Uncover the Hidden Gem: La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Géorand Awaits!
Uncover the Hidden Gem: La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Géorand Awaits! - My Totally Unfiltered Take
Okay, so I just got back from a trip to the Plateau Cros-de-Géorand, and let me tell you, La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Géorand… well, it’s… something. It's not your polished, cookie-cutter hotel experience, and that, my friends, is precisely what makes it memorable. Buckle up, because this review is going to be less "objective travel guide" and more "confessions of a slightly-too-enthusiastic traveler."
First things first: Accessibility & Getting There (and My Near-Disaster!)
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way. Accessibility: They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a massive plus. I'm not personally using a wheelchair, but I saw the ramps and felt good vibes about it. More on that later.
Getting Around: Okay, so I made a rookie mistake and didn't book an airport transfer. Big regret! Finding the place felt like a scavenger hunt. BUT, they offer Taxi service (thank goodness!), car park [free of charge] (yay!), and even a car park [on-site], which is a lifesaver. Bicycle parking is available, which is great for the eco-conscious folks. And they have a crazy awesome Car power charging station for your electric vehicle! So, learn from my pain: plan your arrival!
The Rooms: My Own Personal Plateau of Bliss (Mostly)
Alright, the rooms. This is where things get interesting. They've got a whole heap of things available in all rooms.
- Air conditioning: Phew, crucial! It got hot up there at times.
- Free Wi-Fi: Essential to stay connected.
- Bathroom phone: Now, that was a throwback!
- Bathtub: Ahh, the best way to relax.
- High floor: Not sure if I was on a high floor, but the view was fantastic!
- Linens: Soft and comfortable.
- Slippers: Little things make a big difference.
- Wake-up service: Totally slept through it one morning… Oops!
- Wi-Fi [free]: Check. And it actually worked (unlike some places!)
- Window that opens: YES! Fresh air is a luxury.
My room itself was… charming. Think rustic chic meets French country. It wasn’t perfect (the rug had a stain that looked suspiciously like spilled red wine, and the décor felt a tad grandma-ish), but honestly, it had a certain… je ne sais quoi. The extra-long bed was a dream, and I loved having a desk to work from. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in after wild nights of exploring. And the mirror – well, I spent a lot of time admiring the French mountains while trying to look presentable.
The Spa: Where I Found My Inner Zen (and Almost Died of Happiness!)
Okay, so they have a Spa/sauna and a steamroom and a swimming pool [outdoor] and a pool with a view… I mean, come ON.
I spent a solid afternoon floating in the pool, staring at the mountains, and pretending I was Audrey Hepburn. The massage was sublime. Honestly, I think I actually levitated during it. The foot bath was a delightfully weird experience, like my toes had their own tiny vacation. Body wraps? Body scrubs? They had it all. I mean, my skin felt like a baby's bottom for days after.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind in These Crazy Times
I get it. We're all a bit on edge these days. But La Bergerie gets it. They're rocking the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere you turn. They totally take care of room sanitization between stays. They even boast Professional-grade sanitizing services, which made me feel a lot calmer. They also offer Individually-wrapped food options, and Safe dining setup options. Important Safety Features: You'll find CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, and also Smoke alarms and a Fire extinguisher.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Insatiable Appetite)
Okay, so the food. This is a major highlight. Think hearty, home-style cooking with a definite French twist.
- Restaurants: There's a restaurant (duh!), and they have a Bar!
- Asian influence: They really go for an incredible Asian breakfast and have Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was a feast. Western breakfast galore.
- Specifics: They do Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant, which is a great start. They offer an a la carte in restaurant and even a Buffet in restaurant.
- Other offerings: They have a Bottle of water waiting for you.. They have a Snack bar and a Poolside bar!
- Dietary options: There's a Vegetarian restaurant available too.
The Happy Hour lived up to its name, and the International cuisine in restaurant was a pleasant surprise. The Coffee shop was essential for my caffeine fix. The Western cuisine in restaurant was spot on, and I can recommend the steak. And, of course, there's Room service [24-hour] – perfect for those late-night cravings.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything (Almost)
- Business facilities: They have Business facilities, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, and Concierge.
