We hope you will find these reviews helpful, but please bear in mind
that everyone's idea of a perfect holiday is different and that the views shown here are those of an indivdual
only, and may differ from those of other guests who have stayed at or visited the property.
If you have any questions, or doubts about the suitability of any property for your particular party, please contact
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Villa Joël, Pont Saint Esprit
I often drive down to Corsica, and tend to take the quickest route possible,
stopping just once on the way and driving straight through on the way back, but last year I stopped off at Avignon
en route, and was so impressed, that this year I decided to stay longer and try a two centre holiday. I have been
to Provence, but really don't know much about 'the continent' as the Corsicans call it, so my destination this
time would be Villa Joël and the Languedoc region.
VILLA JOËL - As I drove over
the bridge, I couldn't help but be impressed by the citadel-style church perched on the edge of the town walls,
and I decided there and then that I would stop and take photos! Fortunately, this was Pont Saint Esprit, so before
making my way to the villa, I stopped in the town and walked round the marked tourist circuit which included churches
(plural), murals painted by a local artisan on the walls on an ancient building, several little squates and quiet
places, and some lovely old buildings and houses, most with the sun-bleached blue and green shutters synonymous
with the regon. I was surprised by how lively it was, even on a Sunday very early in the season (March). Dany,
the charming owner came to meet me and show me to the house. It wasn't at all what I expected and my first impressions
where of somewhere much more open, spacious and charming than I had expected. The garden was a lovely place to
relax and there was almost 180 degree views over the town below and the surounding countryside to the mountains
below. The countryside here is quite flat compared to Corsica and I was amazed at just how far you can see on clear
sunny days - we were very lucky with the weather, but Dany says that is often the case here.
MY SUGGESTIONS - I am an avid photographer,
so I am enthralled by churches, medieval villages and the France of my imagination, and I was not disappointed!
However, churches are not to everyones taste and we managed to find a whole range of activities and things to see
and do that would suit the whole family. The Crocodile park at Pierrelatte was well worth a visit, and they not
only crocs, but giant tortoises, a nursery for the baby crocodiles, wild birds and rare and exotic plants. They
also have educational games and quizzes for the kids as you go round, so you can happily while away a few hours.
About half an hour away is Venejan which you could miss if you blink too quickly. We found it by accident as I
wanted to visit the 12th century chapel (and take photos of course), but once we arrived in the village, we discovered
a windmill, wine tasting, several interesting old buildings, an local artelier (craftsman) and 'Archipel des Iles
aux Faisans' - 10 hectares of islands with walkways lining them where you can discover all sorts of animals. Unfortunately
we were too early for this as it doesn't open until Easter but I would certainly visit next time. Nimes was another
favourite with the amazing Roman Arena (used in the film Gladitor). The town was much bigger than I expected and
I was glad that we weren't staying there as it was too busy for me, but it was an amzing experience, and I have
never seen so many interesting and historic buildings packed into one place! All in all, my visit to the Gard (capital
of the Languedoc region) was a real success and I'm sure it won't be long before we return...
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