Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Pool Villa in Villefranche-du-Périgord Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Villefranche-du-Périgord… And a Reality Check (My Dream Pool Villa – NOT!)
Okay, here we go. Putting pen to paper (or, more accurately, fingers to keyboard) about my "dream" escape to this pool villa in Villefranche-du-Périgord. The brochure practically screamed paradise, and frankly, after the last year, I was desperate for some sunshine and pampering. Let’s dive in, shall we? But brace yourselves; it’s not going to be all smooth sailing…
(SEO & Meta First, Sorry Not Sorry)
- Keywords: Villefranche-du-Périgord, Pool Villa Review, France Vacation, Périgord Accommodation, Spa Retreat, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly, Luxury Travel, France Travel, Pool with a View, Spa, Sauna, Restaurant Review, Wifi, Périgord, Dordogne, Travel Review.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of a pool villa in Villefranche-du-Périgord, France. Covering accessibility, dining, spa experiences, and more. Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions!
Accessibility (The First Hurdle)
Right, so the brochure promised "facilities for disabled guests." And okay, technically, they had an elevator. But getting to the elevator… that was the first adventure. Narrow pathways, cobblestones that could break a wheel, and a general feeling of "oops, did we forget about ramps?" Even the "accessible" room felt more like a room that reluctantly tolerated a wheelchair. Think… a tiny bit of extra space, but no actual thought given to ease of use. Annoying. Just plain annoying. They really need to get their act together here - it isn’t a tick-the-box exercise.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges (Mostly a Myth)
Again, the promise. The reality? Limited options. One restaurant claimed to be accessible, but maneuvering around the tables was like playing a very slow, tense game of Tetris with my chair. The poolside bar? Forget about it. Steps, steps, steps. So, drinks in my room it was, which is fine, BUT NOT IDEAL!
Wheelchair Accessible? (Sort of, but with caveats… see above)
I’ve already covered this. The answer is… complicated.
Internet Access (Thank Goodness for Modern Life!)
Thank the tech gods for decent Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) I mean, seriously, after schlepping around, I need to upload those Instagram stories. The internet was, thankfully, solid. I even managed to watch a few movies. (Internet – check. Internet [LAN] – didn’t use it, but it was there. Internet services – yeah, mostly, the usual stuff.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Days & Potential Disasters)
Okay, this is where it should have been amazing… and where the cracks REALLY started to show.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with View, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The dream, right? The reality? Well… the pool was gorgeous, overlooking the valley (Pool with view – YES!). The massages were… alright. Nothing to write home about, but not terrible. The sauna was too hot for me, and the steam room? Okay, there were options but… let’s just say the spa staff seemed a bit… overwhelmed. One day, I got a body wrap that involved so much cling film I thought I'd be mummified by the end. And the fitness centre? More like a forgotten corner with a few dusty machines. Seriously understaffed, I think.
- The Pool: The pool itself - fantastic. But it’s that view!. I spent HOURS just staring at it. Pure bliss. It did, however, feel a bit… exposed. Like, everyone could see me in my swimsuit, which makes me self-conscious, if I’m honest.
(Side Note: The "Relaxing" Experience)
I'm a sucker for a good spa day. And the brochure promised LUXURY. The reality? The massage room was next to the, and I kid you not, the laundry room. So, the gentle background music of "relaxation" got interrupted by the thrum of washing machines. Not ideal. The staff really, really tried, bless them; they just seemed stretched.
Cleanliness and Safety (Post-Pandemic Anxiety – and a Few Red Flags)
They touted all the right things: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Great in theory, but I'm a bit of a cynic, so I watched carefully. And… they tried. The staff wore masks. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. But the elevator… well, let’s just say I'm not sure how often that was sanitized. And one morning, the cleaning lady skipped my room entirely. I had to call reception. Sigh. They certainly talked the talk, but the follow-through was a bit patchy. I’m glad they used anti-viral cleaning products, but honestly, for those prices, I was expecting perfection.
Doctor/nurse on call? First aid kit: Thankfully, didn't need them, but it was reassuring to know they were supposed to be available.
Cashless payment service: Thank goodness. I’m not great with cash.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: Check.
Shared stationery removed: Don’t care.
Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Smoke detectors: Reassuring. I didn't see any security, but it made me feel better knowing they were there, in a way.
