Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villefranche-du-Périgord Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: A Whirlwind of Charm (and a Few Tiny Hiccups) in Villefranche-du-Périgord
Okay, so, buckle up, buttercups! I just got back from Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villefranche-du-Périgord Getaway Awaits! and, honestly? It was a whole thing. This isn't your perfectly polished, five-star review – think more, "your drunk aunt writing after a fantastic holiday." Prepare for raw honesty, a few tangents, and maybe a tear or two (happy ones, mostly).
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- Keywords: Villefranche-du-Périgord, France, Hotel Review, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, WiFi, Accessibility, Luxury, Périgord Noir, Dordogne, Family Friendly, Romantic Getaway.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Escape to Paradise in Villefranche-du-Périgord! From stunning spa days to wifi woes, I spill the tea on this dreamy Dordogne escape. Is it worth it? Read on…
- Category: Travel, Hotels, Reviews
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Right off the bat, I need to applaud some of the effort. Accessibility is definitely something they're trying to address. They specify Facilities for disabled guests and a bunch of other things. The Elevator was a lifesaver! The Car park [free of charge] close by was also appreciated. I also noticed something about Car park [on-site] - but it was a bit of a hike from my room.
However, I'm not going to lie, I had a minor freak out in the early hours. Not sure what time it was, but I was looking for the bathroom and couldn't get to it, I think some of paths weren't fully friendly for someone with mobility issues. Exterior corridor felt a bit exposed at night, and the lighting wasn't the greatest.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally!)
Okay, MAJOR props on this front. Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services? They actually felt like they cared! I saw staff constantly sanitizing stuff. Rooms sanitized between stays was a relief, and I was thrilled the breakfast in room was an option! The Hot water linen and laundry washing gave me a sense of safety. Bonus points also for the Hand sanitizer, First aid kit, and Doctor/nurse on call - not that I needed either!
The Safe dining setup and the fact that they used Sanitized kitchen and tableware items also put my mind at ease. They even had Sterilizing equipment in plain sight! Plus, you could opt out of room cleaning, which I loved.
Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and Quirks
So, about the rooms… Non-smoking rooms – YES! Big tick. I was SO glad for that, especially given the Smoking area was, thankfully, not right outside my window.
Air conditioning was a godsend—Périgord gets HOT. I loved the Alarm clock, Bathtub, the Blackout curtains. The Coffee/tea maker? Essential for a morning pick-me-up. The Internet access – wireless was strong. The Internet access – LAN was pretty good too. The desk was appreciated, even during my “work from anywhere” moment.
But here’s where things got… interesting. My room had a definite "French country charm," aka, the bed was a bit squeaky. The Mini bar was stocked, great for a late night thirst. The Hair dryer was a little weak, and the Slippers they provided looked like they'd seen better days. I wanted to love the Mirror as it looked really fancy, but could barely see myself, and what's the use of the Bathtub, if it is not clean?
And then there was the… Windows that open. Lovely in theory, but my room faced a fairly noisy street. Earplugs were a must, and I definitely used the Wake-up service as I may have missed my alarm.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ooh La La and "Where's the Salt?"
Alright, let’s talk food! The Breakfast [buffet]. I’m a sucker for a buffet. It wasn’t bad – standard fare, croissant and pastries were a daily treat. The Western breakfast was tasty, although the Asian breakfast was rather mediocre.
The Restaurants had a few options. I tried the A la carte in restaurant. The International cuisine in restaurant was good, but nothing mind-blowing. The Poolside bar was a godsend during the warm days. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, but the Coffee shop was a delight. I never made it the Desserts in restaurant, but I did enjoy the bar. I enjoyed my Happy hour. I really loved the Bottle of water.
Oh, and the Snack bar. Perfection. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. I did feel the absence of a proper Salad in restaurant, and the Soup in restaurant I was looking forward to never arrived.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Poolside Bliss
This is where Escape to Paradise truly shines. The Spa is… well, it's dreamy. I loved the Body scrub and Body wrap. The Sauna, Steamroom, and Spa/sauna were pure bliss.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, with a Pool with view that made you want to weep with joy. The Fitness center was small but adequate, and the Gym/fitness room did have a few options. The Foot bath was a total treat. I loved the Massage, it was exactly what I needed.
Services and Conveniences: Helpful but a Bit Scattered
They offer all the usual suspects. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service are useful. The Safety deposit boxes are crucial.
The Contactless check-in/out was a welcome touch. The Front desk [24-hour] was helpful. I appreciated the Cash withdrawal option.
