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Review submitted by Brian and Chris from Corwen (Submitted: 18 Sep 2012)
Le Paradis has a good ambience and feels like a home. The "welcome pack" was good and the roses and perrier water in the bedrooms was a nice touch.
It is lovely to see the deer on the edge of the woods, watch the stars and spot the wildlife in the pond.
The weather was great and we have had some lovely trips - on foot, by bike and by car - around the Gers region.
The pool area is particularly nice and we played "badminton" in the garden area and volley ball in the pool.
The local degustation at St Pé Encapette with Jean Paul is delightful and the wine particularly the Moëlleux and the "Champagne" are lovely. Jean Paul himself is a character and a very nice host ... but dont turn up at lunchtime! .....
Review submitted by Mina and Henri from Washington (Submitted: 11 Aug 2012)
This was our favourite stay at Le Paradis, and, as always, we are sad to leave. The house, garden, and pool area are beautiful and the location great. Everything is always spotless when we arrive, and the owners are helpful and solicitous. We appreciate the little touches - like vases with fresh roses in the bedrooms- that brighten our stay and the superior comforts offered.
Review submitted by Alicia from Decatur, Georgia USA (Submitted: 17 Jul 2012)
Perfect for a relaxed family vacation. The pool area and the view from the porch are amazing. The house is comfortable but the room layout could be better explained (three bedrooms sharing one bath on the upper floor). A peaceful village with easy access to many area opportunities like cooking class, hiking, riding, markets, and boating. Great local restaurants. The owners were very helpful in getting us connected for cooking class and riding. The were helpful on arrival without being omnipresent. It will be a vacation our family will always treasure.
Review submitted by Terry from London (Submitted: 6 Jul 2012)
One of the most beautiful little villages in the Gers, with enchanting chateau, stunning views and immaculate house.
Charming, comfortable house with all mod cons.
Review submitted by Carl & Charlotte from Norwich (Submitted: 18 Apr 2012)
We have just returned from a wonderful weekend in Le Paradis. This was the second time we had stayed in this property and we were so impressed the first time we were itching to get back. The house exceeds any expectations you may have and the photos really do not show it justice. The owners really have thought of everything and the house is equipped with not just the necessities but also books, games, DVDs etc which is a lovely extra. The house is set in a picture perfect village in a wonderful part of France with an abundance of places and sights to see. The welcome that you will get from Ian and Margaret is outstanding and they really do go out of their way to make your stay at Le Paradis as enjoyable as possible, from making dinner reservations, to informing us of Rugby matches that were happening and suggesting places to visit. Overall this house is a truly wonderful place to get away and I would recommend it to anyone I certainly cannot wait to visit again!
Thank you for making our time in Lavardens such a wonderful one...
Review submitted by Rudie & Sanel from London (Submitted: 11 Jan 2012)
This was our 2nd visit and we were not disappointed. Ian and Margaret are excellent hosts who will go the extra mile to meet the needs of guests. A case in point was Ians "construction" of a charcoal BBQ (instead of the gas one) made our stay feel like home (South Africa)!! Thanks to you both
Review submitted by Laurence & Paul from Belgium (Submitted: 21 Aug 2011)
We were very happy to reside in a very clean and well maintainted house.
Review submitted by Eric from Montreal (Submitted: 21 Aug 2011)
Le Paradis is like being in a hotel, but with all the freedom of our own house. Everything you need is provided, the organisation is perfect!...Thank you Ian, Margaret and Fiona!
........PS: The welcome pack was much appreciated!
Review submitted by Catherine & John from Perth, Australia (Submitted: 18 Aug 2011)
Very comfortable, beautifully furnished, luxurious. Views from every window. A unique house and village.
Review submitted by Angela & Michael from Cornwall (Submitted: 18 Aug 2011)
A beautiful place to spend a relaxing holiday. Very well equiped and attractively decorated. Lots of nice touches e.g., flowers in the rooms. Lovely village in a pretty area.
Review submitted by Georgie from ANTWERP (Submitted: 28 Jul 2011)
We had a wonderful time in Lavardens. Margaret and Ian, the owners, are very nice people and helpful in every way.
