Reviews for Collioure Vacation Rental - VRBO 10585ha - 3 BR Perpignan Area Apartment in France, Collioure Sea Front Beach Apartments, Magnificent Views

Week in Collioure and area

Guest Tim G.
Date of stay 08/25/12
Review Submitted 09/10/12

We had a great time at La Gavina. The apartment is perfectly located between Collioure and Port Vendres, both an easy walk. Collioure and Port Vendres are both lovely places, clean and peaceful. The apartment itself is great for its location right next to the bay and really it is 1 minute from the front door into the sea in front on the apartment. We had some variable weather, from very warm to storms, but the view in either scenario is sublime. Everything in the apartment is there, and only 5 mins walk to a supermarket. My only minor criticism is that the kitchen is rather dated and the beds could be more comfortable, but perhaps I am being too fussy! Great location to travel around to Perpignan, the Pyrenees, Catalunia (although the coast road is not for the faint-hearted or those prone to travel sickness!). Having traveled extensively to almost every country in Europe Collioure came as a pleasant surprise and La Gavina was ideally located. We will return again one day.

Owner response: Thank you for the feed back and we are delighted that you loved the apartment and had a great time in La Gavina. Almost all our customers comment to us on the great location of the apartment, that is why we chose it. Client feed back is that the kitchen is well equipped and suitable for couples as well as families. We are planning to update the decor of the kitchen this Winter. As for the beds, people have often said that they "sleep better here than anywhere else" so this was a little surprise. However the beds will also be replaced this winter with larger ones, 2m x 180 and 2m x 90. We would be thrilled to see you back here and you can let us know what you think of the changes. Kind regards Sheila.

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Lovely place and lovely Landlady

Guest Magdalena S.
Date of stay 05/11/12
Review Submitted 06/12/12

The location was indeed fantastic in terms of the towns nearby (both,15-20 min walk) and small beach just next to the apartment. Views from the windows – exceptional! The apartment itself is not brand new and maybe a touch of facelift would help, however in terms of design it was very pleasant. The most important, that it was very comfortably arranged for sleeping and sitting. I really appreciated the fact that the owner was very communicative, she answered all my questions with great patience and supported with all other arrangements, including finance. I very much recommend. Thanks!

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A great Spring break

Guest Sarah K.
Date of stay 04/05/12
Review Submitted 04/22/12

A delightful apartment with brilliant views, overlooking the beach and away from the roads. The position between Collioure and Port Vendres is ideal, both in walking distance, offering a huge range of restaurants and shops. You won't regret your choice!

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Not only for the view!!!!

Guest Peter, Francis & boys
Date of stay 07/23/11
Review Submitted 08/09/11

One week we stayed in "La Gavina" and enjoyed it very much. The reviews about the beautiful view are not a lie. It is really fantastic. From your bed you see the morning sky, the sun and the beach. The apartment is fully furnished. Surprisingly is the amount of flippers masks and snorkels. The shower is good en there is always warm water. Guests must be alert to the possibility of strong winds. This creates a high whistle of the wind through the chinks of the doors on the balcony. Fortunately this only lasted two days. The enclosed information Sheila send us about restaurants and surroundings were certainly useful. The restaurant, Les Clos de Paulilles (http://www.clos-de-paulilles.com) is recommended. We have also been to Céret what certainly worthwhile is. If you want a challenge and you walk well, go and see the Tour Madeloc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoQ-LzjnXVg). Here you have a beautiful view on the French coast and Collioure. A supermarket (Lidl) is on walking distance. Communication with Sheila by mail and writing is very good and gives confidence. I say: ”Highly recommending and definitely worth to rent this apartment for a second time.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Great location by the Mediterranean

Guest John Douglas
Date of stay 05/14/11
Review Submitted 05/26/11

The apartment overlooks the sea and has a wonderful view of the village of Collioure. A short walk to Port Vendres for good food, also a short walk to cafes, restaurants and the market at Collioure. Closeby is the small supermarket with everything needed, including beachwear and some equipment. from La Gavina you can travel to many great attractions in the area. We went to the sparlking wine area of Limoux, however mostly our time at La Givina was spent on the beach in front of the apartment. The apartment is very comfortable and easy to access. Great for two Aussies enjoying beautiful France.

