Guestbook

  • Wat een paradijsje! Een werkelijk complete en luxueus ingerichte gite waar aan alles is gedacht. Vriendelijke ontvangst door Phil en Fran met een mandje met locale en home made lekkernijen, een warm welkom. De locatie is geweldig met prachtig uitzicht over de omringende natuur, het zwembad, de rust en privacy. Leuke dorpen en markten om te bezoeken, volop tips van de gastheer om alles uit je verblijf te halen. Een echte aanrader , eigenlijk zijn 5 sterren niet genoeg.
    Jacqueline en Abe Kornelis
    Wijnaldum - Friesland
    Augustus 2024

    — Abe en Jacqueline Kornelis, 27 Aug 2024
  • Thank you and congratulations for the gite and the view! It’s very beautiful, the swimming pool, the flowers …and the calm! Very relaxing. You are very welcoming. We had an excellent vacation. Thank you for everything, we recommend your cottage. Sorry for my English!

    — Corinne & David Parent, 09 Aug 2024
  • We had the most wonderful 2 weeks at Les Cimes des Arbres in June. Booking was straight forward and Fran answered all our questions before we arrived promptly. We had a lovely warm welcome from Fran and Phil and then were shown around the gite. The first thing we saw was the pool and decking area. With the sun bouncing off the crystal clear water and the stunning view beyond the decking, we thought we had arrived in paradise. The gite was just as perfect with lots of attention to detail and a very high spec finish. Look out for all the hidden gems of Fran’s humour in the pictures on the walls. The bed was absolutely gorgeous. We slept so well in the most comfortable bed with beautiful pristine crisp bedding. The kitchen was small but perfectly formed, with everything you could possibly need provided and again spotless. There was a brilliant folder with all the information about what to do and where to go in the immediate area and beyond. And the lovely personal touch was the 2 week itinerary of events that were on whist we were there. We visited a number of places that were recommended in the folder, places we didn’t even know existed, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Fran and Phil were very discreet hosts but were always available with advice when needed. If you are looking for a perfect relaxing couples retreat then look no further. We loved it so much we hope to book again for next year.

    — Joanne Faint, 22 Jul 2024
  • Our first time at this beautiful gite and it didn’t disappoint! Such a peaceful place to stay and properly chill out. The gite is tastefully decorated with everything you could possibly need. It is also spotless! The views are amazing and the heated pool well maintained and so welcome in 32 degrees. The information book was invaluable with lots of tips and information on the area. Fran & Phil were welcoming hosts but unobtrusive yet on hand if we needed anything- but we didn’t as everything was perfect! Thanks so much for sharing this blissful gite.

    — Nikki & Shaun Dewar, 20 Jul 2024
  • Another wonderful holiday in your gite. Our 6th stay and again we have thoroughly enjoyed visiting all the fantastic restaurants and villages nearby. We look forward to 2024.

    — John & Margaret Greer , 16 Sep 2023
  • Another wonderful relaxing stay in this beautiful place. Spotless as ever! Thank you so much and we look forward to returning for our fourth time.

    — Andy & Ali Kyte, 22 Jul 2023
  • Thanks for letting us into your little slice of French paradise. We had a wonderful week of chilled out atmosphere here and in the countryside, places and restaurants we have visited. The two guingettes we visited for dinner were especially fabulous. The gite, your hospitality and the area are superb and we look forward to returning sometime.

    — Paul & Judith Wheadon, 15 Jul 2023
  • Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday! Everything was the best of the best! Except perhaps Phil’s knowledge of the Dutch language….! We’ll leave you some words to ‘chew’ on - kippenkermis, schip, scheveningen and bitterballen! We’ll be back for sure.

    — Leen-Erik & Annemieke, 27 Aug 2022
  • Finally arrived after originally booking pre Covid and it was well worth the wait as promised the Champagne was on ice!🍾🥂 Phil & Fran we’re very welcoming and it was great to finally meet them. The gite was fantastic everything was just perfect as were the views and the pool, great for couples such a peaceful relaxing place. Phil & Fran couldn’t have been more help with recommendations on places to visit & eating out. Thanks again!!

    Ann & Paul. June 2022

    — Ann Dowson, 24 Jun 2022
  • What a wonderful gite, everything we’d hoped for! Phil & Fran were great hosts and full of useful information for the best places to visit and eat. We have had a very relaxing week and would love to return maybe for two weeks next time! Loved the interior decor, going home with lots of ideas!