We very much appreciated the generous welcome pack.
The entrance hall of the house is really breathtaking! The pool area, the village, the tranquillity, there is only one word for it….PARADISE!!
Review submitted by SIOBHAN from LONDON (Submitted: 26 Jul 2011)
A wonderful stay at Le Paradis- the house is very well equipped and done in a typically French style. Pool area with BBQ is superb and the locals in the Epicerie, cafe/bar etc are extremely helpful and friendly. Canoeing at Valence is a great day out and the new Chateau ‘pub/restaurant’ does excellent food with friendly service.
ps. the substantial welcome pack meant no last minute dashes to the supermarket on arrival- a great addition....Siobhan, London
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 22 May 2011)
Perfect. Lovely hot sunny weather, even in April.
House is beautiful and village very friendly. Really appreciated the amenities for our baby, we didn’t need to bring anything!
Iain & Cloe, from Yorkshire
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 22 May 2011)
A truly beautiful place to stay. Very restful, perfect for a family holiday. The pool, grassed area, barbeque area and pond are all super!
The villa is wonderful, full of character, the photographs on the website don’t do it justice!.....Shirley from West Yorkshire
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 15 Nov 2010)
We stayed at Le Paradis for three weeks this year and have booked for three weeks next year.
Le Paradis, Lavardens, is an experience, one not to be missed. The website lists the amenities very well, the only addition I can make is to emphasise the very high quality of everything that is there. It can’t describe, however, the quality of life there.
It is set in a tiny three street village and is a joy from morning to night from when you get warm greetings from villagers as you stroll along to the tiny shop for your morning baguette until you sit out on a balcony at ten o’clock at night with a fruiting fig tree at your feet and not hear a man-made sound in the silky warm air, but be able to hear the frogs from the pool and the owls in the copses. I have never really seen the Milky Way so it was delightful to see it from here
Here you can stroll along lush country lanes for an hour seeing hardly anyone or any traffic and enjoy the gorgeous countryside and its beautiful views. Or just sit in the sun on the balcony with its own lovely views with a glass or two of wine, some fromage and a baguette. Swim in your own large, heated swimming pool with glorious natural stone tiled surroundings, beautifully fitted changing chalet, fridge and huge gas barbecue (it all has to be seen to be appreciated) and then stroll over to the gravel patch for an hilarious game of boules – that is after you have spent a leisurely hour looking at the tree frogs, water frogs (these climb the stone walls looking for insects in the crevices) in the natural pool surrounded by bamboo and pear and fig trees.
If you tire of eating at home, and it does feel like home, there are very nice restaurants within easy driving reach with a range of menus from the more formal, but not necessarily more expensive, to the more informal routiers. These are great fun there is no choice, you eat what you are given, all perfectly good, and drink the house wine and are my favourites as you mix with the locals. I could go on and on and it would all be good and full of superlatives but I am sure you get my drift by now.
A spell there of three weeks is good but, if that is not practical, two weeks will do or even one just as long as you go there because if you do it won’t be the last time.
Review submitted by Helen from Warrington (Submitted: 8 Nov 2010)
Excellent property in a beautiful, quiet location. Would definitely recommend!!
Many thanks, Helen
Review submitted by Clint from Woodford (Submitted: 7 Nov 2010)
Highly recommended. Fantastic location, well appointed property. Pool area is ‘SECOND TO NONE’. Lovely village. Wish we could have stayed longer…Put it at the top of your list!!!
Review submitted by Vic from Norfolk (Submitted: 15 Aug 2010)
Everything was nice, we had a great time!
Review submitted by Gwyneth from Norwich (Submitted: 14 Aug 2010)
It is the best ‘holiday home’ I’ve stayed in, in France, really clean and well equipped. The pool area was fantastic!
Review submitted by Michael from Norwich (Submitted: 14 Aug 2010)
A very pleasant and well maintained property in a lovely setting!