But… here’s another “but.” The Internet felt a bit patchy at times. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! promise seemed to evaporate during peak hours. The Gift/souvenir shop was a little underwhelming. The Convenience store was good, but not much.
For the Kids: Not Quite a Kid-topia
This place definitely isn't solely kid-focused. They have Babysitting service, which is great. You could get the Kids meal and it wasn't bad. I would argue that a place like this would make the kids bored.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer: yes! I can't imagine navigating those country roads without it. Car park [free of charge]: huge plus. The Taxi service option is also appreciated.
In Conclusion: Worth the Escape?
Honestly? YES. Despite the few minor hiccups, Escape to Paradise is a wonderful place to stay. It's got charm, great service, and that stunning spa. It’s not perfect, but its imperfections are what make it human. It’s a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and escape to a little slice of paradise – even if your WiFi occasionally lets you down. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Especially if they finally get that bathtub cleaned and the WiFi situation sorted out. But even if they didn't, those spa treatments alone would make it worth the trip!
Overall Score: 4.2 out of 5 Stars (would be a 5 if the WiFi was reliable!)
Croatia's Stunning Vineyard Views: Your Dreamy Sutivanac Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's super-organized travel itinerary. This is a messy, imperfect, gloriously human attempt at planning a week in a cosy holiday home in beautiful Villefranche-du-Périgord, France. Prepare for tangents, opinions, and me completely losing track of time. Let's do this!
The "Pretend I'm French" Adventure: Villefranche-du-Périgord, France - July (ish)
(Warning: Subject to change. Mostly because I'm as organized as a squirrel with a caffeine addiction.)
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Unpacking Debacle & Baguette-Induced Bliss
- Morning (or whenever the hell I roll out of bed after a transatlantic flight): Arrive at the holiday home. Remember how I envisioned a serene drive through the French countryside? Yeah, well, let's just say navigating those narrow winding roads felt less "charming" and more "terrifying" when trying to find the place. Driving on the wrong side of the road still got me all mixed up. The holiday home looks amazing, I'll give it that. The garden, the stone walls - it's like stepping into a postcard. Oh, and the smell. The scent of damp earth, warm stone, and… wait for it… fresh lavender. Someone pinch me!
- Afternoon: The great unpacking begins. Okay, let's be honest, it's less "unpacking" and more "rummaging through a suitcase that resembles a black hole." Finding the corkscrew is suddenly the most important task of my life. Must locate wine. Must drink wine. (Priorities, people!)
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The pilgrimage to the boulangerie. This is an absolute must. This isn't just about bread; this is about an experience. The smell of baking bread, the charming old lady behind the counter, the sheer perfectness of the baguette. I'm going to buy a basket full, just to inhale the aroma. I'll probably botch my French pronunciation and leave the poor baker utterly perplexed. (My French is, shall we say, work in progress.) But I'll walk out with a perfect baguette and a silly grin.
- Evening: Dinner in the garden. Crack open a bottle of (hopefully) decent wine, slice some cheese, and attempt to enjoy the utter peace and quiet. Wait, is that a mosquito? Get the citronella candles out. I've got to learn to enjoy the quiet. And I'm not leaving the garden without a full moon and a stomach full of cheese and wine.
Day 2: Market Day Mayhem & The Lost-in-Translation Lunch
- Morning: Market day! The vibrant colours, the chatter, the smells of fresh produce - this is what I'm here for! I'm picturing myself strolling through, buying everything, and then rustling up a culinary masterpiece. The reality? Probably getting overwhelmed, buying the wrong ingredients, and burning whatever I cook for lunch. But hey, it's the thought that counts!
- Midday: The "Lost in Translation" lunch. Determined to try a local restaurant, I stumble upon Le Petit Bistrot. Armed with a half-remembered phrasebook and a lot of hope, I attempt to order something, anything, from the menu. I end up with… well, I'm not quite sure. It might be delicious, it might be terrible… the mystery is part of the charm!
- Afternoon: Post-lunch nap (essential after all the market excitement and wine). Or maybe a wander around. I'm hoping to see the town's church. Maybe I'll visit the local museum, but I'm a bit of a museum-skipping snob.
- Evening: Dinner in the house. Attempting to recreate the market magic with my ill-gotten purchases. Praying I remember how to turn on the oven this time.
Day 3: Dordogne River Ramble & The Unexpected Picnic Disaster
- Morning: A day trip to the Dordogne River. I'm thinking a scenic drive, stopping at charming villages, maybe even a canoe trip (if I'm feeling brave!). I'm planning this at the last minute, so it's probably a terrible idea. I'm a shocking planner.