Room sanitization opt-out available – that was great. Although I was glad I didn't have to experience that.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (The Food – a Mixed Bag)
- A la carte in restaurant: Mostly.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Nope.
- Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Whew! Okay, so the food was… inconsistent. Breakfast was a decent buffet (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Western breakfast). The coffee shop was good for a quick caffeine fix. The poolside bar served very weak cocktails. I had room service one night (Room service [24-hour]) which was a godsend, but the food tasted… stale? The a la carte restaurant tried hard and the views were great, but the food was mostly mediocre. Desserts – generally quite good!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Available, which was a relief as I have some dietary restrictions.
- Safe dining setup: Definitely.
(The Restaurant – A Story in Itself)
One evening, I ordered the special – some kind of fancy duck dish. It arrived, and… well, it tasted like sadness. Honestly. I tried to be polite, but I actually sent it back. (And they did bring me a replacement, which was a bit better; a relief!) One evening, I witnessed a waiter dropping a tray of drinks. I wasn’t the only one, apparently as other patrons looked on in horror.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, The Bad, and The "Ehhh…")
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Didn’t see any.
- Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Well… here’s the breakdown:
- Daily Housekeeping: Yes, and they did a good job, generally.
- Concierge: Tried, but not always super-helpful.
- Dry cleaning and Laundry: Available and convenient.
- Food Delivery: I ordered food delivery, which was easy and convenient.
- Business Facilities: Didn't use them, tbh.
- Gift Shop: A
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my VERY opinionated, possibly disastrous, but hopefully glorious, adventure in that Heavenly Holiday Home with a Pool in Villefranche-du-Perigord, France. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions… and maybe a little too much rosé.
HEAVENLY HOLIDAY HOME: MY (ALMOST) PERFECT PERIGORD ROMP
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (AKA, Why Did I Book THIS Place?)
- Arrival: Landed in Bergerac. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy, until the rental car situation. The car smelled faintly of wet dog and despair. This is a sign.
- The Drive: The GPS, bless its digital little heart, decided to take me on a scenic route, which involved roads barely wider than the car and more hairpin turns than a hairdresser convention. I'm pretty sure I saw a family of deer laughing at me at one point.
- The House (Initially): Okay, breath in, breath out. The house! Heavenly they called it. And well, it is pretty. Stone walls, the promise of a pool… but, and this is a big BUT, where's the bloody sun? It felt a little… shadowed. Like the house was guarding a secret, or maybe just the secret of how to make a decent cup of coffee (which the provided French press was NOT equipped to do).
- The Existential Dread: I unpacked. Then stared at the pool. Then stared at the bread I'd bought (hard as a rock). Then… I had a small, but potent, breakdown. Did I pick the wrong place? Is this all there is? Should I just go back to my perfectly lovely, slightly less scenic life back home in a country or place far away? (Where the coffee machines, I have to point out, actually FUNCTION.)
Day 2: Embracing the Chaos & Failing Miserably (Poolside Prosecco, Anyone?)
- Coffee Crisis Averted…ish: Managed to MacGyver a passable (emphasis on "passable") cup of coffee using instant and the kettle. Victory! I've clearly peaked.
- The Pool: The sun finally decided to make an appearance! I threw on my ridiculously oversized sunglasses and prepared to luxuriate. But then the inflatable flamingo sprung a leak. Clearly, the universe doesn't want me to have nice things.
- Villefranche-du-Perigord: Wandered into town. Cute, small. Saw a bakery. Bought a croissant. Ate it. Felt instant joy. I like France.
- The Market: On the plus side! Got some local cheese… and I mean, real cheese. The kind that makes your eyes roll back in your head. Also, a slightly wilted bunch of herbs. Oh well!
- Prosecco & Philosophical Ramblings: After the market. Spent the afternoon reading by the pool (after inflating the life preserver again). Overheard a conversation about the meaning of life, which somehow led me to contemplate the merits of different types of sunscreen. Decided sunblock is like a protective shield for the soul, and that's deep, right? I think I might have had one too many glasses of Prosecco.
Day 3: Truffle Mania & a Near-Disaster (Or, How I Almost Set France on Fire)
- The Truffle Hunt (Attempted): Booked a truffle hunting experience. The adorable dogs were the stars (they were so cute!). The truffles… well, let's just say my truffle-detecting skills left a LOT to be desired. I think the dogs were embarrassed for me. But what a beautiful sight!
