Escape to Paradise: Benodet's Stunning Vacances Bleues Les Jardins d'Arvor Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Benodet's Les Jardins d'Arvor: My Brain Dump (and Maybe Yours Too!)
Okay, deep breaths. Here we go. Escape to Paradise: that's what the brochure promised. Vacances Bleues Les Jardins d'Arvor in Benodet, Brittany. Let's be real, after a year cooped up, "paradise" sounds like a perfectly acceptable option, even if it's just for a few days. And look, it was good. But perfect? Nah. Let’s unravel this tangled ball of holiday expectations, shall we?
Accessibility: The Ups (and the Sighs)
First things first: Accessibility. This is key for me, and honestly, it was a bit of a mixed bag. The "Facilities for disabled guests" were present, which is a massive win. The website said wheelchair-friendly and there were ramps and elevators. Great! But then you'd hit a tight door or a slightly too-narrow path, and you'd be like, "Ugh, seriously?" It felt like they tried, bless them, but a full, audited "wheelchair accessible" seal of approval? Not quite. It's a work in progress. Still, the thought was there, and hey, that's something!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: More Than Just Baguettes (Thank God)
This is where things got interesting. Let's start with Breakfast [Buffet]. Ah, the siren song of the buffet! I'm talking crisp croissants, mountains of pain au chocolat (yes!), and…well, a decent selection. Western breakfast staples were there, along with a few nods to the Asian breakfast. The Asian cuisine in restaurant itself wasn't the main draw, but at least there were options!
I will admit, my emotional state during breakfast varied from utter bliss (that first bite of a warm croissant!) to slight panic (did I accidentally take someone's croissant?).
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: The dining spaces were generally spacious, which helped. The A la carte in restaurant menu itself was good, and the Restaurants offered a mix of international and local cuisines, including Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant options! The Coffee/tea in restaurant was flowing freely, which is crucial for my survival. The Bottle of water in the room was a nice touch.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone: Bliss Interrupted by a…well, a Thing
Right, the Spa/sauna! This was supposed to be the "escape" part, right? The promise of Body scrub, Body wrap, a Pool with view, and a Sauna… yes please! I’m all in.
And it WAS beautiful. This is going to sound weird, but the Steamroom. The steamroom was…intense. Like, it could probably cook a small chicken. I lasted, oh, maybe three minutes before I had to retreat. Maybe I’m just not cut out for that level of heat! I could easily spend two hours in the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The same for Poolside bar! The promise of cocktails was like a reward waiting at the end of an Olympic marathon.
The Fitness center? Didn’t see it. Maybe I was too busy avoiding the steam room! The Massage was amazing, though. Absolutely divine. The therapist was a miracle worker, erasing all the knots and tension I'd accumulated just thinking about the steam room.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Edition
Okay, let's be honest: this is the concern these days. I was looking for something that made me feel safe. And they tried. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Felt good, though there are always things that do add a bit of anxiety because of the unknown. Individually-wrapped food options? Good. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? You Decide (and I Already Did)
Let's talk about the rooms. Mine was a… let's say, intimate space. The Air conditioning was a godsend, though. Free Wi-Fi? YES! Air conditioning in the room made the summer even bearable, which is not always true, right? Coffee/tea maker? Essential. Daily housekeeping? Glorious. Extra long bed? Thank goodness! Those standard French beds are not always ideal!
Things to Do & Getting Around: Benodet Beyond the Hotel Walls
Benodet is charming. The Terrace at the hotel was a perfect spot for watching the world go by. The beach is lovely (though I didn’t spend as much time there as I’d hoped). There’s a Bicycle parking in case you want to get around and see the city.
The Airport transfer can't be understated, as a car is not always the best option.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip?
Look, Les Jardins d'Arvor wasn't perfect, but where is? The Access issues weren't ideal, and the steam room remains a personal struggle. But the staff were lovely, the food was generally delicious, and the location was fantastic. For a break, a breath of fresh air, and a chance to recharge (post-massage, at least!), it definitely delivered. Would I go back? Maybe. I might just bring my own personal fan for the steam room next time… and maybe a slightly more optimistic attitude!