- Midday: The perfect picnic. I have visions… fresh bread, cheese, some sort of delicious French charcuterie, and a bottle of chilled rosé. I'll find the perfect spot with a view, lay out the blanket, and … disaster strikes. It turns out that "the perfect spot" is also the preferred lunch location of a swarm of angry wasps! My idyllic picnic is transformed into a chaotic dance of flailing arms, spilled wine, and near-constant shrieking. I'll probably end up eating my lunch in the car.
- Afternoon: Recovering from the picnic debacle. I may have to find a local bakery for comfort food. I might need a nap after all this.
- Evening: Back at the house, enjoying the garden. Reading and listening to the birds. Just peace!
Day 4: The Truffle Hunt (and the Truth About My Taste Buds)
- Morning: Okay, this is one I'm genuinely excited about. A truffle hunt! I've always been fascinated by truffles, those mysterious and expensive little nuggets of earthy goodness. I'm picturing myself as some sort of truffle-hunting expert, uncovering a mountain of black gold.
- Midday: The harsh reality of my truffle-sniffing abilities hits. Turns out, I can't tell a truffle from a potato. I learn that truffle hunting is harder than it looks.
- Afternoon: Truffle-infused lunch (because why the heck not?). The flavour is so intense! The flavour is… well, I think I like it? It's an experience, that's for sure.
- Evening: Cooking a simple French meal at home, feeling a little more confident in the kitchen. Practicing my French and feeling a bit prouder of myself.
Day 5: Cave Diving & The Great French Wine Debate
- Morning: Today, it's all about exploring the local caves. The ones with the incredible rock art and awe-inspiring formations. I’m thinking I have to wrap up warm, especially if the caves are chilly.
- Midday: Lunch with a view, because I deserve it. And lots of water, because I'm getting thirsty from all this excitement.
- Afternoon: Wine tasting! Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to France without a deep dive into the world of wine. I'm going to immerse myself. I'm going to be an expert. (Famous last words.)
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. I'm going to ask the waiter for a recommendation for the wine. Trying new experiences is what I love!
Day 6: Leisurely Cycling & That Damn Cheese
- Morning: Renting bikes and a cycling tour through the beautiful countryside. I may stop by any interesting places. I will not be surprised if I end up getting lost.
- Midday: My "I Love Cheese" experience. I'm going to find a fromagerie and try every. Single. Cheese.
- Evening: A relaxed evening in… just sitting, relaxing, and reading. Maybe a glass of wine.
Day 7: Au Revoir (Probably With Tears) and the "I'll-Be-Back" Vow
- Morning: A final stroll through the market for those last-minute souvenirs.
- Midday: Attempting to pack my suitcase without bursting into tears at the thought of leaving.
- Afternoon: The long drive back to the airport, filled with regret, and a determination to return. I want to learn more French, I want to see more places… I don't think I'll ever forget this trip.
- Evening: I may have a glass of wine. I may have a whole bottle, reflecting on my amazing holiday.
This is not a perfect itinerary. It's a messy, emotional documentation of a trip. It's a promise to embrace the chaos, the stumbles, the laughter, and the incredible beauty of this beautiful French corner. Because that's what life (and travel) is all about.
Escape to Paradise: Borgo Belvedere's Stunning Belvilla Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villefranche-du-Périgord Getaway Awaits! (Yeah, Right, More Like… Adventures in Périgord!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is this *actually* paradise? Villefranche-du-Périgord, I mean?
Paradise? Hmmm, let me just *think* back… (Snaps fingers dramatically). Right. So, look, it's gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. Rolling hills, those quintessential French villages that make you wanna spontaneously learn to *speak* French – not just shout "bonjour" and pray for the best. BUT. Paradise? Depends. If your idea of paradise is… well, quiet. Really, REALLY quiet. I mean, the kind of quiet where you can hear your own existential dread creeping in. I'm not judging! Sometimes, it's exactly what you crave. But be warned: the only real 'nightlife' is probably the owls hooting. (And honestly, after the third night, even the owls started to feel repetitive. Just sayin'.)
What’s the accommodation like? Is it all… charming? Or more… crumbling?
