Following the recommendation of friends, we first went to La Maison des Vignes in 2007, and we have been back four times now - so maybe that says it all. The owners, Suzanna and Jonathan, who live on site, are always warm, welcoming and a mine of useful information about the area and in particular aspects that as a visitor one might not get to know about... dinner cooked by the Mayor of Tourouzelle in his home, local peaches from a house tucked away in the village, lunches in out of the way (and not so out of the way) restaurants, markets, vineyards, the best beaches and the best places for seafood, fantastic cycling routes - the list goes on. It is a beautiful region, with so much to see and do.
Suzanna and Jonathan organise a welcome evening every Sunday, a good opportunity to meet the occupants of the other gites and to exchange information. We have always got on well with the other guests - including this year, when we all got together for a spontaneous and highly enjoyable farewell evening (on the terrace of Coquelicot).
On our first visit we only stayed for a week but quickly realised that it wasn't long enough. We have always stayed in Gite Coquelicot and having at one time or another looked around the other two gites, know that it is characteristically well maintained and equipped and tastefully decorated and furnished - in fact way beyond other holiday apartments that we have stayed in. The pool is perfect for relaxing (and exercising), and the arrangement with Karen, who offers various treatments and massages is a bonus - there is nothing like a massage after a long drive down.
Ultimately we know that the question, 'Would you recommend this to a friend?' is a good indicator of the value of something. Well, La Maison des Vignes was recommended to us, and in turn, we have recommended it, and as I write this friends are staying there now.
It really is France at its finest.