- Communication: They offer Contactless check-in/out options, Daily housekeeping is available, and they also offer Doorman.
- Convenience: They have a Convenience store.
- Laundry services: They supply Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Ironing service.
- Extra touches: There's a Gift/souvenir shop, and they also offer Invoice provided .
Things to Do: More than Just Lounging (But Lounging is Excellent)
They have some options for relaxation like a Gym/fitness and a Fitness center. There's a Shrine for those seeking a spiritual experience.
For the Kids: A Family-Friendly Find
My kids weren't with me, but I saw it had Kids facilities, a Babysitting service, and Kids meal offerings, which is great to know!
The Imperfections: Where Things Get Real
Okay, here's the honest part. The Wi-Fi occasionally cut out (definitely not perfect), and one morning the coffee shop accidentally forgot my croissant. And the service, while always friendly, could sometimes be a little slow. But honestly? These were minor blips. The overall experience was so charming and authentic that I didn't even mind.
My Recommendation: Should You Book it?
Absolutely. (If you enjoy real and authentic experiences, that is.) If you're looking for a perfectly polished, predictable hotel, this might not be for you. But if you want a place with character, charm, incredible food, and a genuine sense of hospitality, book La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Géorand ASAP. It’s a hidden gem, and I’m already dreaming of going back.
The Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (and a Big, Heartfelt "Merci!")
SEO-Optimized Offer: Escape to the French Alps: Uncover La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Géorand!
Headline: Uncover La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Géorand: Your Unforgettable French Alps Escape Awaits!
Body:
Longing for a getaway that's more than just a hotel stay? Crave an authentic French experience? Then look no further than La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Géorand, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the French Alps.
Why Book Now?
- Unparalleled Relaxation: Indulge in our luxurious Spa with a sauna, steamroom, and breathtaking pool with a view. Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating massage or treat yourself to a body scrub and body wrap.
- Culinary Delights: Savor the flavors of authentic French cuisine at our renowned restaurant, boasting both Western and Asian cuisine. Enjoy a delectable breakfast [buffet], sip cocktails at our poolside bar, and delight in
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Gérorand, France, and trust me, this ain't gonna be a perfectly polished travel brochure experience. This is real life, folks. My life. And my impending, probably slightly disastrous, French sojourn.
Day 1: Arrival, Exhaustion, and the Eternal Search for the Right Cheese (and a Bathroom that Doesn't Smell Like…)
- 10:00 AM (or maybe more like 11, knowing me) – The Great Departure: Finally, after months of "planning" (read: vaguely browsing travel blogs while mainlining coffee), I'm finally in France. The airport? A swirling vortex of anxiety and overpriced duty-free perfume. My luggage is… well, let's just say it's a mystery wrapped in a fleece blanket and tied with a prayer.
- 1:00 PM – Auto Route Anxiety: Driving on the wrong side of the road! Oh, the joy. I'm pretty sure I almost took out a cyclist within the first five miles. Thankfully, my internal GPS (aka, blind faith and frantic hand gestures) seems to be working… kinda. The scenery is breathtaking, though. Rolling hills, vineyards stretching forever… and a constant, low-grade terror that I'm about to become a headline: "American Tourist Causes Massive Pile-Up in Rural France."
- 4:00 PM – The Bergerie Beckons… and Is Further Than Advertised: Arrive at La Bergerie. "Quaint," the brochure said. "Charming," it whispered. "Located a short distance from…" Well, "short" apparently means "a geological epoch" in French travel-brochure-speak. The place is beautiful though - a stone farmhouse with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by fields. I feel a wave of relief and a desperate need for a nap. And maybe a cigarette because I’m so stressed.
- 5:00 PM – The Cheese Quest Begins… And Ends in Tears (Almost): I need cheese. Like, desperately. I stumble into the nearest village, a picturesque collection of cobblestone streets and…nothing open. Absolutely nothing. (It's a Sunday, duh.) I wander into a bakery, eyes glazed with hunger, and attempt to order a baguette. My French is atrocious, which is putting it kindly. After mangling a few words, the baker just laughs and throws me a loaf. Blessing!
