self guided walking vacation in France
Jill Cadorath review 19 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spending time with the two Sarahs and Vincent around the dining table at mealtimes. The food and company were excellent.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do the self-guided walks - the instructions, maps and information are extremely good and foolproof. The walks are not challenging but an ideal way to spend a relaxing day outside.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Vincent is growing vegetables and fruit and uses local suppliers where possible for all the lovely food. We purchased cheese at the local market. Waste food is fed to the chickens.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good - I loved the casual, relaxed nature of the place and the hosts.Therese Gaal review 7 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
How easy and quickly you felt at home with Sarah, Sarah and Vince yet you were catered to every minute. Also the water was so fresh and so pure. I never needed a moisturizer.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ask for Vince’s crème brûlée3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everything about the house and the yard supported conservation4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was ‘brilliant’ !Carmelita Wood review 6 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful ancient woodland, wild flowers and scenery. The medieval villages to visit.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Perfect if you enjoy the outdoors3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful hosts who cannot do enough for you.Jenny Broe review 17 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The outstanding hospitality, the ambiance, beautiful setting, delicious food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The owners support local businesses. We were taken to local tourist spots and conservation areas.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I am very pleased I booked 2 weeks instead of one. The hosts treated me like family in the best possible way.Scott McFarlane review 11 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lovely hosts in a beautiful part of the world.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If traveling by train it’s a good idea to pre buy your tickets for future journeys. The rail staff are very friendly and willing to help. I also used a Google translator app to help my terrible French.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our hosts recycled, and were very responsible with being experienced farmers and lovers of nature.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall very very good. Nothing to complain about.Ruth review 23 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in the sunshine down quiet paths and country roads, not another person in sight, just birds and butterflies. The Marais near Poitiers was particularly special.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come prepared to walk or cycle as both are available every day.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported local people as we were very well fed and hosted, but there are so few shops and bars there it was harder to spend money than I expected.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Paul Johnson review 5 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The warm welcome, good food, beautiful place2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come for rest and relaxation. The countryside is pleasant rather than spectacular3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just what I needed. Restful, easy, a real vacationRuth Anderson review 1 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wonderful hosts and food2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Recommend GPS or similar app to help with navigating roads (if driving or biking) and trails (if hiking). Maps and directions are provided, but it is still quite easy to get lost.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Almost everything used at the accommodation is produced locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5/5Dorothy Penny review 30 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hosts2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Dont go in June it was very hot3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, Peter and Carolynn source as much as they could locally, especially the wine.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The heat caused me grief, without that it was wonderful.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your kind comments Dorothy.
The temperatures at the end of last week are the hottest we remember in twenty five years.
Thankfully for us the temperatures returned to normal this week.
We much enjoyed yours and David's company.
Kind regards, Carolynn and Peter.
Keith Mahony review 11 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Great cycling in ideal countryside for quiet slightly challenging daily rides.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy the daily rides (or walks) and then spend time relaxing back at the accommodation prior to the wonderful evening drinks and meal.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hosts do what they can to reduce their impact on the environment and the food supplied was obtained locally. As a form of vacation cycling and walking has minimal environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Friendly welcoming hosts, good accommodation and great food and drink. The vacation had all the best elements of a home stay with friends.John Schenck review 5 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The camaraderie with the owners, Peter and Carolynn, and the other guests at dinner.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go, if you are a walker. The vacation is everything the web site says it is.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it certainly benefits the local economy. Local wines and food. They employ people who live near by.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, we had a great time!Ricky Yeung review 6 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was a perfect vacation and it is hard to pinpoint which is the most memorable. The lodging was excellent nestled in greens with lots of hiking and biking trails to choose from, all meticulously planned out by the owner Peter. Food was superb, prepared by Carolyn, Peter’s wife who ran the place immaculately. This place is actually perfect for simply lazing around for a few days, sipping on limitless wine and taking a dip in the pool.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Sign up, go for it and you won’t regret it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe so as they employ part time help from the neighborhood, use plenty of local produce and very conservation conscious.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentRead the operator's response here:
Bonjour Ricky,
We are delighted that you so well enjoyed your stay with us - and thanks to you for keeping the evening conversations so lively.