Recommended for: Age 55+

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Wonderful vacation apartment

Guest William L.
Date of stay 05/07/11
Review Submitted 10/25/11

My wife and I stayed in the La Gavina apartment for the second week of May, 2011. We loved our visit, and the apartment was ideal. We particularly enjoyed the apartment's location, the views, and the sand beach. Collioure is a short drive away from the apartment and was uncrowded in May. Buying local products at Collioure's Farmers Market and walking the back streets and along the harbor were particularly enjoyable. Port Vendres is even closer and has a good bolangerie for bread and desserts. Both towns have excellent restaurants. Driving along the coast (north or south) and along the Tech River valley through Ceret to Prats de Mollo high in the Pyrenees were easy day trips. The apartment's balconies provide wonderful views. The colors of the morning and evening skies over the water were delightful. In the evening, we liked walking around the grounds of the apartment complex and viewing the sea and cliffs from "battery point.” After dark, you could see the lights of Collioure and the flashing beacon at the end of the jetty from the balconies and the master bedroom. The sand beach in the cove below the apartment was very nice. The coast is rocky and having a sand beach right outside the building was a big plus. In early May, the water was warm enough for swimming. A path of sand into the water through the rocky bottom made swimming easy. If we visit again, I would bring a mask, snorkel, and fins to explore the rocks along the cove. The apartment was clean and well maintained. We recommend La Gavina to anyone who plans to visit Collioure.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: It is very satisfying to know when visitors to my apartment have 'loved their visit'. The apartment is in the most magnificent location and I work hard to ensure that the apartment and its facilities are first class. I do provide some snorkels, masks and flippers of varying sizes, but for keen swimmers and divers it is certainly good advice to bring your own equipment as the swimming and diving in the bay is fabulous. There are a number of diving schools in Port Vendres who are happy to sign up members for a couple of classes or a short course. Personally I just love sitting on the balcony watching them take their first lessons on the beach below whilst I create another watercolour landscape of the scene. Happy memories.

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A great apartment with wonderful sea views

Guest Libby
Date of stay 10/16/10
Review Submitted 11/12/10

We absolutely loved this apartment and really enjoyed the two weeks we spent there. In fact it proved to be one of those rare experiences where the reality was even better than the images and description promised. Even if nothing else recommended it, we would be back for the view. It was magnificent - you watch (and hear) the sea breaking on the rocks below from every window except the bathroom and it felt like we were sitting right over the water. There was also, from any sea facing room, a brilliant view of Collioure, the chateau and its harbour and a panoramic sweep of the hills beyond. Aside from the atmospherics, we really liked the apartment itself. It was spacious with comfortable, nicely appointed rooms, was very well equipped in every respect and felt great to be in. We were particularly pleased with the kitchen which had everything we needed to allow us to take advantage of the local markets in Collioure and surrounding villages and the very good fish market at Port Vendres. In fact we liked the lifestyle so much that we extended our stay by a week. The apartment's owner, Sheila was particularly welcoming and helpful and, apart from giving us the benefit of some very useful local knowledge, went out of her way to make our stay a particularly enjoyable one. We have this apartment earmarked as one we'd definitely like to return to.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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SUPER LOCATION. GOOD VALUE

Guest Jackie & Ron
Date of stay 09/10/10
Review Submitted 10/24/10

Jakie & I spent two wonderful weeks at La Gavina. Sheila Taylor, our hostess was most helpful with information about the area and responded willingly to questions. As we are an older, not too mobile, couple, we found it necessary to have a car as the bus to Port Vendres & Coulioure is on an hourly schedule and it is a fair walk (for us) from the bus stop. Younger people would probably not find the walking too difficult; about 15 minutes to either Coulioure or port Vendres. The apartment is set in a lovely bay with the most beautiful view we have seen (and we live in British Columbia, Canada, which has some of the most incredible scenery in the world). The beach is suitable for swimming. We enjoyed swimming ourselves and also watching other, more accomplished swimmers, scuba divers, and anglers, from our second-floor veranda. The apartment is well equipped, nicely furnished, and very comfortable. Both Coulioure and Port Vendres are exquisite towns. How lucky are the people who live there. We will return......there is much more to see. Jackie & Ron British Columbia, Canada