- Cooking Class: Back at the Heavenly House, I had ideas of grandeur. So, I decided to attempt a simple dinner. The recipe called for… sigh… cooking with truffle oil. It went on the fire with a satisfying sizzle!!! My overconfidence was shattered in moments. My dreams of a culinary masterpiece turned into a smoke-filled kitchen and a frantic search for the fire extinguisher.
- Redemption (Sort Of): Ordered pizza. Simple pleasures, right?
Day 4: Sarlat, the City of Wonders & Wine-Induced Revelations
- The Fortress: Drove into Sarlat-la-Canéda. Magnificent and historic. Like stepping into a postcard. The architecture! The narrow cobbled streets! Oozing history!
- A Walk in Town: A bit overwhelmed. But kept going. Went into a small shop, and bought a little something. Got a bit lost. Saw sights.
- The Wine: I found a local winery and got a taste of the local wine. My mood immediately improved.
- The Dinner: I drank too much wine at dinner. But the mood was perfect! I've never felt anything so strongly.
- Driving Back: Drove back, a little tipsy, to the house.
Day 5: Rest and Relaxation and Maybe a Little Bit of Regret
- The Day: A well needed day off, after getting on the road.
- The Pool: The weather was great! I spent the day relaxing, reading, and swimming in the pool.
- Reflection: I still wonder if I would have preferred other options. But hey, it's my holiday, and I should relax!
- The Dinner: I got an amazing takeaway - great food, great price!
Day 6: The Secret (Almost) Found (and a Slightly Less Dramatic Coffee Experience)
- The Search: I was determined to like the house. So, I tried to get to know the property.
- The View: I found the hidden view, and realized why the house was heavenly.
- The Coffee: I had to find a good coffee shop, so I did some looking. The coffee was amazing!
- The Day: It was amazing to have some great coffee in the area, and I enjoyed the rest of the day.
Day 7: Farewell (and a Promise to Buy a Better Coffee Machine)
- Packing: The dreaded task. Feeling a mix of sadness and relief. This place was a hard choice, but I think I'll be back.
- The Journey: The drive back to Bergerac. Another chance to revisit the scenic route (and mentally prepare for the next car rental).
- The Reflection: This trip hasn't been perfect. There were moments of frustration (the coffee!), moments of joy (the cheese!), and moments of pure, unadulterated weirdness (the truffle hunt). But that's life, isn't it? Messy, imperfect, and full of surprises. And hey, at least I have some stories for the grandkids.
- The Coffee Machine: I'm seriously considering buying a better coffee machine. And maybe a flamingo that doesn't leak. Next time!
So, that's the story of my Heavenly Holiday Home adventure. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Even with the flaws. Because sometimes, the beautiful, the messy, the unexpected, and the slightly disastrous… that's where the magic truly lies. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch, and a serious coffee craving to satisfy.
High Vosges Dream Chalet: Dishwasher & Unforgettable Views!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Pool Villa - But Real! (Villefranche Edition) FAQs - Because Let's Be Honest, You Have Questions!
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise"... is it *really* paradise? (And I'm asking because sometimes marketing lies!)
Alright, alright, let's cut the crap. "Paradise" is a big word. Think of it as *your* personal, slightly-less-crowded-than-Disneyland version of paradise. The views? Stunning. You'll actually *believe* you're in a movie. The pool? Yeah, it's as gorgeous as the pictures, maybe even better. I mean, *I* nearly cried the first time I saw it reflecting the Dordogne sky. But... there’s real-life stuff here too. The Wi-Fi will randomly decide to take a nap (blame the rural French internet gods) and the local boulanger won't *always* have baguettes ready by 7 AM (that was a sad morning, let me tell you). So, paradise-adjacent? Absolutely. Perfect? Nah. Perfectly wonderful, with a side of "charming rural quirks"? YES.
Tell me about the pool. Is it *actually* swimmable? (I've been burned before!)