    — Brian & Sue, 11 Jun 2022
  • Nous avons passé un excellent sejour. Le gite est superbe et la vue fantastique. Nous etions le premiers hotes francais! Merci pour votre superbe accueil et votre gentillesse. See you soon.

    — Isabelle et Patrick Le Moine, 04 Sep 2021
  • We loved this quiet, peaceful hideaway with its lovely views, stunning pool and beautiful gardens. We found lots to see and do in the Dronne Valley - an area we didn’t know before. We found plenty of good restaurants too - and the food we bought at Riberac market was exceptional quality. We loved canoeing around Brantome and 4kms or so along the river. Highly recommended! Phil and Fran have created a very welcoming spot and Basher often joined us in the evening for aperos! We hope to return her to explore in the future.

    — Sue & Andy - Saumur, France, 13 Aug 2021
  • Wonderful gite and ambiance. Really enjoyed the swimming pool and drying off in the sun.

    — Simon & Debbie, 30 Aug 2019
  • The end of our 3rd visit to your fabulous gite. Yet again a fantastic, stress-free, relaxing holiday which has flown by far too quickly! As always, Phil & Fran your attention to detail is truly appreciated. Your beautiful gite, pool and gardens are an absolute pleasure to us and we feel relaxed and happy from the moment we arrive here. The information folder was invaluable as was your advice and help - always on hand if we need anything. Thank you for another brilliant stay in your amazing gite. Basher - well what can we say - we will miss you so much, a beautiful and gentle cat who gives us the most wonderful cuddles. See you all next year!

    — Susan & Phil, 17 Aug 2019
  • Beautifully appointed gite, welcoming hosts and fantastic pool. The most relaxing holiday we have had for many years. Hope to be back again in the future.

    — Robin & Hilde, Flekkefjord, Norway, 03 Aug 2019
  • Our first time in the gite and would definitely recommend it! Beautifully decorated, great pool and everything you could possibly need. The information folder is well put together and we found it very useful. The personalised itinerary at the front was great for the two week stay. We especially liked the Brantome visit suggested at the back of the folder. We will definitely miss Basher as he does seem to have adopted us! Fran & Phil were great hosts and we will definitely look to book again. Thank you so much for letting us stay.

    — The Foxes, 27 Jul 2019
  • Second time around this place fails to disappoint... in any way! The gite information folder is fantastic and contains some great walks as well as local info that Fran & Phil personally take the time to work out. Basher was a regular visitor when the sun cooled down... top cat! And we'll miss him. Phil took the time to chat about the local area, places of interest etc. and was a great source of info. This place rocks!! We'll be back.

    — Andy & Marcus, Sussex, 12 Jul 2019
  • What can one say, truly a lovely and luxurious gite. Peace and quiet in a wonderful setting. A warm welcome from Fran & Phil with lots of suggestions as to where to visit and restaurants to eat at. Just sad we are leaving but will return.

    — John & Margaret Ann, Sussex, 15 Jun 2019
  • Thank you for a fab holiday. The gite is spot on and the pool amazing - the weather was kind so we had lots of dips! The area is beautifu land we loved Aubeterre, especially The Creperie. Found enough open even though the 'season' has just about finished. Highlights - Brantome, Chateau de la Mercerie (quirky!), St. Emillion and the amazing countryside.

    — Maggie & Dave Powell, 13 Oct 2018
  • Warm welcome from Phil as Fran was away. The gite is wonderful with everything you could possibly want 10/10. Lovely pool with great views.

    — Robert & Carol Welch, 29 Sep 2018
  • If what your'e looking for agrees with our thoughts - location, facilities, an excellent gite run by excellent people - then this is it. We have had a wonderful two weeks Fran & Phil, so thank you! We will be in touch...

    — Karen & John Linnard, 14 Sep 2018
  • Thank you Phil & Fran for a fantastic stay in your gite - we cannot rate this place enough and we would highly recommend it to family and friends. The book was amazing and helped us choose our days out plus Phils recommendations. We loved the pool after days out, its great to come back and chill. The views are amazing, you could just sit there all day just looking at them.