Tingirana Noosa: Your Sunshine Coast Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Here’s the battlefield report from my week at Residence Vacances Bleues Les Jardins d'Arvor in Bénodet, France. Prepare for glorious messiness. (And maybe a slight tan. I'm hoping. Sunscreen, people, sunscreen!)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Fiasco (Otherwise Known as "Jet Lag's Revenge")
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Arrive at Nantes Atlantique Airport: Okay, so the flight was… fine. Smooth enough, until the final descent and the distinct feeling of a rogue squirrel taking up residence in my intestines. Turns out, pre-flight coffee and airport food is a bad mix. Noted.
- 11:00 AM - Car Rental Chaos: Remember that totally stress-free car rental I booked? Turns out my international driver's license looked like a ransom note written in crayon according to the rental agent. Another hour of frantic translation apps and me looking like a bewildered badger later, I have a tiny Renault. Pray for my driving skills. They’re… evolving.
- 1:30 PM - The Great Luggage Purge (or, "Did I Pack Enough Underwear?") Finally, after a ridiculously scenic - and slightly terrifying - drive (those Breton roads are tight!), I arrive at the residence. Beautiful, right? Gardens, ocean views… and then, the luggage. Apparently, I can’t pack. My suitcase exploded upon opening. Chaos! I also couldn’t find my toothbrush! Panic sets in, you know?
- 2:00 PM - Check-in and First Impressions: Reception staff were lovely, bless their cotton socks. Gave me the keys, pointed me towards the "studio apartment" (which, let's be honest, is a glorified shoebox with a balcony). The view? Stunni… oh, the view! The Atlantic is gorgeous. I'd sell my soul for that sight.
- 3:00 PM - Settling (ish) and the Grocery Run of Doom: I ventured out to the local supermarket. Armed with my rusty French and a shopping list. I wanted crepes. What arrived in my basket? A suspiciously large quantity of mustard and something that looked ominously like a pickled… vegetable. Back to square one, I guess. Hunger pains are setting in, oh dear!
- 6:00 PM - Nap time!: I slept so soundly, that I dreamt about the French baguette I didn’t get.
Day 2: Beach, Boats, and the Unexpected Bite
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Bliss (and the Great Croissant Heist): The residence has a breakfast service. SCORE! Loads of cereal, yogurt, and the most divine croissants. Seriously, worth the caloric intake. The only problem? Everyone was fighting for croissants like they were gold nuggets! I managed to snag two. Victory!
- 10:00 AM - Beach Day! Bénodet's beach. It’s everything. Stunning, white sand, and the water… BRRRR, so cold! Spent hours strolling, watching the waves, and nearly losing my hat to the wind. I’m convinced the sea gulls are plotting against me.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch with a View: A seafood restaurant with the most wonderful (and probably overpriced) Moules Frites. Pure indulgence. Watching the colourful boats bobbing on the water was a joy.
- 2:00 PM - Boat Trip Brouhaha: I decided to take a boat tour. Big mistake. The boat ride was amazing. The sea breeze, the stunning views, the seals sunning themselves… BUT my stomach decided to rumble to the point of embarrassment.
- 4:00 PM - The Mystery Bite and the Great Search for the Calamine Lotion I had a bite on my leg, and now it itches. I spent the rest of the day wondering what bit me and trying to find calamine lotion.
Day 3: Quimper and the Crepe Conundrum
- 9:00 AM - Wake up with a craving: I dreamt of eating crepes last night!
- 10:00 AM - Quimper! So I decided to take a day trip to Quimper, the capital of Finistère. The medieval architecture is gorgeous, the shops are charming, and the air smells of freshly baked bread and… cats. Seriously, there were cats everywhere. Very French.