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Great time at La Gavina

Guest Marie
Date of stay 07/31/10
Review Submitted 09/17/10

In August, we - my husband and I - spent 3 wonderful weeks at La Gavina. The apartment was comfortable and provided everything you need for pleasant and really relaxing holidays: The kitchen was well equipped, the living room and bedroom 1 large enough to feel well at ease - and all three rooms offered a magnificent view across the beach at the famous church tower of Collioure. Bedroom 2, shower room and WC were OK but rather small. What we liked and enjoyed most were the apartment's two balconies - an open one in front of the living room and, especially, a glass-surrounded winter garden in front of the kitchen which allowed us to sit out in - almost - open air even when it rained or became too cold or windy in the open place. We often stayed there till late in the evening looking out at the lights of Collioure and watching the little boats and sailing ships in the beach below our window. Those hours at the winter garden with its view of the beautiful surroundings, the open and friendly atmosphere in the apartment complex and among the locals and - very important as well - Sheila's readiness to meet our requests as far as possible made our stay at La Gavina a really great and special one.

Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car.

Owner response: It is very gratifying to hear when visitors to La Gavina have had a superb holiday. I try hard to ensure that the apartment is comfortable and well equipped.

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La Gavina

Guest Myriam
Date of stay 07/10/10
Review Submitted 08/16/10

We have just spent a wonderful 2 weeks at La Gavina. The apartment was extremely well equipped – a real home from home which is rare in a holiday apartment. There was just two of us staying in La Gavina, but we felt it would be rather too small for four adults. The apartment was spotless, with plenty of cleaning materials and clear instructions on how to leave the apartment after your holiday. Sheila had left us a welcoming note which was lovely and everything went like clockwork so there was no need to contact her. Although the apartment has a lovely lounge with a balcony we found the balcony off the kitchen was our preferred place. The view sensational, the sunsets romantic and a great place to watch all the comings and goings on the beach. The beach was a delight and perfect for little children experiencing their first beach holiday to older children who loved snorkelling and rock-pooling although the teenagers looked a little bored.The beach was maintained daily so no litter! We loved the short walk to both Collioure and Port Vendres but preferred the slower pace in Port Vendres. We felt very safe within the apartment complex and also when walking back and forth to the towns after dark. We also found all the locals very friendly We had a car with us and the car parking was ideal. A trip up the coast and then inland to Perpignan is very manageable and Perpignan is a lovely town with a music festival every Thursday night from the middle of July to August. Paulilles- the old dynamite factory- is worth a visit. All in all a superb holiday location – we will be back.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: La Gavina is in the most incredible location and we strive to ensure that it offers first class accomodation and facilities for our visitors. It is very satisfying to hear that our holidaymakers have had a superb holiday there and will be returning. The second bedroom is equipped with bunk beds and so we advise groups who have 4 adults to use the living room as a bedroom with its very comfortable bed settee. As with these renters, most groups use the dining area at the end of the kitchen for relaxing over a glass of wine in the evening which frees the living room to be used as a dedicated bedroom.

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Fantastic

Guest Lamorna
Date of stay 09/15/09
Review Submitted 09/23/09

We have been visiting and enjoying this part of France for some years, and have previously stayed on holiday caravan parks. Mainly to ensure the kids had plenty to do. However for my husbands 50th we decided to try something different, and really was not sure what to expect or if the kids would enjoy it now being teenagers. The area as we know is beautiful, but the apartment really was fantastic and made this a really special holiday and birthday treat. The kids loved the beach and snorkelling, and we all took time to enjoy the peace and the fantastic views. The apartment was cosy, clean, very well equiped and made us feel relaxed and 'on holiday' from the moment we woke up until the monent we feel asleep due to the views and the sound of the sea. Absolutley fantastic, can't wait to book up again, and the kids agree the caravan holidays are over!!!!!

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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One of the best holidays ever!

Guest Nederlandse gasten
Date of stay 08/21/09
Review Submitted 09/13/09

For three weeks we had rented this great appartment in Collioure. It is never sure what to expect when one rents an appartment without actually knowing the owners, knowing the location or having seen the appartment. We were not disappointed at all. In fact it was better than we would have hoped for. The beach in front of the appartment is great. It has pebbles but also a lot of sandy spots, ideal for children, also because of the size of the beach, losing small children is not possible. Snorkling is great, the clear blue water is full of beautiful fish. Port Vendres and Collioure are both at walking distance. The appartment was fully equipped. Everything was there, incl. baby chair, snorkling gear, games, music, dvd player, washing machine, every coocking utensil you could ever think of. A trip to Barcelona or Figueres is easily made. The fishmarket in Port Vendres was a great place to buy fish and shellfish. France has become rather expensive, but the market in Port Vendres offers good products for a reasonable price (comparing is to be advised)... The scenery is stunning, let alone the view from every window of the appartment. The owners were very friendly, helpful and hospitable. We have had a magnificent holiday with our two small children and will certainly return.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: It was a pleasure for us to welcome our guests from Holland and do what we could to help them enjoy their holiday in La Gavina. We work hard to try to ensure that our apartment is as good as it can be and to provide a good service. A 5 star review from clients who wish to return is the best news we can get.