    — Carol & Steve Herrett, 01 Sep 2018
  • Well here we are at the end of an amazing 2nd stay in your beautiful gite. We have had the most relaxing holiday ever! We never fail to tire of your gorgeous pool and the fantastic views - it is paradise - a little bit of heaven here on earth! Once again, your attention to detail is truly appreciated - the fig jam was amazing thank you. We have loved every minute of our time here and will miss our cuddles with Basher so so much. We will be counting down to our next visit which we have already booked - we cant wait!

    — Susan & Phil Hambley, 18 Aug 2018
  • Thank you Phil & Fran for your hospitality and welcome. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your beautiful gite - amazing interior design and so comfortable. The exterior was wonderful to eat out whenever we felt like it. We are jealous of your past clients who are able to come back, its not so easy for us from Australia, but whenever we return to France, we will be back for sure!

    — David & Frances Steele, 04 Aug 2018
  • Fabulous relaxing week. So peaceful and tranquil - we are refreshed and invigorated!

    — Andy & Ali Kyte, 28 Jul 2018
  • Had a wonderful time. The gite was perfect and the swimming pool great. We went to some of the places recommended for food and wasn't disappointed. Thanks to Phil & Fran for a perfect hideaway where we totally chilled out.

    — Ray & Chris Gill, 08 Jul 2018
  • Thank you for a fantastic time in your lovely gite. It is the best one we have stayed in. Everything was perfect including the pool. We have enjoyed the area and restaurants recommended by Phil and Fran. We have already booked for two weeks next year.

    — John & Margaret Greer, 22 Jun 2018
  • Fantastic Break! Gite even better than the photographs - everything is thought of. Views are amazing and having a pool to ourselves was a lovely bit of luxury. Fran and Phil great hosts. Very happy that we chose Les Cimes des Arbres for our stay. Found the welcome book very helpful indeed for places to eat, times of opening etc. Sam especially fond of the homemade cherry jam!

    — Clair & Sam Tilston, 09 Jun 2018
  • Thank you for letting us stay in a little bit of paradise. Fantastic views, a great place to unwind. Great hosts, lovely cat and dog. Had a great time, hope to see you again soon.

    — Sue & Carl Coombs, 27 May 2018
  • It's difficult to explain how beautiful this place is without being there! The views are stunning. The Gite is tastefully decorated, cosy, clean and comfortable with everything we could possibly need. The pool was just heaven. Thank you for all of the information and recommendations that you put together for your visitors. We wouldn't have found half of them if it wasn't for you. We had the nicest time and really enjoyed our holiday and Fran and Phil were the perfect hosts. Thank you so much!

    — Angela Conway, 22 Aug 2017
  • We spent 2 incredible weeks at this wonderful gite which is a peaceful haven for couples situated in the beautiful Charente countryside.The gite itself is finished to an extremely high standard and is maintained spotlessly .The owners, Phil and Fran , have a keen and thoughtful eye for detail with features such as a Nespresso coffee machine , raindance power shower ,induction hob and a microwave combination oven.The outdoor areas are amazing with plenty of well thought out seating and dining options along with a beautiful pool which Phil takes great pride in keeping pristine.The views from the gite,pool and outside areas are absolutely spectacular in fact breathtaking.We never tired of looking over the treetops and watching the soaring buzzards.The area has an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers as well as field upon field of millions of sunflowers.Phil and Fran along with Basher the cat and Growler the dog are perfect hosts .Communication prior to our visit was perfect with offers of directions and advice about the local area and events during our stay.A lovely touch was the offer to purchase our basic shopping to ensure that we had food in the gite at the start of our stay along with a lovely bottle of wine and fantastic home made cherry jam .The local area is well served with plenty of excellent dining options and there are large supermarkets within a 20 minute drive, there is a well stocked local Spar shop within a 5 minute drive and a choice of 2 local boulangerie selling excellent croissants , baguettes and patisserie.The local towns have regular weekly markets and Fran has compiled a very helpful information folder which includes market days, restaurants , events and things to do .All in all this was the perfect location for a relaxing, stress free holiday with hosts who are thoughtful and for whom nothing is too much trouble .We are already booked in to stay next year which says more than we can say in any review !

