Usually a compromise has to be made: a private, stylish holiday home with treats for grown ups (large beds, luxurious linens, super large sparkly swimming pool, robes, gourmet kitchen,
organic produce to cook up a storm . . .) OR a child friendly environment with lots of facilities, activities and supplies to keep the little ones cared for and entertained.
At La Bergerie au Bouyssou you can have both without compromise and it's all just for you. We have spent a few years creating and developing a beautiful, harmonious and relaxing environment that's comfortable for families to indulge in special time together and make the memories that endure, lots of smiles and often a few tears when it's time to go. A private 'paradise, a Narnia for the children' as it has been referred to by one celebrity guest who returns year after year.
Many guests delight in the safe and expansive outdoor spaces and activities available for the children, for others it is the endless supply of toys, games, books, DVDs to keep them stimulated, or the equipment and facilities that makes being away from home a breeze and the cases light! See our many 'Testimonials' from relieved, tremendously impressed and very, very grateful parents . . .
Whether it's shinning up the rigging of the replica wooden pirate ship, chasing each other around the wigwam/camp reservation area, splashing around with the inflatables in the natural salt water swimming pool with no red sore eyes at the end of the session (enclosed with alarms and child safety gate), taking on the challenge of the 'Treasure Hunts', contemplating their design for a spot of face painting, or a quiet game or colouring on the cool terrace to calm things down, at the end of the day there is always a bunch of tired and happy 'campers'.
And of course when all are tucked up, the grown ups can always slip out for a bite to eat at one of the lovely local restaurants to peacefully reflect on the mischief of the day, courtesy of the on site owners babysitting service.
A guest recently commented that her 3 year old daughter's favourite 'whine' whilst at La Bergerie au Bouyssou was 'Can this house be our house please?' - what more can we say.
Wooden cot/s and pretty canopies, cot linen, mobile, baby monitor, baby changing mat and cover, baby bath (to fit over roll top bath, if required), anti slip mat, baby bath seat and bath toys, potty, steps, stair gates, plug covers, night light, blackout blinds in two of the bedrooms and bed guards.
High
chair, baby 'sippy cups', plates, cutlery, bibs and children's crockery and cutlery, steriliser and blender.
Play chair and table, play mat, baby rocker, lots of books, toys, DVDs, games, trunk full of Playmobil, play tents and wooden 'aire de jeux'.
Baby swing and children's swings, slide, pirate ship play centre, giant chalkboard, wigwam and camp fire, outdoor toys, large goal and balls, swimming pool toys and swim aids for most ages (1 onwards) - (when pool is available).
Three wheel buggy, 'cosy toes' and umbrella, town buggy, baby carrier/sling.
We maintain that you could stay at La Bergerie for a year and still have something different to see and do for the 365 days if you can tear yourself away from the barn, play areas and pool! The list of places to take the children is a long one and to help you choose the most appropriate activities, you will be given on arrival a 'personalised' list of suggested 'Things to Do' and family friendly restaurants to help you make the most of your stay and keep the kiddies smiling!
Our very favourite destinations include a Chateau with medieval themed activities and games, feeding time with the resident animals and inspirational medicinal, herb and flower gardens for the big ones, a 'tree tops adventure park' which has courses for all ages (even from age 3!), an equestrian centre at the bottom of the hill (for the serious and the debutant) and an animal park where you can feed the residents popcorn (if the camel doesn't take the whole bag before you get started!). Add to the list the mazes, the water parks, the canoeing, river swimming, prehistoric caves 5 minutes away and the gorgeous villages (if you can persuade the kids that architecture and artisan boutiques really are 'fascinating') and you've got the challenge of fitting it all in.
We have plenty of other photographs of the gîte and surrounds on our Gallery Page.