CasaGiga 292 (Souzay-Champigny)

If dirt and discomfort don't bother you, this gîte is for you. In the room we were given, dust, grime, and cobwebs were everywhere. The bathroom was in such a state of disrepair that we preferred not to shower. Furthermore, there were no curtains on the window. The room was indeed large, but nothing about it was of high quality: the blankets were worn and rough, the bed small, the armchairs stained, and the towels felt like old rags, very rough to the touch. Sleeping in was impossible because the curtains weren't blackout. There were no keys on the bedroom doors. As for privacy and the security of our belongings, forget it. Parking was a complete mess. As for noise, we could hear everything that was going on in the surrounding rooms. We didn't have access to Wi-Fi because someone in the guesthouse is sensitive to electromagnetic waves. And without Wi-Fi, it's difficult to get internet access. Breakfast was really meager: a few slices of whole-grain bread, butter that we had to ask for, and three very questionable jams. The cups were obviously dirty, and the juice glasses were very cloudy. The owner seems a bit withdrawn, a little lost, not very friendly, even a bit evasive. To get there, you have to take a gravel road with unkempt hedges; this road isn't very reassuring at night. And you absolutely must have cash to pay.

If you have a non-conformist spirit, you'll love this off-the-beaten-path cottage!

B&B in the "Accueil Paysan" network. A unique location, on an island in the middle of the Loire, with a wonderful open-air café called Larumeur, run by the owner's son. The room was fine. The garden was lush and very pleasant after a day of cycling, especially the hammock. Great local produce at the café, wine, cheese, vegetables, and homemade desserts.