Review submitted by Raphael from Luxembourg (Submitted: 14 Aug 2010)
Personally, I think that the barbeque is excellent, it cooks the meat superbly. The temperature of the heated pool is very pleasant.
Review submitted by Emmanuelle from Luxembourg (Submitted: 14 Aug 2010)
I don’t know what to say!...Everything was great!!!
Review submitted by Cathryn from West Yorkshire (Submitted: 9 Aug 2010)
A 5th visit to ‘Le Paradis’ probably speaks for itself. Truly a ‘Maison de Luxe’ – always spotless with a very useful and generous Welcome Pack!
An excellent location on the main street of the small village, a stone’s throw from the shop, café and post office. Being able to get fresh bread every morning is a real plus. The daily visit to the shop is a good opportunity to chat to the locals who are friendly and welcoming.
If you feel your French does not exceed much beyond ‘Bonjour’, it always provokes a friendly response. The café serves good, basic food and is a good place to eat on market nights…Very jolly! …they also do a very good café au lait.
The Chateau is fascinating with very friendly staff who all speak good English. We visit the Chateau restaurant…very good…and no issues with ‘drink driving’ as it’s 50 metres away!
This is the perfect place to enjoy this fascinating area of South West France…a great house …a great locale…the best we have encountered in 25 years of renting in the area…the location of ‘Le Paradis’ is a real advantage…truly a ‘une maison de luxe’…truly ‘au coeur d’une vrai village gersoise!!
Review submitted by Marie-Therese from North West France (Submitted: 8 Aug 2010)
Balcon trés agréable, belle vue sur la compagne. La cuisine est pratique et bien équipée.
Review submitted by Francoise from Luxemburg (Submitted: 8 Aug 2010)
Lavardens is a beautiful village, full of character. There are loads to discover in the area and one stay is not enough!
‘le Paradis’ is a striking old house where one can relax. The pool area is very well equipped and a definite plus point!
The owners are friendly and welcoming…I defy anyone to find better hosts!
Review submitted by Michael from Luxembourg (Submitted: 4 Aug 2010)
Situated in a charming village just below the historical castle of Lavardens, this house provides a haven of calm and beauty. The balcony view across rolling countryside is marvellous!
With charming and attentive owners, this is like living in your own private ‘hotel de charme’!
Review submitted by Cathy from Yorkshire (Submitted: 2 Aug 2010)
This is the perfect place to enjoy this fascinating area of South West France…a great house …a great locale…THE BEST WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN 25 YEARS OF RENTING IN THE AREA…the location of ‘Le Paradis’ is a real advantage…truly a ‘une maison de luxe’…truly ‘au coeur d’une vrai village gersoise!!
Review submitted by Steve from Yorkshire (Submitted: 31 Jul 2010)
We had another great holiday and are all the family were really delighted at the "experience" you offer at ‘Le Paradis’ !!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 13 Jul 2010)
Our stay @ 'Le Paradis' was wonderful...The heated pool was great!...The house was finished to a very high standard!!...We have booked again for next year!!!...Jim from North London
Review submitted by Alex from Bath (Submitted: 11 Jul 2010)
The location within such a picturesque village has exceeded our expectations. Wasting countless hours by the pool seemed to be the right thing to do! Countless historical, architectural and country gems within 30 minutes
Review submitted by Janette from Pontefract (Submitted: 11 Jun 2010)
Le Paradis.... Paradise is a small hamlet in the heart of Gascony. A home from home to relax in with magnificent views, fabulous heated pool, BBQ area and gardens. For those who can’t leave the 21st century behind there is broadband, but with a Chateau a short walk away and the narrow streets of Lavardens to wonder through, you can’t help but slow your pace and delight in the tranquillity of this ancient place.
The surrounding area has much to offer with many small villages to discover the spa town of Castera-Verduzan a 10 minute drive away Auch, the home of D’Aartagnan is 20 minutes. Throughout the area are reminders of times gone by with Roman towers and settlements to visit.
For those who wish to sample the delights of the local wines, there is Chateau Monluc where you can sample and purchase the local specialities of Floc and Pousse Rapiere.