Our very best wishes to you Ricky,
Peter and Carolynn
Esther Quinlan review 22 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too many to list.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you ride a bike with upright handlebars, you’ll have to make a special request; the ones provided have flatbar handlebars.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, most definitely! Local meat, dairy, veggies and fruits4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Top drawer!Margaret Parker review 15 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation was memorable. Great hosts, great accommodation and great food and wine. My two weeks here were the highlight of my three months in Europe2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get some walking in before you go so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely, local people were employed and food and drink was sourced locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best breaks I have ever had. Carolyn and Peter look after you so well. I am a solo traveler and sometimes you can feel isolated but not this time!!!Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your generous comments Margaret.
Delighted that you you enjoyed yourself so much and felt included.
On our part we very much appreciated your company and the interaction with the other guests.
Warm regards,
Carolynn and Peter
Linda Webb review 5 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The meals and the walk at Mervent2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Having a car to access different walks is a good idea.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our food was locally sourced. We didn't need to use the car every day. The owners of the accommodation are trying to reduce the use of plastic bottles for drinking water by providing flasks.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyable - our hosts were very helpful and hospitable. There are some good walks in this area and the accommodation provides detailed guides. Only one walk in the Marais was disappointing. The swimming pool was very welcome as we experienced some hot weather. We would have appreciated a bigger, less dark room but it was clean and comfortable.Read the operator's response here:
Merci beaucoup Linda for your kind comments and informative review.
Our best wishes to you both.
Carolynn and Peter
David Edmonds review 22 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The total immersion at the accommodation in a well-organised retreat from normal life! Excellent accommodation, wonderful ambience, fine food and superb wines, hosted with charm and wit by Carolynn and Peter. This is perfect for walking and cycling in idyllic countryside. Perhaps the most exciting part was being surrouned by butterflies while walking the paths.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You can drive there is six hours from Calais on excellent motorways. Otherwise, get there and relax.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Truly great value and the fact that most of the guests had been before and one set I think 12 times makes its own point.Mairead Ryan review 11 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful countryside, great food, wine and company. Our hosts Carolyn and Peter were great fun, interesting conversationalists and they run a lovely home. I walked my legs off and swam in the pool every day. If you want to get away from it all and have the best food of French food and wine you can't go wrong at Moulin de Chemin.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
leave your laptop at home and just enjoy the experience.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A most enjoyable, satisfying vacation in a beautiful part of the French countryside, teeming with wildlife.Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted and gratified that you enjoyed your vacation so well – and thank you Mairead for the excellent review.
Elaine Overnell review 1 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hospitality of the hosts2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The walks are pretty with a mix of wooded valleys and higher arable fields. Don't expect to meet any locals even in the few villages, (at least in late April)!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not a lot4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just as it looks on the website.Read the operator's response here:
“Bonjour Elaine,
We appreciate your feedback – it is important for us to receive such comments.
The towels bother us (well Carolynn actually) and hopefully she will eventually be able to solve it. In regards to the little packages we have to adhere to the hygiene standards and serve (milk, sugar, biscuits etc..) as individual packages in the bedrooms.
Kind Regards,
Carolynn and Peter
Note: The commitment of Carolynn and Peter (the proprietors' and hosts’ of this vacation) with respect to benefitting local people, reducing environmental impacts and supporting conversation are detailed and the foot of this webpage.
Anthony Van Gils review 10 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The peace and quiet plus all the birds and different types of cattle2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ideal if you want walks where you see more animals than people3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes because food is sourced locally as much as possible and also because there is lots to see and do you dont need to keep getting in a car we were encouraged to recycle as much as possible4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent,really good food,drink and company brilliant location, great outdoor space, really appreciated the swimming poolRead the operator's response here:
Thank you Anthony, for your very nice review - we are delighted that you enjoyed your vacation.
