Audinghen Escape: Stunning Holiday Home with Garden! (Marquise, France)
Audinghen Escape: My Honest Take on This French Getaway (and Why I Might Just Go Back…)
Alright, buckle up folks, because I just got back from Audinghen Escape in Marquise, France, and my brain is still buzzing with sea air and (thankfully) not too much sand. This place, with its "Stunning Holiday Home with Garden" promise, had me intrigued from the get-go. Let's just say, it delivered on some promises more than others. Prepare for a brutally honest (and probably slightly chaotic) review.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag & A Realization:
Okay, first things first: accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always appreciate a place that caters to everyone. The website mentioned "facilities for disabled guests," but I didn't dive deep into the specifics before booking. Now, having been there… it's a bit of a mixed bag. No ramps that I saw, and definitely not a hotel with wide hallways or anything. HOWEVER, the ground floor rooms might be okay-ish for someone with mobility issues. You'd NEED to check with them directly to be sure, because finding a truly accessible place is an ongoing pain! See, this trip made me realize something: I need to actually research accessibility details, not just assume a vague mention means full-on acceptance. A note to self: Be better, future me.
Cleanliness, Baby! (And That’s a GOOD Thing):
Speaking of things I need to be better at… I was obsessed with the cleanliness here. Especially after the year we've all had. And honestly, Audinghen Escape nailed it. They’re all about “Anti-viral cleaning products,” “Daily disinfection in common areas,” and “Rooms sanitized between stays.” Honestly, I felt safer than I do in my own house! They even had “Hand sanitizer” EVERYWHERE. I'm talking seriously OCD-level cleaning, which, in the current climate, is completely welcomed.
The Rooms – Cozy, Not Always Perfect, but Charming:
Let's talk rooms. My room? Well, it wasn't the "luxury suite" I was secretly hoping for (dammit, I keep falling for the descriptions!), but it was… charming. Think "French country cottage meets Ikea," which, honestly, is a perfectly acceptable vibe. The "non-smoking" setup? Essential, obviously. I appreciated the "Blackout curtains" because, you know, jet lag. The "Coffee/tea maker?" Essential for my sanity. The "Free bottled water?" Lifesaver.
The "Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free])" was pretty strong, I have to say. I managed to actually get some work done, which, in a holiday setting, is a small miracle. What wasn't a miracle was the slightly dodgy "Satellite/cable channels". Don't expect HD, folks. You're here for the French countryside, not Netflix. The "Reading light" was perfect for my late-night novel binges and the "wake-up service" actually worked! I'm looking at you, hotel alarm clocks, for NOT working on other trips!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Foodie's Rollercoaster:
Okay, the food situation was…an adventure. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was… decent. Typical continental, but with some lovely pastries. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was plentiful, which is another win in my book. They had "Restaurants" on-site, and for a few evenings, I treated myself to "A la carte in restaurant" choices. That was actually really good! The "International cuisine in restaurant" leaned toward the classic French dishes, but they were well-executed and tasted authentic!
There's a "Snack bar" which was a great idea to keep the hunger at bay throughout the day. As for the "Bar," well… let's just say the happy hour was a little too happy, let me tell you! Multiple visits were mandatory!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – The Blissful & the "Meh":
Here's where things get interesting. The website promised "Spa/sauna," "Massage," "Pool with view," and a "Steamroom." I got seriously excited about the potential for a relaxing spa day. Reality? The "Sauna" was there, technically. I think it was actually working. The "Steamroom" I didn't find. And that "Pool with view?" It was lovely, but it wasn't the infinity pool overlooking the Alps I'd mentally pictured. However, I spent a heavenly few hours by that pool (surrounded with sunbeds) reading, and feeling blissful.
I definitely made use of the "Gym/fitness" offerings. I mean, with the "Breakfast [buffet]" situation, you HAVE to balance it out, right? "Fitness center" wasn't exactly a world-class, but it had the essentials. Definitely nothing luxurious.
The grounds themselves were perfect for a stroll. The "Terrace" was gorgeous for evening drinks. I'm not sure about the "Foot bath." It wasn't on my radar, at all. As for the "Body scrub" and the "Body wrap"… I didn't see them on the spa menu. So, I had a slight case of overpromise/underdeliver.
