Lovely Riverside Holiday Rental Cottage in Bessay, South Vendee - Le Moulin Bodin Reviews

This was one of the best family holidays we have ever had and have already booked a return visit. This really must be rustic France at its best. Our children ages 10 and 14 cant wait to go back. The cottage is right on the river's edge and situated in fantastic gardens. There is a wonderful swimming pool. Fishing was excellent and a selection of boats to row on the river. The surroundings are idylic and very private and peaceful. This place is somewhere you will definitely want to return to. Beautiful sandy beaches are half an hour away. The town itself is a short cycle/walk and has a supermarket, shops and a friendly bar which kept my husband happy. The cottage itself was extremely well equipped with modern appliances. The whole experience was wonderful and we cannot fault it in anyway. The hosts Ian and Kate could not have done more to make us welcome and made our holiday very enjoyable. Once you arrive, you will not want to leave, you might even get some fresh produce and learn to drive a Renault 4!

We arrived later than we wanted but we were given a very warm welcome by Kate and Ian, and we were told to 'make ourselves at home and to wander where we liked'. The property was spotlessly clean and well equipped, comfortable, spacious and very French rustic style - it suited us perfectly for a break away from it all. The sound of the birds and the frogs were a delight, and one morning early my husband looked out of the window into the garden and saw an owl flying close to the ground and past the house. The ducks were always pleased to see me especially when they saw the bread! We were told to help ourselves to the fresh produce that Ian quite lovingly grows and the tomatoes were particularly delicious (you could almost taste the sun!). The property is very remote and off the beaten track and was blissfully quiet and relaxing. The coast is about three quarters of an hour's drive and La Rochelle and Les Sables D'Olonne were a very pleasant visit. The downside was that we did not have enough time to visit any of the Cave's on the Route de Vin and taste some of the rather delicious local wine because we were just so relaxed sitting and reading at Le Moulin Boudin. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said "I'll be back" Thanks again Kate and Ian.

We were welcomed by Kate and Ian on our arrival and enjoyed a lovely week at Le Gite du Moulin. A beautiful, secluded rural setting with an island and river to explore. Wildlife, red squirrels, grass snakes and a couple of gregarious ducks. Very relaxed. Near enough to the coast for trip to the beach and handy for shops and local amenities. Clean, good facilities. Bad points/pointers. Don't rely on the satnav on your initial approach. And don't feed the ducks!

Already recommended to friends. We will be back. Jon

We really don't know how to describe our holiday other than amazing! totally relaxing! and life changing!!!! Having just sold our holiday home in the south of france, we didn't know what to do, by accident i found `le gite du moulin' and booked two wks in sept...weather not so good ...so kate said pack your wellies!!! which we did along with flip flops, We couldn't believe how roaming around their grounds would be so...not just relaxing...but inspiring..Ian wanted us to dig and cook his veg, which we did and oh my goodness, the flavours burst every night, so much that we even bottled some of them to bring home..and might i add they tasted just as good..never thought i'd be inspired to grow veg or fruit!!!!

We've never had a holiday that totally relaxes you, we often remember when we sat on the weir with a bottle of beer watching our little dog chase the ducks, then go back to the villa light up the fire and enjoy a meal cooked with Ians veg.

We stayed at Le Moulin Bodin in September 2009 and enjoyed our stay so much we cant wait till we are there again. Kate and Ian provided us with much information before and during our stay - they are lovely hosts; both full of character and very knowledgeable. The location and property can not be faulted - very high standard of cleanliness and access to everything we needed. The highlights of our stay would have to be rowing on the river, cycling into Mareuil sur Lay to collect bread and cheese (&wine!) as well as visiting the local vineyards and the apple tasting at the local Orchard. The boys especially enjoyed building sandcastles (& eating icecream) at the beach (30mins drive). We drove and took the ferry Portsmouth to Cherbourg. I would recommend this property with no hesitations and I am on the countdown till we visit again.

The cottage at Moulin Boudin offers both spacious and comfortable accomodation in an idyllic, peaceful location and has meant that we return to this paradise year after year. The perfect place to relax and enjoy a slice of French life. The range of activities on offer both on site and in the local area mean that there is something for everyone, from boating on the local River Lay, to wonderful beaches of the Vendee and the holiday must- a journey to the very cosmopolitan La Rochelle. Kate and Ian are perfect hosts, there when you need them but discrete. They aim to please and ensure your holiday is everything you require. The fresh, home grown produce from the garden enhances every meal. But enough- this really has been such a find, we want to keep it a secret!

A warm welcome awaits you at Le Moulin Bodin! This delightful cottage is in a secluded rural location, being tucked away down a country lane.

The cottage is very well equipped and is like a home from home. The location is idyllic, with views over the mill race, surrounded by trees, most of which have been lovingly planted by Ian! A real haven for wildlife and for nature lovers! We were thrilled to have heard a cuckoo calling!

The pool is set in Kate and Ian's garden and is a welcome place to relax in the heat.

If you can bear to tear yourself away ,from the cottage and its beautiful surroundings, there is much to see and do in the area. The village of Mareuil sur Lay is not far away, where there is a Boulangerie and a Supermarket.

Le Moulin Bodin is well situated for sightseeing, whether it is the Puy de Fou, the port of La Rochelle, or the glorious Vendee beaches that beckon. There are also gardens to visit at St Cyr en Talmondais and the Cathederal at Lucon, to name but a few!

For the more adventurous, there are many places to taste local wine! Or if you would rather shop for antiques, there are several good Brocantes in the area too.

The owners, Kate and Ian are very friendly and hospitable and have a wide knowledge of the area and its attractions.There are various guide books in the cottage to whet your appetite for exploration! But if in doubt, ask Kate and Ian! We thoroughly enjoyed our holidays at Le Moulin Bodin and look forward to revisiting this very well kept secret!

We would have no hesitation in recommending this cottage to friends.

But we think that you should go and find out for youselves!!