Charming? Oh, definitely charming. And maybe a *little* crumbling. Okay, a lot crumbling, at least in our place! We booked this idyllic gîte—picture perfect on the website, you know the drill? Think: stone walls, exposed beams, a fireplace so huge you could probably roast a whole family in it. Sounds amazing, right? Well, the beams had more cobwebs than structure, the 'charming' balcony threatened to detach itself at any moment, and the fireplace? We tried to light a fire. We *tried*. I mean, we *really* tried. It ended with us choking on smoke, a slightly singed cat (don't worry, she was fine, just disgusted), and a massive sense of defeat. So, yes, charming… but maybe pack some duct tape and a good sense of humor. You'll need both.
Food! Obviously, the food. Tell me everything! Is it as good as the pictures? (Because, let's be honest, France = Food Heaven)
Food! Okay, yeah, the pictures. They *lie*. (Or, at least, they strategically avoid showing you the moment you realize you've ordered something that looks suspiciously like roadkill). The food is… mostly amazing. The *foie gras*? Divine. The fresh bread? Addictive. The wine? Well, let's just say I may have single-handedly kept a local vineyard in business. But... and there's always a *but*, isn't there? We had this one restaurant, *Le Canard Fumet*. (Now, my French isn't exactly *fluent*, so I just assumed "Fumet" meant "Flavorful". Uh… no. It meant… something else entirely. The *confit de canard* (duck confit) was, and I'm not kidding, like chewing shoe leather marinated in sadness. My husband, bless his heart, pretended to enjoy it. I actually went for a walk. I walked and walked and walked until I found a baguette that saved my sanity. So yeah, the food is mostly awesome. Prepare to be occasionally disappointed, though. Embrace the adventure! And pack some snacks. You know, just in case.
What's there to *do* in Villefranche-du-Périgord? Besides eat, drink, and maybe contemplate life a little *too* deeply?
Okay, beyond the existentialism and the *fois gras*, there’s stuff! There are markets – gorgeous markets! Seriously, the scents alone are worth the trip, even if you don't speak enough French to haggle properly (awkwardly pointing and hoping for the best is usually effective). You can wander around the charming little town, visit the church (which is pretty), and explore the surrounding villages, which are like stepping back in time. We went canoeing on the Dordogne river, which was… an experience. Picture this: me, in a kayak, battling the current, screaming at my husband for not paddling hard enough, while simultaneously admiring the breathtaking scenery. Romantic, right? Definitely. Mostly.
Speaking of screaming at your husband, what's the "vibe" like? Is it all romance and sunshine? Or is it a bit…awkward?
Romance and sunshine? Eh. It's more… real life. There are moments of pure bliss – sipping wine on a balcony, watching the sunset over the rolling hills. And then there are the moments where the language barrier gets the better of you (accidentally ordering tripe when you thought you were getting steak!), the Wi-Fi dies (repeatedly), and the cat… well, the cat is constantly judging your life choices. It’s not *always* perfect. But that’s what makes it memorable, right? The imperfections, the laughter, the shared experiences (even the ones that involve slightly charred shoe leather duck). It’s not just romance and sunshine, it's… well, it's life. And sometimes, a good dose of life is *exactly* what you need.
Okay, I'm starting to get a feel for it. So, would you recommend going? Be honest!
Here's the thing: Villefranche-du-Périgord… it's a trip. It's not for everyone. If you need constant stimulation, if you can't stand a little inconvenience, if you are HIGHLY dependent on your phone's signal, then maybe it's not for you. But if you're looking for an escape, a chance to disconnect, to reconnect with yourself (or your travel companion), to eat (mostly) amazing food, and to experience a little bit of the *real* France, well… then yeah, go. Go with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to laugh at yourself. And definitely pack some snacks. You'll thank me later. And maybe pack some earplugs for the owls. Seriously, they get loud.
Are there any specific "must-do" things I absolutely *can't* miss?
Okay, *must-do's*. Let me think... (Rubs chin thoughtfully, remembering the duck confit...). Okay. Number one: **The Market!** Go early. Get there before the crowds, before the best pastries are gone. Sample everything. Buy ALL the cheese. Embrace the chaos. Seriously, the market is a sensory explosion. The smells! The sights! The conversations in French you won't understand, but you'll nod along with anyway. It's glorious. **Number Two:** Go canoeing. Even if you're a terrible paddler, like *me*. The scenery is just... wow. It's worth the potential marital squabbles and the near-drowning experiences (okay, maybe that was just me). **Number Three:** Find a local *boulangerie* (bakery) and try the *pain au chocolat*. Preferably every day. Repeat as needed. (I may or may not have done this. Multiple times.) And most importantly: **Embrace the unexpected!** Stuff WILL go wrong. You WILL get lost. You WILL probably order something you don't like. But those are the storiesHotelicity