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July/August in La Gavina 2009

Guest josie jo
Date of stay 07/26/09
Review Submitted 08/10/09

This appartment is in the most astonishing setting, as lovely as the photos. That is it's greatest asset. The accomodation is good. It is not huge, we were two adults and three teenagers, one sleeping on the sofa but we were fine for room. Linen was spotless, crisp and plenty of it. The kitchen was very well equiped indeed, which was what 5 vegetarians who don't eat out needed. There was a very helpful amount of stuff available - snorkels, goggles, parasols, pit pat, playing cards etc. Also lots of information on the area, good books and plenty of maps (some of the pamphlets were from 2004, but still useful). Standard of cleanliness was good, unless you are a clean freak. (I weirdly took a scrubbing brush to the grout in the shower and improved it no end. Must have been the Fitou!) I think the housekeeper, whoever this is, after people leave having mopped etc, should blitz the kitchen - all the nooks and crannies, crumbs in the cutlery drawer etc. That would please the fuss pots. I think we can all put up with our own crumbs, but a holiday kitchen is best scrubbed. However that couldn't possibly detract from the 5 star rating I am happy to give and I am sure this advice will be taken. We met John because a freak gust of wind blew out a pane of glass in an internal door and he was round in an instant to mend it. He was very keen to make sure we were satisfied with everything and he was very keen to offer advice. Before we had arrived he had answered numerous questions that I had emailed him, about trains on a Sunday etc. Very reassuring, very kind. (By the way, in July and August the buses along the coast are 1 euro for 1 person as far as you want - a brill, cheap deal.) I would heartily recommend this accomodation. I enjoyed the location immensely - 15 min walk from Collioure (exquisite, touristy), 10 min walk to Port Vendres (easy going, less touristy). To sit in the evening and watch the sun set, to listen to the waves when you wake up, to watch your family head for a swim seconds from the appartment, make this a great place for a holiday.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Owner response: A 5 star review is as good as it gets for us. It really is a delight to help people enjoy this lovely place and have a good holiday. The "clean freak" points are useful and well taken. There is always room for improvement and we are quick learners. We have 20 years experience of this area and are always glad to provide help and advice. If we don`t know the answer immediately to a potential client`s question we will always find out.

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Johnathan Seagull

Guest raybob
Date of stay 06/01/09
Review Submitted 06/28/09

We spent the first week of June at La Gavina (a great name and enjoyed their chatter). The location/view from the apartment was simply wonderful and sitting dining, morning or evening, looking out on to the beach and/or the ocean activities, binoculars on hand, was a wonderful means of natural entertainment. What a lovely spot :=)) The apartment itself was older, 70s style but thoughtfully furnished/ equipped for adults and children and met all our needs and we would definitely recommend to family and friends. M

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: We work hard to provide a good service and comfortable accommodation. A recommendation from discerning clients to family and friends is the best news we can get.

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Stay in January 2009

Guest Walkub
Date of stay 01/01/09
Review Submitted 03/30/09

We still miss lying in bed listening to the sound of waves breaking in the little cove below. A very soothing sound to fall asleep to. The flat is small but neat and has everything you need. We stayed with our little girl, under two, and she was very comfortable. The location is great just a couple of minutes drive into Collioure, which is beautiful and has plenty to do. Port Vendres has an fantastic, hard working, fish market where you can have a plate of the freshest seafood for very little, I think it was 8 oysters for 10 euros. John and Sheila were very kind to us and were very knowledgeable about the whole area. Sheila even joined us on our house hunting expedition which was so useful as she has a good view of the local property market. I recommend the flat to couples and small families.

Recommended for: Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: We love helping our guests enjoy their holiday and it was great showing them round this lovely part of the world.