    — Susan Hambley, 29 Jul 2017
  • We have just returned from a week at this wonderful Gîte.
    Fran and Phil are perfect hosts keeping us informed well before arrival and ensuring our stay was seamless throughout whilst still respecting our privacy.
    The entire offering is perfect inside and out, finished to a very high standard and maintained spotlessly. Phil is obsessive with perfection and it is noticed and fully appreciated.
    The local village is sweet with a boulangerie and well stocked supermarket for essentials during your stay.
    Lots of other places to visit nearby or do as we did, and spend 90% of your time enjoying the tranquility of the Gîte, pool and priceless view.
    It is very quiet here and perfect to get away from it all.
    We wanted to rebook for next year but due to popular demand are having to juggle dates..... testament to the quality and service provided by Fran and Phil.
    Well done guys and we look forward to seeing you again soon
    Marcus & Andy

    — Marcus & Andy, 22 Jul 2017
  • Perfection!! A perfect hideaway – a Dream holiday!! We have just returned from a wonderful 11-night stay at Les Cimes Des Arbres. The most spectacular location which is made even better by fantastic hosts – Phil and Fran and of course our holiday dog and cat Growler and Basher. They were all so friendly and accommodating, felt like we had been friends for many years. (Think Kevin has adopted Phil as a big brother) On arrival, we were greeted by Fran and shown around and we couldn’t take our eyes off the view, the thoughtful pain au chocolat and bottle of red (which didn’t stay full for long) left on the breakfast table was greatly appreciated. They both respected our privacy but their company was something to be embraced with the knowledge of places to visit and recommended restaurants to dine at. St Severin has all the shops that you need and being only a 5 min car ride away what more could you ask for!! We stayed in the Gite that has been lovingly restored to an exceptional high standard. The standard of the accommodation is superb and perfect for a romantic getaway. The pool is fantastic and all set in beautiful surroundings. We have fallen head over heels in love with the place and recommend it to anyone who wants the best that France has to offer for a restful holiday in beautiful surroundings. We really are sulking to be back at home after staying in such a gorgeous place. We have also realised that we need to extend our French vocabulary as we cannot think of enough words to describe how great Les Cimes Des Arbres is. The memories of this wonderful holiday will remain forever. Even more so we are planning to return next year!!

    — Tracey Hurrell, 03 Jul 2017
  • We stayed for 5 nights here and had a wonderful, relaxing holiday. Fran and Phil were marvellous hosts and we found everything we needed in the beautiful gite. The outdoor facilities surpassed our expectations,as did the high standard throughout the accommodation.The location is very good for visiting Auberre and Brantome, but you will need a car for getting around. There was secure storage for our bikes and we really enjoyed exploring the local area this way. I couldn't recommend this lovely gite holiday experience highly enough and would give a 6 star rating if I could. Superb!

    — Sarah Candy, 04 May 2017

  • Les Cimes Des Arbres is an amazing gîte with stunning views. A very serene place. The property is to a high spec and is absolutely immaculate. The name of the gîte is perfect... "The treetops", it's situated just above the trees to give you beautiful, panoramic views. There are restaurants and cafes in Saint Severin, I would highly recommend the Upcycling cafe for food, or just a coffee. There is also a Spar nearby for food essentials.
    Neighbouring Aubeterre is where we ate a few times, a lovely, historic town with plenty to do - walking, eating and drinking! We had a wonderful time here, and would recommend it to any couples who are looking for a relaxing break in a beautiful, tranquil setting. The owners Phil & Fran are very welcoming and perfect hosts. They are a lovely couple that catered to our every need.

    — Melissa Tidy, 18 Apr 2017
  • We had a great break at this lovely place in the sun. The views were beautiful and the peace and quiet was just what we needed. Our hosts were brilliant and have thought of everything to make our stay home away from home. We will definitely return again this year. Thank you so much Phil and Fran!

    — Lynne Phillips, 06 Feb 2017
  • Lovely comfortable gite, well equipped and beautifully furnished. The outside space is very extensive with stunning views and a swimming pool too, what more could anyone want? The surrounding area is full of great places to visit, plenty of good restaurants and wonderful scenery. All in all, I can thoroughly recommend this as a great place to stay

    — Mary Fisher, 27 Oct 2016
  • We've stayed here twice and both times have been exceptional. The gite is lovely, elegantly furnished, well equipped and very clean. A very comfy large bed, a powerful shower and lots of space in the kitchen/diner/living area. We especially loved the outside space, it's very private with plenty of seating, a fabulous swimming pool and great views from the terrace. A perfect place to dine al fresco and sample the local wine. There's lots to do nearby - villages, towns, markets, rivers, vineyards and great restaurants. We will be booking again very soon for our next visit to France.

    — Karen & Simon Glidden, 16 Aug 2016