Holiday Gite Rental with Pool in Forcalquier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France Reviews

"A very authentic accommodation in the middle of overwhelming nature"

We enjoyed a lot our stay in the Galileo.
Especially with our 3 little children, we found the rest we were searching for.
Everything was well described and detailed in the information we received. The accommodation was big enough and very well equipped.
We also appreciated a lot the welcome gifts and the hospitality in general of Rod.
We will certainly consider this accommodation for eventual future bookings in the Lubéron region!


31 Aug 2014

"A little piece of heaven"


My husband, myself and our 7 year old son spent a wonderful 2 weeks at Galileo La Colle. We found the Gite to be very comfortable and full of character. Basically, everything was as described by the owner Rod Cook. The views were breathtaking and it was so nice to just sit gazing at them whilst sipping the odd glass of wine or two. We enjoyed using the pool....our son in particular liked using it and it was a refreshing way to end a hot day sightseeing. We even grew to love the track that leads to the property as it was a good way to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife by way of sneaking up on them. All in all can't think of any negatives and wish we were still there. Thank you to Rod for your hospitality during our stay and allowing us to soak up a little piece of Provençal heaven.


11 Aug 2014

"commanding views in genuin provencal settings"


Last time we were here was in 2006, and as soon as we arrived on a lovely summerday, we knew why! If you like staying in an authentic lovely provencal cottage with thick stone walls and big oak beams, with commanding views on a valley dominated by oak forests, olive groves and lavendar fields (at night you see the lights of only one farm and far in the distance the city of Lurs), then this is the place to be. Do use the 4x4 the owner provides, the drive is easy and likeble especially as the driver, but as a passenger you do get shaken around a bit. In 2006 our ford mondeo could make the last 2 km drive, but i wouldn't try it again this year. The bad road also keeps unwanted visitors (hikers and bikers) at bay, so you 're garanteed peace and quiet and you get to feel like a rallydriver for the first 10 min of your daytrip.
the accomodation has all the mod cons except airco but you don t really need it. Thick walls keep it cool inside, and if needed you open a window at night as it cools down quickly because of the elevation. (prevents hangovers as well)

As you are in full countryside, expect some wildlife, foxes, hares, owls, deer to name few. You 'll find some annoying bugs flying around (a few flies and wasps in summer) but luckely hardly any musquitos. (not bitten for a forthnight)

This is the first holidayhome we ever came back to in 20 years of traveling and we'll certainly be back in a few years, that kind of sums it up!


25 Jul 2014

"Unacceptable access for cars & misleading description of accommodation"


The owner, Mr Rod Cook, knows that the 2 Kilometres “White road” country track is unsuitable for private cars. The road was very rough indeed. This track is furrowed and rugged and is unsuitable for ordinary cars despite Mr Cook saying “Normal cars regularly use the tracks throughout the year”. Mr Cook also says “storms tend to wash away repairs each year”. Furthermore, he explained that I will be unable to drive my car on the grass when it rains. (This grass is the only access to the accommodation). Of course rains are common during thunderstorms in the summer – which also damage the tracks even further.

My view is that the track is only suitable for Agricultural Tractors & the like. I suggest do not take this holiday unless you have your own 4 by 4 with a high ground clearance to deal with the severe ruts plus additional risk of flooding of the track.

The property is described “2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Sleeps 4”. The “Details” omit to point out that the open-plan living area includes the main bedroom in addition to the dining and the kitchen. This area is like a studio apartment. The bed “room” is not a room at all. The bed is partially hidden from view only by a flimsy canvas curtain. The noise from the fridge/freezer can be heard whilst in bed.

The second small “bedroom” contains 2 single beds. It also provides access to the only bathroom. It follows that anyone sleeping in the main bed area has to go through the second “bedroom” to go to the bathroom. Furthermore the second “bedroom” does not have a proper door. It has only a flimsy wood Louvre partition.

Mr Cook explained that he has problems with rodents & similar pests occupying the roof rafters. He has therefore installed an Ultrasonic Pest Repeller. Of course humans cannot hear the ultrasonic sound. However, humans can hear the audible beep which beeps 24/7 unless you switch it off. If you switch it off then you risk being woken up in the early hours hearing various noises! Hobson Choice!

We were booked for 7 nights at a price of €1195 but we stayed only for 1 and that was only because we were unable to find suitable alternative accommodation until the next morning.

In conclusion, my strongest criticism of Mr Cook is that he took my money before pointing out to me these various problems. If I had been correctly informed of the true issues surrounding this accommodation I would certainly have not gone to Galileo or La Colle for any holiday.


7 Jul 2014

"Tranquility and Beyond!"


The gite was well appointed with all necessary facilities supplied and in very good order. (The beds were particularly comfortable!) It sits in a stunning elevated location with mountain views up to 60 miles away in North, South and East directions. The raised dining area outside was a nice touch and afforded amazing views into the neighbouring valley and beyond. The pool was clean, well maintained and got top ratings from our 8yr old daughter who spent half her holiday in there. The owner was on hand and extremely helpful with local knowledge and assistance if required.

The provision of a 4x4 to use on the rough track is a boon for anyone (like ourselves) who comes in a shiny new hire car but using one's own car is an option too.The drive down to La Colle rewards with an amazing vista and once parked up the gite's location and ambience is such that it is hard to tear one's self away to visit other places. Lazy days poolside or reading and snoozing under the shading cherry trees are usually the order of the day. If it's tranquility you're after then La Colle will be hard to beat. The silence is deafening!

The starter pack was useful with some basics to get you over the weekend However, because of the gite's location, bulk buying of essentials is recommended as it's a good 30 minute drive to the nearest supermarket and who wants to spend their life shopping when you can sit at La Colle?!

Finally, there's not many places we have stayed in the past where we can genuinely say (to paraphrase Mr Swarznegger), "We'll be back" !! But La Colle is definitely on our list for another visit.

2 Sep 2013

"True colour in south of france"


Although Rod (the owner) gave us a 4x4 to drive the country road to the house, it was Okay to drive our own car (peugeot/308) in the high summer time.
Also The house was seen to be centre to everywhere. It usually take 20 to 40 mins to somewhere FUN...
Knowing the history of the house from Rod and his website was very inspirating too!
The welcome pack was a very good idea.
Last thing (A new interesting finding) is that - The water was seen to be some sort of spa water, good for your skin.

2 Aug 2013