6-person air-conditioned gîte: terrace, garden, heated swimming pool 10 km from Lyon

Imaginatively laid out apartment with its own terrace and access to a glorious pool and garden just a few steps away. Stephanie was the perfect host and although there was no air conditioning the fans provided kept the apartment cool. Our party of six had a relaxing holiday with central Lyon only a short drive away.

The pros: Stephanie was very nice and accommodating. Communication was good. Transport links into Lyon are easy. There are a couple of decent restaurants in walking distance. Parking for 2 cars. The place was very clean. The cons: VRBO had this listed as pet friendly (and I confirmed this with the owner shortly after booking), It has a lovely garden and pool - neither of which we could use. While I believe this was a genuine mistake in the listing, I would never have booked this place knowing my dog was not welcome. Stephanie’s husband was very upset when he saw our dog in the garden the one and only time he was there - he told us they don’t accept dogs, he was not welcome in the garden and his cats would be traumatised at the sight of our little cocker spaniel. To be fair, Stephanie told us after a couple of days we could use the garden and pool but as a pet owner, there was no way I was going to use the pool or let my dog in the garden after the reaction of Stephanie’s husband. Also, the listing was not clear it is on the first floor. It was HOT with a lot of mosquitos. After the first night, I asked for fans since we couldn’t keep the windows open at night due to the mosquitos. We didn’t get fans. We were sweltering for 3 nights in the gite, and it was only the last night –that we learned there a “cooling system” of some sort that was not turned on until 12 hours before we checked out. The place was just adequately stocked. The wifi was intermittent.

Very Nice stay. We realt enjoyed it.