Peaceful, Comfortable and Convenient

Guest: Gary and Alison (Southeastern Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/01/11

Alain even met us at the local train station, though we later discovered a direct bus to/from the marina. We'd come down from Paris by train via Marseille -- both easy and quick. Enter the property through a small iron gate in a dense hedge. Climb a winding stair overlooking the gardens to a substantial, old-world front door. The area is lush with blooming trees, hedges and vines. The back garden has space for kids to play and laundry lines -- clothes dry quickly in the sun. Inside, air conditioning is unnecessary because the breezes keep their home pleasant. At night, you can leave everything open. Late sleepers can roll down electrically-controlled shutters. The beds are comfortable and the whole place feels like home. The kitchen is well-supplied not only with appliances, but with plates, glasses, various utensils ... in short, we could find whatever we needed. The pantry had the basics -- even pasta, herbs, oil and wine; we used and replaced foods with something comparable. The tub/shower had endless hot water, a good shower head, and a long, deep tub for relaxation. But the terrace was our favorite place! We breakfasted on fresh croissants from the corner and fresh fruit from the grocer, looking out at our neighbors and the sparkling Mediterranean. At the end of the day we watched the last boats, a hang glider, and what we first thought were frolicking small airplanes. Later we realized the planes were scooping water, dropping it, and swooping around to try again -- fire fighting craft. Three doves cooed on a nearby telephone wire. I saw my first magpies on the roof peak opposite the terrace. The sun glowed red on the opposite cliffs of our harbor then sank behind the hills. In the 10 days we visited in early August, we balanced doing little with eating out, shopping, meeting locals, and visiting some of the sights. We took a bus to Marseille for a day, cheaper and quicker than the train. We took a train seven minutes to nearby Cassis -- but note the hours of buses and trains! If it hadn't been for some very nice people, we'd have been stuck there overnight! We rented a car (recommended) for a few days and wandered both locally, to Toulon, and up toward Aix-en-Provence. Of all the coastal towns we saw, La Ciotat offered the best assortment of peace, restaurants, accessibility, walkability and things to do for older folks, young couples, and families with kids. Great vacation! Thank you to you and your wife, Alain!

Owner response:I agree with that review. Thank you very much.

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

great location in a wonderful little city!

Guest: Jennifer (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/25/11

We stayed 6 nights in the house in the end of July. The apartment was quite spacious and comfortable with all the amentities that we needed. Alain was very helpful and accomodating. The bakery and grocery are just across the street and it is only a 5-10 minte walk to the city center and bus station. The house is also located just 5-10 minutes walking to the beautiful Calanques (coves). There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and street merchants. Everyone was very helpful. There is a lovely old town area and the beaches are also very nice. It was an easy and cheap bus ride (1 euro) to the train station and we were able to take day trips to Marseille and Avignon. We also we able to go scuba diving and rent a motor scooter and explore the Route de Crete and St. Baume. We had a lovely time and would definitely consider coming back again.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car.

best get away ever, 2 Texans who would love to return!!

Guest: Fluor dave (USA)
Date of Stay: 04/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

An American Manager who needed a getaway after a 1.5 years working in Russia, lucked into Alains's perferct apartment in an equally perfect sleepy French Mediterrean coastal fishig city. The apt was just right as it's queen bed fit a 6'4" guy and his lovely wife. I cooked daily as the quaint kitchen served many a fun nights meal. Across the street is the baker, across the intersection is a butcher shop and small market next to them. We found a massage spa on the corner. The balcony was our daily eating and wine sipping outdoor evening. we loved LaCoitat's beach's, friendly folks, wonderful coffee's and beautiful weather. Our month there, May 09, was spent tanning on the streets ends beach, ( .5 mile walk ), grilling our mornings fish bought from the harbor's fishermen's boats, and lots of red wine, baguetts, and days at Aix and St. Tropaz shopping their market days. Very romantic and Alain helped with all requests, even the rental car! we slept with windows open at night, the breezes were super. The apt is perfect, washer for clean clothes, modem for laptop, kitchen has everything including gas stove/oven!! Huge clawfoot tub with shower,, view to die for as you love, eat, and sleep, looking over the LaCoitat harbor!! Oysters, fish, flowers, warm bagguettes, and a nice cut ribeye, made us wish we were there now... There were NO surprises as everything in the listing was truthful and was even better than our expectations...Please remember us Alain..Enjoy...

Owner response:Of course I accept gladly this comment from Dave!

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

Guest: Barbro Abrahamsson (Kullavik/Sweden)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/01/07

Charming, although not luxurious, apartment with excellent equipment - kitchen with fridge, freezer, micro-wave and dishwasher - oysterknife and corkscrew included!Our host, Alain was very friendly and extremely service-minded and we thoroughly enjoyed our week in La Ciotat!The baker on the corner had freshly made baguettes, the Grocery shop down the street also provided excellent paté. Other shops are located in the centre of the city. For bathing we recommend the plage (35 minutes walk) and also the Calanques (10 minutes walk). We would love to come back!/Barbro, Per-Erik and Caroline Abrahamsson, Kullavik, Sweden

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Guest: fiona3 (portsmouth, england)
Date of Stay: 05/25/07 Review Submitted: 05/25/07

the partment is in a central locatiol,spotless condition and everything yoy could think of in the flat. We had a truly lovely holiday and are looking forwd to returning in 2007

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Guest: McKay and Misurella (East Stroudsburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/20/06 Review Submitted: 06/20/06

This is a wonderful location for a visit to the South of France. From the apartment, you can walk to a great swimming cove, a lovely garden at the bottom of the cliffs, and to the harbor for meals at the many restaurants. From the harbour you can take boat rides to a number of locations as well. The town is lively and interesting, and the highway entrance is just outside of town, making trips to Marseille, Aix, and all the other key destinations very easy. The baker is right on the corner. We sent our son to get bread twice a day and were able to watch him walk there from the terrace that overlooks the sea and the streets. The owners have supplied everything you need, and the apartment is very comfortably furnished. We will definitely return. It's one of our favorite places.

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