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

"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