- 6:30 PM – Wine & Wander: I sit on the terrace, devour the baguette and a bottle of wine, and watch the sunset. It's utterly gorgeous. I am alone with my doubts. I’m feeling homesick! And strangely… content. The perfect balance of utter chaos and profound peace. The cheese hunt will continue tomorrow.
Day 2: The Plateau, the Goat, and the Moment I Almost Gave Up on Humanity (Mostly Kidding)
- 9:00 AM – Hiking Highs and Lows: Fueled by coffee (and a begrudging acceptance of the fact that I'll never be a morning person), I decide to hike the plateau. The views are incredible! The air is crisp! I feel like a proper explorer. Until… I get lost. Like, really lost. And start to question all my life choices.
- 11:00 AM – Goat Encounters of the… Annoying Kind: I stumble upon a herd of goats. Cute goats! Friendly goats! Goats that, apparently, really like my backpack. And my hat. And whatever else is within their reach. I spend a good 15 minutes running around, yelling in a language they clearly don't understand, while trying to retrieve my possessions. "Get away from the hat, you little stinkers!" I scream.
- 12:00 PM – Goat Attack! Round 2: The same goats! I found a small hidden waterfall, so I rested and had a snack, and then the goats came again! The water was cold and wonderful though, so I'm pretty happy overall.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch of Champions: Back at the Bergerie, finally. Scavenged some leftovers for lunch: baguette, cheese (success!), some terrible ham, and more wine. Perfection. Or at least, a decent substitute for perfection.
- 3:00 PM – The Moment I Almost Lost It (and Found Something Else): I venture into a small church in a nearby village. It’s old, quiet, and smells of incense and… something I can’t quite place. Maybe centuries of prayer? I feel a wave of melancholy and, for a brief moment, pure and utter joy at the beauty of it all. It's a reminder that there’s more to life than lost luggage and goat attacks.
- 6:00 PM – Cooking Mishaps and Culinary Success: I decide, against my better judgment, to cook dinner. The kitchen at the Bergerie is charmingly rustic, which means… old appliances and limited counter space. I attempt a simple pasta dish, which ends up being anything but. Food everywhere, I'm covered in olive oil, and the smoke alarm is going off. Then, I somehow, miraculously, manage to salvage the meal. It’s not pretty, but it’s edible. And the wine? Still perfect.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Goat Apocalypse, and Stumbling Into a French Fairytale
- 9:00 AM – Goat…Again?: I figured I'd give the plateau another shot, determined to conquer the hiking trail. And guess who I saw? The GOATS. We stared each other down, a battle of wills. They won. I beat a hasty retreat. It's not my fault, I think I smell like goat now. That's pretty bad, the smell is strong, and I'm sad.
- 10:30 AM – The Market: I went to a weekly market, and I felt like I was in a movie! Everyone was speaking French and trading fresh foods and cheese.
- 1:00 PM – The Castle: I drove to a nearby castle, and it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! It was truly a fairytale. I felt like a princess.
- 6:00 PM – More Cheese: I decided to buy more cheese. And more wine. And more baguette. My new life now.
Day 4 (and Onward): Embracing the Chaos
Okay, so I don't have a perfectly mapped-out itinerary for the rest of the trip. Frankly, I'm not sure where I'll be tomorrow. Or whether I'll be able to find a working bathroom. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? The unexpected moments. The cheese-induced euphoria. The goats. The sheer, glorious, chaotic humanness of it all.
The rest of the trip will likely involve:
- More lost-and-found adventures.
- Further attempts to speak French that will likely result in much confusion.
- Endless exploration of the local food scene (because, well, cheese).
- And, I'm sure, many more moments of breathtaking beauty, and a healthy dose of utter bewilderment.
Wish me luck. And maybe send help… and more cheese.
Escape to Paradise: Tok Noor's Magical Benut Homestay Awaits!
What *is* La Bergerie du Plateau Cros-de-Gérorand, anyway? Is it some kind of super-secret commune?
Alright, so the official line is that it's a... well, a bergerie. A shepherd's hut, basically. A place to stay. Up in the Ardèche, in France. But honestly? It's more. It's a *vibe*. Imagine escaping Instagram for a hot minute or two, and find yourself in the middle of something real. No signal (bliss), stars at night that make you sob a little, and more sheep than people. It's definitely *not* a commune (though, sometimes it feels like you're part of a tiny, temporary, very well-fed commune).