The Little Things (and the Big Ones):
The "Car park [free of charge]" was a godsend. Finding parking in France can be a nightmare. The "Daily housekeeping" was a very welcome perk. It really makes a difference. The "Elevator" was good. I loved the "Wi-Fi [free]" access. I've learned to appreciate that!
They also had a "Cash withdrawal," which I needed and appreciated. "Luggage storage" was helpful, because I arrived too early. I also used the "Laundry service." Needed to have fresh things.
The Bottom Line – Would I Go Back?
Okay, so, Audinghen Escape isn't perfect. It's got its quirks. Some promises are more accurate than the others. It's not, and it doesn't pretend to be, a five-star resort. But, it’s charming, clean, and the staff were genuinely lovely. I felt safe and, most importantly, relaxed. The location is stunning, and the overall vibe is genuinely pleasant.
Would I go back? Yeah… I think I probably would. Maybe next time I’ll book that spa day with low expectations. And definitely take advantage of that "Happy hour," too. It's worth the trip.
Erfurt's BEST Holiday Home: Terrace, Fenced Garden! ✨
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because planning this trip to Audinghen, France… well, it was a journey in itself. My idea? A blissful week in a gorgeous holiday home with a garden. Reality? Probably a thrilling rollercoaster of French bread, questionable weather, and existential dread about my rapidly disappearing tan. Here's the messy, honest, and potentially slightly unhinged itinerary:
The Audinghen Adventure: A Week of Baguettes, Boredom, and Existential French Fries
(Pre-Trip Chaos - aka, How Not to Pack)
- Day -3 (Wednesday): PANIC. Three days until departure and I still haven’t packed. I swear the suitcase grows smaller every time I look at it. I'm a sucker for buying new hiking boots "just in case," even though my idea of "hiking" is usually a gentle stroll to the fridge. Decision: Shove everything in and pray. This is going to be a disaster.
- Day -2 (Thursday): Realization: I'm probably going to need adapters, which is always the biggest source of travel stress for me. Did I buy them? NO. I'm going to buy them and overpaying at the airport.
- Day -1 (Friday): Travel Day Eve: I'm convinced I've forgotten something crucial. The passport? Check. The boarding pass? Check. My sanity? Hmm… maybe I packed that deep in the bag. I should have probably gotten travel insurance, but now it's too late.
(Day 1: Arrival, Audinghen, and the Curse of the First Grocery Run)
- Morning (Saturday): The flight. Uneventful, thank heavens. Jetlag is already kicking in, which is going to make navigating the French supermarket…interesting.
- Afternoon: The house! Oh. My. God. The pictures didn't do it justice. Stone walls, a roaring fireplace, and that promised garden…it’s straight out of a magazine (the kind I can’t afford to buy). Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed! And also, a little bit worried that I'm going to be eaten by bugs because…garden.
- Late Afternoon: The first grocery run. France, you beautiful, confusing beast. I spent an hour staring at cheese displays, completely baffled by the sheer variety. I think I bought enough baguette to last me through the apocalypse. The self-checkout? A total disaster. I'm pretty sure I accidentally stole some yogurt and now I'm going to get arrested.
- Evening: Dinner in, of course! I manage to burn the garlic in the pan and the oven doesn't work properly. End up eating raw vegetables, cheese, and the aforementioned apocalypse-sized baguette. Quirky Observation: Is it possible to be homesick for a kitchen you've never used before?
(Day 2: Coastal Charm, Wind, and a Desperate Plea for Sun)
- Morning (Sunday): Attempt at a "morning walk" along the coast. The views are spectacular, but the wind is enough to slice through steel. I’m pretty sure I saw a seagull give me side-eye. Opinionated Language: This is a cold wind, and I'm not a fan.
- Afternoon: More baguette. More cheese. Reading in the garden (bundled in layers, naturally). Anecdote: A small, very determined slug showed up on the table. He was clearly judging my book choice.
