Escape to Paradise: Stunning French Villa Near Sarlat & Souillac!
Escape to Paradise: Or, How I (Almost) Lost My Mind in the Dordogne, and Loved Every Chaotic Second!
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Okay, so let's be honest, "Escape to Paradise: Stunning French Villa Near Sarlat & Souillac" sounds pretty darn idyllic, right? And for the most part, it was. But let me tell you, getting to paradise? That's a different story. Driving those narrow French roads in a car that may or may not have been designed for the Tour de France, while trying to decipher the GPS and simultaneously fend off backseat driving from my partner (who shall remain nameless for their own safety), was, shall we say, memorable.
But hey, that's part of the adventure, isn't it? And once we finally, finally, screeched to a halt at this villa… whoa. It actually did look like the pictures. Seriously. The website wasn’t lying! (A rarity in the travel game, people!) So, let's break this whole experience down, because, like life, it wasn't a perfectly curated Instagram feed. It was… messy.
Accessibility & Getting There (The Pre-Paradise Panic):
Now, I have to preface this: I don't have any mobility issues myself. But the listing mentions "Facilities for disabled guests." This is where things get a bit murky. While there’s an elevator (major points!), I didn’t specifically see anything super obvious for wheelchair users. I'd recommend explicitly contacting the villa to confirm if you have accessibility needs. Ask about the exterior corridor access, and the terrain around the swimming pool [outdoor] which, by the way, was breathtaking! It was picturesque, but perhaps not perfectly manicured. As for the airport transfer, we didn't use it, but it's an option! I should have. Maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't have ended up hugging a French cow (long story).
Cleanliness & Safety (Obsessively Sanitized, or Just Pretty Clean?):
Okay, COVID. Let's address the elephant in the room (or, rather, the hand sanitizer on every surface). The villa definitely takes hygiene seriously. They have anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. They also had a doctor/nurse on call, which, frankly, made me feel extra secure. I mean, who doesn't feel better knowing there's a medical professional on speed dial? I even caught someone wiping down the light switches with a sterilizing equipment – I mean, talk about dedication! The individually-wrapped food options at breakfast were great. The rooms sanitized between stays was definitely a plus. The only down side? The room sanitization opt-out available, how do you choose? Don't ask!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (A Culinary Adventure, Sometimes):
The breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard, but satisfying. I loved the coffee/tea in restaurant and the bottle of water in the room. But here's a confession: I may have judged the quality of the croissants immediately after arrival. I'm sure I'll get over it - I'm still trying to. The Western breakfast was… well, Western. Don’t come here expecting Michelin stars, okay? I thought the Poolside bar was a nice touch! You could grab a drink while enjoying the pool with view and sun! They also offered an Asian breakfast!
The downside? The Room service [24-hour] was available, but the menu seemed VERY limited. I mean, I wanted a late-night snack of, you know, everything. The menu couldn’t provide the same!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Days & Existential Crises):
Alright, THIS is where the villa really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Gorgeous. Actually, I spent an embarrassing amount of time just staring at it. The Spa/sauna, the Steamroom, the massage options? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. I got a Body scrub and a Body wrap – which, let me tell you, is an experience. Basically, you're cocooned in something, hoping you don't accidentally suffocate, and then… glorious relaxation. I loved the Spa itself! I only wish I could have lived there!
I'd also like to say that it had a Fitness center! I didn't use it. I'm on vacation. I have too much to do.
I did spend a solid 4 hours just listening to music with my friends at the terrace, and I do not regret it!
Services & Conveniences (The Perks & The Quirks):
The basics are covered: Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), Laundry service, Dry cleaning, and Concierge. The Cash withdrawal option was fantastic, especially after I'd blown my budget on, uh, croissants. The Gift/souvenir shop actually had some decent stuff. The Car park [free of charge] was a godsend. And they had a Car power charging station. Excellent!
Now, for the quirks. The Front desk [24-hour] service was a life-saver at times, but the staff did seem to have this adorable habit of misunderstanding my French. Which led to some hilarious ordering errors.
I think the most fun thing about the Villa, was having the Doorman open ALL the doors!
For the Kids (If You Dare!):
This is a very family-friendly place. They have Kids meal options, and a Babysitting service. And, from what I could gather, they are Family/child friendly!
Available in All Rooms (Comforts & Chaos):
My room, which I should mention was a non-smoking room, was pretty standard. However, it had a Air conditioning, which was essential for July. It also came with a desk (nice for pretending to work), a coffee/tea maker (vital!), a refrigerator, a hair dryer (thank god!), and a safe box.
I did have to call reception because the Slippers in my room were the WORST, but they immediately brought me new ones. The fact that they also had Linens and Towels are very nice.
Getting Around (More Adventures in Transportation!):
They offer Airport transfer, which I mentioned, but I implore you to consider. They also had Taxi service.
My Verdict:
Look, the "Escape to Paradise" villa isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges, a little unpredictable (especially with the French!), and sometimes downright chaotic. But that's exactly what makes it so memorable. It's not sterile, it’s not pretentious, and it doesn't take itself too seriously. (Except, maybe, in the cleanliness department – which is totally fine by me!).
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway, near the gorgeous sights of Sarlat and Souillac, this is a great choice! I would recommend!
I say, go! But pack your sense of humor (and maybe learn a few basic French phrases). You won't regret it.
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Escape to Paradise: Stunning Domburg Beach Flat (150m Away!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… me. And I'm heading to a villa near Sarlat and Souillac in France. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, accidental cheese consumption, and the distinct possibility I'll lose my passport. Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Crisis of the Croissant
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Brive-la-Gaillarde airport. Pro Tip: Don't expect a smooth ride. My flight was delayed, naturally. Spent a blissful hour people-watching. Did you know airport fashion is a thing? Saw a woman in full leopard print lounging on a suitcase. Iconic.