Okay, sounds idyllic. What's the actual experience *like*? Is it all wildflowers and rainbows?
Hell. No. (Just kidding… mostly). The wildflowers are definitely there, and yes, the rainbows can appear. But "idyllic" implies a sort of effortless perfection, and let me tell you, there’s nothing effortless about getting a fire going in the stone fireplace when the wind is howling and your hands are numb. First time I went, I spent a solid hour battling smoke and struggling not to pass out from the fumes. I swear, I thought I was turning into a chimney sweep. But then... *victory*. The fire roared, the warmth spread, and I felt this intense, ridiculous sense of achievement. Pure, unadulterated, *earned* coziness. So, yeah, it's *earned* perfection.
What's the food situation? Is it gourmet Michelin-star quality? Because I *need* good food.
Okay, so, Michelin stars? Nope. But, honestly, that's part of the *charm*. It's about simple, hearty, *delicious* food. Think local cheeses (oh god, the cheeses!), fresh bread, maybe some charcuterie, and – if you're lucky – a hearty stew cooked over the very fire you almost set on fire. The food is a *celebration* of local produce. One time, the owner, a woman with the best laugh, made us a potato gratin that I swear I'm still dreaming about. I may also have stolen an extra piece. Don’t judge me, it was *that* good. Be prepared to cook: This isn't a hotel. But that's part of the fun.
Is it suitable for families? Or is it more of a romantic getaway kind of place?
Both! Honestly, La Bergerie is versatile. I saw families having a *blast*, running around, building dens, and I saw couples looking loved up and sharing a bottle of wine by the fire (and occasionally, I *was* that couple). It really depends on what kind of family you are, but it is also a good place to find your inner child again. It's secluded enough that kids can be kids without bothering anyone. Just remember, a lack of wifi can be a parenting win... or a full-blown crisis, depending on your family dynamic!
What about the sheep? Are they, like, all over the place? Do they smell?
Yes, there are sheep. Everywhere. And yes, sometimes they smell. But in a way that adds to the whole *experience*. Imagine the best, fresh mountain air, now add a gentle whiff of wool and earth. It’s… surprisingly pleasant, actually. You'll see them grazing in the fields, maybe hear their bleating in the distance. The sheep are part of the landscape. A real, living, breathing part of the place. And, I have to say, they’re kind of adorable. Once, I swear, I saw a baby lamb give me a side-eye that could curdle milk. They're the coolest neighbors you'll ever have.
Okay, so what if I'm not a huge nature person? Is this place going to bore me to tears?
Look, if you *loathe* the outdoors, if the idea of no Wi-Fi makes you break out in hives, and if the thought of being around sheep makes you shudder, then probably, yeah, this place isn’t for you. But, and this is a big but, La Bergerie has a way of drawing you in, even if you consider yourself a city slicker. The peace and quiet, the breathtaking views, the sheer *simplicity* of it all... it's a powerful antidote to the noise and chaos of modern life. One time, I went with a friend who was convinced she would be bored stiff, and she ended up spending the entire time hiking, drawing, and actually *reading* a book. She was practically glowing by the time we left. It had a *huge* effect on her.
What's the worst thing about it? Spill the tea, already!
Okay, fine. There are downsides. Firstly, getting there can be a trek. Narrow, winding roads. Take travel sickness tablets if you are prone! Secondly: the weather. Mountain weather can be fickle. You can go from glorious sunshine to torrential rain in the space of an hour. Pack layers! And finally, and this is a big one for me: Leaving. It's HARD. Seriously, that feeling of heading back to the "real world" after being there... Ugh. It's like a mini-heartbreak. Knowing you have to face traffic and emails again is a harsh reality check.
So, should I go? Give me a straight answer!
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally YES. If you're looking for something *different*, something real, something that will feed your soul, then go. It’s not perfect, it might be challenging, but it's an experience you'll never forget. And trust me, you'll be dreaming of that potato gratin for weeks. Go! And then, tell me what *you* thought. I need to know if I'm not completely crazy in liking this place so much.