- Evening: Trying to cook again. Fail. Order pizza to the house. The delivery driver is super cute, which is the only winning aspect.
(Day 3: The Lighthouse, Lost in Translation, and a Serious Coffee Crisis)
- Morning (Monday): A trip to the Cap Gris-Nez lighthouse. The views are stunning (when it's not shrouded in mist). I also attempt to order coffee at a little café. My French is… well, let's just say a mime could probably have understood me better. Emotional Reaction: Frustration mixed with a tiny bit of triumph when I eventually got a lukewarm, weak coffee.
- Afternoon: Wander around Marquise, the nearby town – which I feel like I have to spell out every time I mention it for some reason. I stumble upon a local market. I buy some local cheese and more bread. I need to get my baguette levels up.
- Evening: The fireplace! Finally, I get it working. Cozy. Rambling: I start thinking about what makes a home. Is it the place, or the people? What makes a good travel experience? The food? The experiences? I go down a rabbit hole of self-reflection, fuelled by wine and the crackling of the fire.
(Day 4: Doubling Down on the Food – The Ultimate Baguette Experience)
- Morning (Tuesday): I wake up thinking I'm going to make a big statement. I'm going to master the art of the French baguette! I go to the bakery early and the baker is charming and a total pastry artesian. I learn that the key to a good baguette is the quality of flower.
- Afternoon: I attempt to remake the baguette! I can't recreate the magic. The bread turns into something resembling a brick. I contemplate taking a picture of the baguette, but then I actually taste it… and immediately drop it in the trash
- Evening: Despondent, I resort to my stash of perfect baguettes and slather them in butter and cheese. Messy, Honest, and Funny: I’m now officially in a love affair with butter and cheese. And I'm okay with it.
(Day 5: A Day Trip to… Somewhere. In Search of Charm.)
- Morning (Wednesday): Decide to venture outside Audinghen! The weather is still moody, but I'm determined. Somewhere near by is a castle, but I'm not sure I have it in me as I am very prone to the cold.
- Afternoon: After getting lost and getting my car stuck, I finally arrive. I decide to just sit in the car and watch the rain and have a think. I get lost again in the parking lot on the way out.
- Evening: Back at the house, eating more cheese and bread. The joy.
(Day 6: The Garden, The Regret, and the Pre-Departure Blues)
- Morning (Thursday): Spend some time in the garden (wrapped in multiple layers). I contemplate planting something, but it's probably too late. I wish I had packed gloves.
- Afternoon: Start packing. Ugh. Pure emotional turmoil. I start regretting everything – the cheese I didn’t eat, the places I didn’t see, the French phrases I didn't learn.
- Evening: One last glorious baguette and cheese feast. Reflecting on the trip. It was far from perfect, but it was mine. Stronger Emotional Reaction: I wish I could stay. I'm actually kind of sad to leave.
(Day 7: Departure, Promises, and a Slightly Soggy Souvenir)
- Morning (Friday): Last-minute scramble to clean the house. The jet lag is back with a vengeance.
- Afternoon: The airport. I buy way too much stuff at Duty-Free.
- Evening: Back home. Already missing the chaos, the cheese, and the sound of the waves. Promises: I will learn French. I will master the art of packing. And I will definitely, definitely, return to Audinghen. Maybe next time I'll even escape the slugs.
So, there you have it. My Audinghen adventure. A messy, beautiful, and utterly human experience. And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go buy more cheese.
Unbelievable Thuringian Forest Escape: Your Dream Steinbach Chalet Awaits!
Audinghen Escape: Your Questions (and My Ramblings) Answered!
Okay, so... is this place, Audinghen Escape, actually *nice*? The photos always lie, right? Spill the tea.
What's the deal with the garden? Is it as big as it looks? Can you ACTUALLY chill out in it?
Location, location, location! Is it actually *near* anything interesting? Like, am I going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
What's the kitchen like? Am I going to have to eat out every night? Because, honestly, I'm a disaster in the kitchen.
Is it family-friendly? Got kids, you see... and they're a handful.
Are there any downsides, like, REAL downsides that nobody ever mentions?
Alright, so, would you actually go back? Spill. The. Beans.