- Mid-morning: Pick up the rental car. (Pray for me. I'm a terrible driver.) The car smelled vaguely of cigarettes and despair. Classic. The GPS lady has a hilariously robotic French accent. She already feels judgmental.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Arrive at the villa. Holy. Mother. Of. God. It’s gorgeous. Stone walls, a pool that's begging to be splashed in, and a view that could bring a tear to a cynical eye. Currently overwhelmed by joy and the urge to run screaming around the garden yelling, "I MADE IT!"
- Afternoon: Unpack. Immediately realized I packed, like, five pairs of the same black yoga pants. Fashion crisis averted. Then, the REAL crisis: the first croissant. This is supposed to be a life-changing experience, right? It was good, but not… transcendental. More on this later. Am I croissants-challenged? Will I ever achieve peak croissant bliss?
- Evening: Grocery shopping. Ah, the French supermarket. So many cheese options. I think I accidentally bought a whole wheel of something that smelled… intensely. Pretty sure I just offended a local by trying to pay with a debit card and the cashier was probably judging me. Ended the evening with a glass of wine on the terrace. The silence was deafening. In a good way. Except for the crickets. They're relentless.
Day 2: Sarlat: Pretty Pictures and Pretentious Restaurants (Probably. I'm Guessing)
- Morning: Attempted a leisurely breakfast. Then, an argument about how much butter to use for toast. (I lost.) Decided to brave Sarlat.
- Late Morning: Sarlat. Medieval perfection. Cobblestone streets, impossibly charming buildings… and a lot of tourists. I spent the first hour just gawking. Took approximately 300 photos of the same thing. (Gotta get that perfect shot!)
- Lunch: Decided to get lunch in Sarlat at a restaurant that seemed authentic. Ordered the confit de canard. It was duck, and delicious. The waiter seemed a little amused by my attempts to speak French. (My accent is atrocious.)
- Afternoon: Wandered aimlessly. Got lost. Discovered a tiny, hidden square filled with flower boxes. Ate a gelato that was suspiciously good. Questioned my life choices. Briefly considered becoming a professional gelato taster.
- Evening: Back at the villa. Swimming, wine, and feeling a profound sense of peace (until those damn crickets started up again). Journaled about the existential crisis of croissants. Seriously, what's up with them?
Day 3: Souillac & The River of Regret, (and Roquefort Cheese)
- Morning: Attempted French conversation with the villa owner, who's very nice but speaks at the speed of light. I think I accidentally agreed to feed his chickens. This is not going to end well.
- Late Morning: Souillac. The town itself seems a bit more… relaxed than Sarlat. Visited the Abbey. It was impressive. But the real highlight…finding a cheese shop.
- Lunch (and the Start of the Regret): OK, THIS is where things get messy. Bought a mountain of Roquefort. Delicious. Divine. Perfect. And ate the entire thing. Alone. In an afternoon. This will be a problem, I can feel it.
- Afternoon: Drove along the Dordogne River. Absolutely stunning. Felt a surge of happiness, and the first twinge on my stomach.
- Evening: Stomachache. (See previous entry re: Roquefort). Watched the sunset. Resolved to be a better person tomorrow (specifically, less cheese-obsessed). Also, vowed to learn the chicken-feeding instructions.
Day 4: Caves & Confessions: The Art of the Cave and the Dark Matter of My Soul
- Morning: Decided to be "cultured". Visit the caves of Lascaux II. Pretty impressive. I have a newfound respect for cave art. Also, realized I have zero artistic talent.
- Late Morning / Early Afternoon: A little more aimless wandering. More gorgeous scenery. A sudden craving for cheese.
- Afternoon: Nap. Needed it.
- Evening: Contemplated the croissant question for, like, five hours. Made a list of all the things I need to do on my next trip.
Day 5: Farewell (or at least, until the next cheese adventure)
- Morning: Panic. I have to leave. Filled with a mixture of sadness and relief. Sadness because, France. Relief because, the villa owner's chickens.
- Mid-morning: Packed. Then, unpacked. Then repacked. Repeat.
- Lunch: The last croissant attempt. A near-perfect execution, but still… the croissant conundrum continues.
- Afternoon: The drive to the airport. Farewell, France! Farewell, cheese! Farewell, probably the best vacation ever!
- Evening: Flight home. Already dreaming of croissants and a return trip. I'll be back, France. Just you wait.
Postscript:
- I didn’t lose my passport. Miraculously.
- I’m pretty sure I fed the chickens incorrectly. They seemed… unimpressed.
- The Roquefort incident resulted in a digestive system that hasn’t quite recovered.
- And I'm still searching for the holy grail of croissants. The quest continues!
This, my friends, is the unfiltered truth. And it's delicious. Almost as delicious as a wheel of Roquefort… maybe.
Venice Villa Escape: Luxury & Charm Await at Belvilla Pratolina!
Escape to Paradise: FAQ – Because Honestly, We All Have Questions!
Okay, seriously, is this *actually* paradise? Or is it just, you know, *French* paradise?
Can you *really* walk to Sarlat or Souillac? 'Cause Google Maps ALWAYS lies.
The photos show… *a lot* of space. Is it actually big enough for a family… and, like, a cranky teenager?
What about the kitchen? Is it properly equipped? Because I can't live on croissants alone (though I'd like to try).
Okay, let's get real about the pool. Is it, you know, clean? And… how far from the house? Because I hate traipsing forever in a wet swimsuit.
What’s the vibe of the place? Is it all stiff and formal? Or can you actually, you know, relax?
Any local tips? Like, hidden gems and whatnot?
Are there any downsides? Tell me the *truth*.
About that 'stunning' part... is it *really* that pretty? 'Cause I'm skeptical.