In addition to all this, the fact that the owner lives in the village is a bonus, particularly for those who may be less confident in speaking French. This takes the stress out of booking restaurants and other activities which require reservations!
Yes, Le Paradis is paradise, it is hard to leave such a delightful place, but the memories linger on long after you have returned home, beckoning you to return.
Review submitted by Rudie and Sanel from London (Submitted: 19 Apr 2010)
Both the property and the location lived up to expectations - stunning!!
The property is spacious and has been finished to a very high specification. Everything was clean and fresh and on reflection there is really nothing we could have asked for that would have enhanced our experience. Fabulous!
We wanted a place that provided quiet relaxation without having to give up luxury and I can truly say we found paradise at Le Paradis.
The owners Ian and Margret went out of their way to ensure we wanted for nothing. Especially helpful was Ians suggestions on day trips incorporating beautiful sites and good restaurants.
Thanks for a fantastic time and we will be back!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Jan 2010)
Review...Extract from 'THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY' 17 Sept ག
Holidays with children by Katie Holland......'HEY MUM, LET'S GET A TAN AT HALF-TERM'... "Last year, the October half term was a washout - we were flooded out of our place in Ireland and spent the entire time in wellies. Stanley even slept in his. Of course, it was a great adventure for the kids, they loved all that mud and rain and want to do it all over again!...I'm told the weather in Gascony in October is still typically warm and sunny. I've got my eye on Le Paradis, a luxury 12th century village house with private swimming pool and plenty of space for the children to run about in"....
Review submitted by Cathy from Oxenhope (Submitted: 13 Dec 2009)
This is our ‘fourth consecutive year’ of holidaying in this comfortable and elegant house. Renovated to a very high standard without compromising its character, the surprisingly spacious rooms are a real pleasure to relax in.
Immaculately clean throughout with a modern and very easy to use kitchen, the attractive bathrooms and beautiful ‘Egyptian cotton’ bed linen create a feeling of luxury!
Breathtakingly pretty views balcony look over the pool covered terrace…the best we have enjoyed in over 20 years renting in France! The state of the art barbecue was a great addition to the holiday catering arrangements.
The fairy-tale setting of Lavardens is unequalled. The village shop, selling fresh bread and the café provides a great opportunity to chat to the friendly villagers. A very good restaurant at the chateau is a very upmarket place to eat and avoids the need to drive.
A very lovely house in this fascinating region…Le Paradis truly lives up to its name!!
Review submitted by Laura from Salisbury (Submitted: 8 Dec 2009)
Le Paradis is indeed a heavenly spot, it has everything we want from a holiday in France.
The house is full of character, beautifully renovated and maintained. The garden and pool are extremely comfortable and wonderfully situated with views of the countryside and the castle...but beware...thay are so good, you cant help but idle your timeaway there every day!!
Lavardens is a very picturesque village with fascinating corners and lovely countryside to stroll in. We felt really lucky to find this unspoilt corner of France last year and couldnt resist coming back this year...It wont be our last visit!!
Review submitted by Henri from Washington, DC, USA (Submitted: 25 Aug 2009)
The property has historical beauty, great comfort and benefits from a very charming location. In addition, the service and attention from the renter are extremelly friendly and well over the expected level.
Review submitted by Margaret from London (Submitted: 29 Jul 2009)
Have just returned from a wonderful week in this beautiful house in a very picturesque and unspoilt part of France. Ian and Margaret were so helpful and friendly and the house with its lovely terrace and pool area exceeded our expectations. We really appreciated all the special touches - the welcome pack, beautiful towels in the house and at the pool, good selec tion of dvds and books and even vases of lavender in the bedrooms. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend Le Paradis. Thank you so much for a great week.
Review submitted by Sara from Saffron Walden (Submitted: 18 Jul 2009)
A lovely house, beautifully restored and cared for. The photos dont really do its location justice.The bedrooms are very comfortable and spacious, with good mirrors, hairdryers, plenty of storage and lots of towels. The pool area is immaculate, very well equipped for a lazy day (including towels), and the water is nicely salty rather than chlorinated.