With kind regards, Carolynn and Peter.
Bernard Gogarty review 6 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The lovely walks the evening dinners2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The walking is easy 14 to 20km if it's treking you are after this is not for you3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Although the staff were all UK or Irish4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very goodRead the operator's response here:
Thank you for your review Bernard, and we hope that your vacations memories last a long time.
Jerry Schoenberger review 26 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My wife and I enjoyed an extremely relaxing but at the same time adventurous vacation at le moulin. Everything, including our hosts Peter and Carolyn, the deliciously prepared meals, the tranquility of the rural countryside met all expectations. Although the weather did not always cooperate, our hikes on farm trails and small hamlets were met by friendly farmers, and the sounds of amazing birds. Like nothing I have ever experienced. We had a friendly group of eight people we met for the first time and enjoyed many memorable dinners sharing stories about the days journeys and our life stories. Oh yes, a few politics also. What really stood out was the hospitality of the proprietors, Peter and Carolyn. Carolyn's great food preparation and Peter's engaging conversation made us feel welcome and relaxed. I would highly recommend this vacation for bikers or walkers like my wife and I.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you Jerry, for your good words and for taking the time to comment – greatly appreciated. For us it was a first-class week – nice interaction at our table with an interesting group of guests and we very much enjoyed yours and Laurie’s company
Corynne Cooper review 14 Sep 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Relaxing in the evenings around the dining table with excellent food and memorable conversation. Wonderful to have everything provided and glasses topped up without having to ask!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A perfect rural retreat, with no urban distractions, apart from free WiFi for the addicted. Plenty of choice of walks to stretch the muscles, outside space to relax in around the pool, time for reading as well as social interaction in the evenings. Self contained which was a plus as there are very few local restaurants or hostelleries. We didn't need them as we were very well looked after.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Emphasis on locally produced food and drink, delicious home cooking, and no real need to use the car as there was always a walk option starting and finishing at the Moulin.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Can't say I feel reborn as the muscles still ache a bit - but certainly refreshed with a smile on our faces.Rosemary Henderson review 1 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful countryside waiting to be explore everyday, and returning back to an amazing 4 course meal every evening. A lovely combination. All enjoyed at my own pace.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring sun screen if traveling in the summer, ensure you have trousers as some of the walking routes are a little overgrown. If cycling be warned there are lots of hills. Good exercise but if you are not used to it a bit of a challenge!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, as food and wine was purchased locally, I felt I had a minimal impact as I was cycling or walking to see the local area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had a really relaxing break and the couple who run this trip are there for your every need. Having said that, the days are there to be enjoyed as you wish and they are very flexible.Jane Haywood review 22 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Arriving at such a beautiful spot. It felt like heaven!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Maybe try to mix walking with cycling if it is possible. The walks are really nice and picturesque but very similar.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. The food was fantastic. The veg were from locals and were so fresh. There were recycling facilities and nothing seemed to be wasted.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really ,really good, relaxing and refreshing. You will be very well looked after and feel genuinely welcome.Katherine Layton review 24 May 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our hosts--Carolynn Grimaldi and Peter Roche--were truly memorable. The hiking also was exceptional.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you plan only to hike and do not have a car, you should be able to work with the provided maps to work out possible alternative hikes. Your host, Peter Roche can also help with alternative hikes and local detail. If you bike--the Moulin has bikes--there are even more possibilities. Finally, if you have car, there are many other options in the area.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We infused money into the local economy--somewhat depressed--with what we ate etc.. With no doubt we certainly aided the local wine providers. Since we were only hiking and without a car, we reduced our environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was an excellent vacation. Our hosts were wonderful, the other guests (all British) were delightful, and the hikes, food, and wine were exceptional.Holiday Reviews
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