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Location, Location, Location

Guest C. McL
Date of stay 09/13/08
Review Submitted 11/06/08

We have had a wondreful week in La Gavina in mid September. You will not find a better location with views as stunning as this. Collioure is a magical town full of excellent restaurants, culture, beautiful safe beach and is accessable to all ages. A visit to the castle is a must. A full list of recommended restaurants and activities was left in La Gavina for us. The appartment itself was very clean and well equiped. All our needs were catered for. Thank You

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: Nothing pleases us more than satisfied clients. We work hard to try and make sure that everyone has a good holiday.

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A beautiful location!

Guest Bengal
Date of stay 08/30/08
Review Submitted 09/30/10

A great holiday! Fabulous location and very well equiped and comfy apartment. The whole area is really lovely, relaxing with really good transport links to nearby villages. We will be back!

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Wow!

Guest AlanMK
Date of stay 08/16/08
Review Submitted 09/05/08

We just got back from an amazing week in this apartment and would like to highly recommend it. The accommodation is extremely well equipped, especially the kitchen. It is nice to have stayed somewhere where you genuinely have the option to cook your own food some days (not too many though as the local cuisine is to die for!). The view from the apartment could not be better as the location is stunning. It was so nice to have the beach right on your door - I will miss those early morning swims! Collioure is a very beautiful town and although it was the busiest period, it still felt very relaxed. If you want to go a bit further, we did a trip to Barcelona and then, on another day, a trip to Carcassonne. Each one is a few hours drive (watch those tolls!) but are well worth it. Thanks John! Alan

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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La Gavina Review

Guest Julesmartyn
Date of stay 08/09/08
Review Submitted 09/03/08

The apartment is a 25 minute walk to the centre of Collioure and located in an ugly 80s development off the busy main road between Collioure and Port Vendres. The nearest supermarket is a Lidl, a 5 minute walk away and the apartment is far closer to Port Vendres than Collioure. The property was not especially clean nor well maintained and there was too much furniture for the limited space available. However, the view from the balcony is spectacular and directly overlooks a beach but to see the main Collioure lighthouse in as much detail as pictured in the advert would require binoculars! We requested bed linen and towels be provided but were only provided with 3 towels for an apartment that could sleep 6 people. The second bedroom is very small, with a tiny cell-like window. The tag line in the advert for La Gavina is 'luxury apartment in Collioure' - both assertions being untrue as it was neither a luxury apartment nor located in Collioure.

Owner response: The apartment is on a 1970`s development within the municipality of Collioure. The clients are the first ever to describe it as "ugly". Our ad. does say that it is nearer to Port Vendres. The headline view on our ad. is of the medieval tower adjacent to the church, not the lighthouse. Most people find that the walk into Collioure takes 15 mins. Cleanliness for the visitors was clearly an issue and we will need to do better. Early contact with our housekeeper would have resolved this problem, the shortage of towels and the shower leak.

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Comments from Owner Guestbook

Guest HRGuestBook10585
Date of stay 12/01/07
Review Submitted 12/05/07

It was a privilege to stay in your beautifully equipped apartment. We have spent hours just sitting at the table gazing at the incredible view. A swim before breakfast is a must, but the children couldn't wait to get back down to the beach. It has been our best family holiday ever. Thank you Sheila and John. Karla and Dan Ptacek

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Collioure Sea Front Beach Apartments, Magnificent Views [#10585ha] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (20)

Week in Collioure and area

Week in Collioure and area

Lovely place and lovely Landlady

Lovely place and lovely Landlady

A great Spring break

A great Spring break

Not only for the view!!!!

Not only for the view!!!!

Great location by the Mediterranean

Great location by the Mediterranean

Wonderful vacation apartment

Wonderful vacation apartment

A great apartment with wonderful sea views

A great apartment with wonderful sea views

SUPER LOCATION. GOOD VALUE

SUPER LOCATION. GOOD VALUE

Great time at La Gavina

Great time at La Gavina

La Gavina

La Gavina

Fantastic

Fantastic

One of the best holidays ever!

One of the best holidays ever!

July/August in La Gavina 2009

July/August in La Gavina 2009

Johnathan Seagull

Johnathan Seagull

Stay in January 2009

Stay in January 2009

Location, Location, Location

Location, Location, Location

A beautiful location!

A beautiful location!

Wow!

Wow!

La Gavina Review

La Gavina Review

Comments from Owner Guestbook

Comments from Owner Guestbook