Ian and Margaret work very hard to make their guests feel welcome, and the village is equally friendly. An excellent place to do nothing, since there is a shop for essentials, a bar/cafe and a very good restaurant..throw away the car keys! But then youd miss out on the beautiful places all around - spoilt for choice.
Only slight niggle was a shortage of crockery - I think there should be at least two of everything per person, and some cups would be nice, rather than just mugs (my elderly parents are not big fans of mugs - a generation thing).
All in all a delightful spot, and I fully intend to return very soon.
Review submitted by Sandy from Macclesfield, Cheshire (Submitted: 9 Sep 2008)
What a fabulous place! The house is fully equipped with top quality stuff. The kitchen has absolutely everything you need and more, the bathrooms are great and the living areas comfortable and very french - lovely.
The pool area is amazing, lovely pool, shower, BBQ, fridge and sitting area. We really enjoyed having a BBQ in the late afternoon/evening all crockery, cutlery, glasses etc. were available.
One of my favorite places was sitting on the balcony in the evening (with a glass of wine of course!) and watching the stars, planets, satelites and occasional shooting star.
The house is well located to explore the surrounding French countryside. After one week we were all very relaxed and happy.
Big thank you to Iain and Margaret for looking after us.
Sandy
Review submitted by Ian from Dudley (Submitted: 6 Aug 2008)
lives up to its name
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 13 Jul 2007)
Spent a wonderful week in Lavardens. Le Paradis is beautifully furnished with lots of space and the balcony is a great suntrap. The swimming pool area, complete with barbeque and fridge!, is superb. Great local walks, a Chateau and places of interest for a day out. Local knowledge provided by the owners invaluable!
Review submitted by May from Hexham (Submitted: 17 May 2007)
The decor of the house is really interesting . As a visitor to France, 'Le Paradis' captures the 'ambiance' of French living. Each room has been well thought out e.g., Walking into the house, the stone-work in the hall and the wide sweeping staircase are 'natural'. I liked the idea of the sofa and table lamp at the top of the stairs, a place to sit and relax.
We found the sun lounge so good, the view across the valley so tranquil.
A lot of care and effort went into making our holiday a happy one.....Thank you!
May and John from Hexham, Northumberland
Review submitted by Tom from Melksham (Submitted: 14 May 2007)
Beautiful countryside, lovely house, great hosts.
Too early to use the pool (early March) and amenities in the garden but they looked really good.
Our host, Ian was great at recommending restaurants and booking them for us.
A great holiday in a relaxing 'home from home'
Tom and Kath from Wiltshire
Review submitted by Dr. Fiona from Glasgow (Submitted: 4 Apr 2007)
The house was beautiful, very 'French'! The views were to wonderful and the hosts were very helpful. We found lot's to do and see in the area.
Review submitted by Alex from Salisbury (Submitted: 18 Dec 2006)
The sundries in the fridge etc. were most welcome.The house is bright and uncluttered. The books and DVD's thoughtful. Poolside towels great!
The weather has been amazing and the pool is just fantastic to cool those over-heated limbs!
Ian, who owns the property is helpful and friendly, a nice guy!
We have booked to return in 2007.
Kind regards...Alex & Jenny,Salisbury, Wiltshire
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 16 Dec 2006)
Our stay in 'Le Paradis' has been hugely enjoyable. A beautifully restored and furnished house in this lovely village.
All the extra touches have made a real difference - the towels for the pool, the very generous welcome pack, the flowers, note pads and pens.
We didnt use the poolhouse barbecue but it looked very impressive. Lovely pool and very comfortable sun loungers. We missed the shop and bar/basserie due to their annual weekly holiday but had two delicious meals at the Chateau restaurant.
The neighbours and people in the village were very friendly. Beautiful Church and of course, the Chateau is not to be missed.
A lovely week....Cathy and Stephen, Oxenhope, West Yorkshire
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Jul 2006)
We had a wonderful holiday at 'Le Paradis', having two restaurants in the village, we did not need the car and just relaxed by the pool all week.....We will be back.....Bill and Mavis...Harrogate