Oh, the pool. Let's just say I've developed a slight... *obsession*. It’s not some dinky plunge pool, trust me. It's big enough to actually swim laps (if you *really* feel like it, you know, exercise on vacation... yeah, right). It's refreshing on a hot day – and trust me, days there get HOT, like "I'm-melting-into-my-chair" hot. The water is clean, sparkling, and, and the best part? The privacy! You can splash, play Marco Polo (hide and seek... with water), or just float around with a glass of rosé without feeling self-conscious about your… *ahem*… beach bod. (Hey, no judgement here! We've all been there.) I remember one day, I spent literally *hours* just staring at the reflections on the water. It was pure bliss. Pure! Bliss!
What's the villa *actually* like? Is it fancy-fancy or more relaxed?
Think: charming, rustic elegance meets "I-can-actually-relax-in-this-place." It's not a sterile hotel room, thank goodness. It’s got that lovely French touch – think exposed stone walls, maybe a reclaimed wooden beam or two. It's comfortable, inviting, and has that "lived-in" feel that actually makes you *feel* like you're on vacation, not just a house guest. The kitchen… oh, the kitchen! It’s well-equipped, which is great because you *will* be tempted to spend hours at the local markets (more info on that later!). I'll level with you though, the last villa I rented had a microwave from the 1980s. Here, it’s up-to-date, and that’s a huge plus. And the beds? Seriously comfortable. I fell asleep the first night and felt like I was cradled in a cloud. Seriously, I woke up wondering what century it was.
What about the location? Villefranche-du-Périgord... sounds fancy. Is it actually *fun*?
Okay, Villefranche-du-Périgord. It sounds like a high society gathering, doesn't it? Truth? It's delightfully *un*pretentious. It's a charming village, all cobbled streets and friendly locals who don't mind butchering their English (and your French, if you try). It's a great base to go exploring, but you aren't far from shops and markets (more on them soon) and all things fun! There are amazing markets where you can find the freshest produce, cheeses that will make you weep with joy (genuine tears, people), and, of course, wine. The wine… well, the wine deserves its own section, but let’s just say *bon voyage* to any diet you might have (and I am speaking from experience). The area *is* great for exploring castles, cute villages, and the Dordogne River. Oh, and there's this one little bakery… (I’ll tell you about it later; I don’t want to give away *all* my secrets.)
Is it kid-friendly? Because… let's just say my kids are… *enthusiastic*.
Kid-friendly? Yes, but with a caveat. The pool has to be supervised, obviously (SAFETY FIRST, people!). There's room to run around, explore, and generally cause a joyful ruckus (within reason, of course – you're not trying to annoy the neighbors, right?). The villa is pretty safe, and there's plenty of space to have a play-date-palooza. However, Villefranche isn’t Disneyland. There aren't theme parks up and down the street, But honestly, as a mom myself, my kids loved it! They didn't miss their screens. They played outside, they explored, and they actually *talked* to each other! The quiet evenings were worth it. It's a great opportunity to disconnect and reconnect as a family. Just pack some games and books; leave the electronics a little further away, if you can.
What's the deal with the Wi-Fi? Is it reliable, or am I going to be tearing my hair out trying to upload Instagram stories? (Priorities, people!)
Okay, the Wi-Fi. Here’s the real talk: it’s… *rural*. Sometimes, it's fantastic. Zoom calls are a breeze, Instagram stories upload in a flash, and you can binge-watch Netflix until your eyes bleed. Other times… well, let's just say it’s living its best life in low gear. You’ll find yourself repeatedly restarting the router, muttering under your breath, and potentially needing to walk around for a better signal. This is probably the biggest "downside", if you can even call it that. I’d highly recommend you embrace the digital detox. Embrace it! Enjoy the fact that you are *forced* to pay attention to the scenery, to your loved ones, and to not waste your time glued to a screen. Or, you know, you can always walk up to the top of the hill and try to tether your phone. Your choice! (But really, embrace the detox.)
Are there any local restaurants? Can I avoid cooking every single night? (Please say yes!)
YES! Breathe a sigh of relief! While the villa has a fantastic kitchen, you're on vacation, for Pete's sake! There are charming local restaurants, maybe a bit further away than if you were in a city, but so worth finding. The food is… well, it’s French. Think fresh, seasonal ingredients, beautiful presentation (even for a simple plate of steak frites), and wine that actually *pairs* with your meal. Don't hesitate to ask the owner for recommendations. They usually know the best spots. I had the most amazing duck confit one night. Still dreamingMy Hotel Reviewst