- 12:00 PM - The Crepe Incident: This is where things get interesting. I found a charming crepe stand. Ordered a ham, cheese, and egg crepe, feeling optimistic. The crepe itself was perfect. Golden, crispy, delicious. But the conversation. The crepe maker only spoke rapid-fire French. I, in turn, could only offer a confused "Oui!" and "Merci!" as I tried to understand my crepe order. I think he thought I was insane. But hey, I got my crepe! Which, btw, was incredible.
- 2:00 PM - Lost in Translation: The rest of the day was a blur of wandering, marvelling at Breton pottery, and getting vaguely lost. I ended up in a tiny back alleyway, face to face with a very large, very grumpy-looking Labrador. We stared at each other for a solid minute. Then I ran.
- 4:00 PM The Great Crepe Quest: I saw another fantastic Crepe stand.
Day 4: Relaxing, Rambling, and the Rising Tide of Serenity
- 9:00 AM - Morning Routine: I woke up feeling slightly less jet-lagged, which is a win. Coffee on the balcony, followed by an hour of attempting to read my book. (Distracted by the view, the incessant seagull squawking, and my own thoughts.)
- 10:00 AM - Beach Bliss (Take Two): Back to the beach. Just… soaking it in. The vastness of the ocean has a way of putting things into perspective. I tried to build a sandcastle. It lasted approximately 3 minutes before a rogue wave claimed it. Nature's triumph.
- 12:00 PM - Picnic Perils: Pack a simple baguette, some saucisson, and cheese, and head for the beach. Sounds delightful, right? Turns out, seagulls are relentless. They circled above me, their beady eyes fixed on my lunch. I bravely defended my cheese for a solid 10 minutes, eventually sharing, cause, seriously, I can't compete with seagulls.
- 2:00 PM - Rest and Repeat! I napped. And then I felt guilty for napping and proceeded to read, write, and wander.
- 4:00 PM - The Great Art Search: The residence also has an art gallery. I found some pretty cool paintings.
Day 5: Doubling Down on the Beach – My Happy Place (and the Lobster Epiphany)
- 9:00 AM - Beach, beach, glorious beach! I'm fully committed now. This is my happy place. I’m getting sand in every crevice, but I don’t care. I’m watching the tide recede and feeling the sun on my skin. Pure bliss.
- 10:00 AM: The Lobster…Revelation! I had this amazing lobster at this amazing restaurant! And it was an epiphany. I never imagined the flavour. It was delicious. I've never seen anything so delicious!
- 12:00 PM - Lunch with a View: Had another seafood lunch, but this time I ordered the lobster!
- 2:00 PM - The Great Lobster Recovery: I went back to the beach and recovered from the lobster experience!
Day 6: Departure Day and the Great French Farewell (or, "Au Revoir, Bénodet!")
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast: Farewell, heavenly croissants. You will be missed.
- 10:00 AM - Packing (Attempt 2): This time, I did slightly better. My suitcase is only overflowing slightly.
- 11:00 AM - Final Farewell: The view! The beach! The people! Bénodet, you were… an experience. A messy, wonderful, sometimes nerve-wracking experience.
- 1:00 PM - The Drive Home: The drive to the airport was uneventful.
- 2:00 PM - Departure: Bon Voyage, France! Until next time… (and next time, I'm definitely learning more French).
This is what it is; an imperfect, honest, and hopefully amusing reflection of a week in Bénodet. I hope you enjoyed the ride… and maybe learned to pack a little better than I did.
Escape to New Castle: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at Holiday Inn Express!
Escape to Paradise: Your Benodet Adventure - Questions You *Actually* Have!
Okay, Okay, Benodet... but *Why* Les Jardins d'Arvor? I mean, aren't all French vacations basically the same?
Are the accommodations actually *nice*? I’ve seen some… questionable hotel rooms in my time.
What's the food situation? I'm a picky eater. (And also, I need coffee. Desperately.)
Okay, but what's there *to do* in Benodet? Besides eating croissants (which I fully support).
Is it kid-friendly? Because… kids.
Transportation – How do I get around? I don't speak French.
What if I get bored? I need constant stimulation.
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