Escape to Paradise: Auberge du Hérisson's Unforgettable French Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Auberge du Hérisson - My French Getaway (and a Few Headaches!)
Okay, listen up, because I just got back from Auberge du Hérisson, and let me tell you, "Escape to Paradise" is mostly not a lie. It's a French getaway alright, a real head-scratcher of a place that somehow, miraculously, manages to be both incredibly charming and slightly bonkers. I had to write this review not just because they asked, but because I needed to process it all. (SEO Keywords? French getaway, luxury hotel, spa, accessible hotel, Auberge du Hérisson, France, romantic getaways, family vacation, wheelchair accessible)
First Impressions: The Good The Bad… and the Unexpected
Landing at Auberge du Hérisson felt like stumbling into a postcard. Seriously, the countryside is breathtaking! Rolling hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see, the whole cliché thing, and it works. The Auberge itself? Picture a rambling stone building that's clearly been lovingly (and possibly obsessively) renovated. The entrance is… slightly less grand than the website pictures, but the sheer French-ness permeates every crevice.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag with a Dash of "French Charm"
This is where things get a little… complicated. They boast about facilities for disabled guests, which is great! The reality? Wheelchair accessible in theory, but be prepared for a bit of a challenge. Some areas are surprisingly smooth, and the elevator is a lifesaver; however, there are some narrow corridors and a few tricky thresholds. It's doable, but pack your patience (and maybe a friend with a strong back). I really appreciate that the front desk is 24-hours, which shows commitment to accessibility.
The Spa: Where My Stiff Shoulders Found Bliss (and My Bank Account Wept)
Okay, the spa deserves its own paragraph because it was amazing. Specifically, the massage. I indulged in a deep-tissue massage, and let me tell you, the masseuse, Marie, wrestled knots I didn't even know I had. Pure bliss. The pool with a view was jaw-dropping – I spent an hour just staring at the landscape, feeling my stress melt away. The sauna, spa, steam room, and foot bath were all delightful (though finding the steam room required a small expedition, which I found endearing in this French setting). The body scrub and wrap… well, let's just say I felt like a brand-new person afterward. It was an intense experience. In the end, I felt like a new person, just remember to bring those Euros.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional French Hiccup)
The food was, for the most part, phenomenal. The restaurant is an experience in itself. They offered, quite a varied of menus, and the food was very impressive. One night I went for the vegetarian restaurant, and I must say the food was sublime. But, the menu itself was in French. And my high school French? Not so great. The staff were charming and helpful, but there was a moment when I accidentally ordered a soup as a dessert. Classic! The breakfast buffet was a feast. Croutons, croissants, the works!
- Dining Options: Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant - they really have it all. I'm impressed.
Beyond the Room: What You Can Do and What Could Be Better
They have a fitness center that, frankly, I skipped. I was far more interested in wandering through the vineyards! The poolside bar was a true highlight. The terrace offers stunning views. The gift/souvenir shop is a fun place to find some mementos. The meeting/banquet facilities, and outdoor venues for special events were a welcome touch, which are great for special celebrations. Things I would like to see in the future: The air conditioning in public areas was a godsend.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the "COVID-Era" Experience
They took COVID precautions seriously. Loads of hand sanitizer everywhere, thorough daily disinfection. There was even a doctor/nurse on call, but I didn’t use the service. The staff are trained in safety protocols, and I felt very safe and clean throughout my stay.
- Additional Safety Measures: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays.
My Room: The "Almost Perfect" Retreat
My room? Pretty darn good. The air conditioning was a life-saver. The bed was comfortable, the bathrobes were soft as clouds, and the complimentary bottled water was a nice touch. The in-room safe box was also there. I loved the blackout curtains, and they provided a wake-up service. The Wi-Fi [free] worked great! They could improve the internet access because occasionally the internet [LAN] was a bit shaky. I love the shower, it really did not bother me there was no bathtub.
- Room Details: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra-long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
For the Kids:
I didn't travel with kids, but they did offer the essential, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
The Annoyances / The "Could Do Betters"
- Lack of a Convenient Store
- Lack of Wheelchair Accessibility (again)
- A Slightly Quirky Check-In Process: Seriously, it took a while. Be prepared to wait. Embrace the French pace!
- The Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray. Seriously.
Overall Verdict: Worth the Trip? Absolutely!
Look, Auberge du Hérisson isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, its minor annoyances, and moments when you just want to shout, "Pourquoi?!" But those are the things that make it memorable, that make it French. The beauty, the food, the spa… it's all worth it. It's the kind of place you'll talk about for years, with a smile (and maybe a slight eye-roll).
My Unforgettable Moment: I will never forget the time I was sitting at the pool bar, it was the last day there. The bartender made the best coffee I have ever taste. The view was astounding. And I thought… this is paradise.
Here is my special call to action:
Escape to Paradise: Auberge du Hérisson - Your French Getaway Awaits!
Want a taste of authentic French charm, stunning landscapes, and a spa experience that will melt your stress away? Auberge du Hérisson is calling!
Here's why you should book NOW:
- Unforgettable French Experience: Immerse yourself in the heart of France, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and charming local culture.
- Luxury Spa Bliss: Indulge in world-class spa treatments, from rejuvenating massages to serene sauna sessions.
- Gourmet Dining: Savor exquisite French cuisine and a variety of culinary delights.
- **Except
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is my trip to Auberge du Hérisson in La Chaux-du-Dombief, France, and trust me, it's going to be a ride. Prepare for emotional whiplash, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of cheese. Oh, and a generous sprinkling of my utter inability to follow a schedule. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Croissant Catastrophe
Morning (ish): Flights? Delayed. Airport food? Overpriced, underwhelming, and frankly, a cruel joke. My mood swings from “This is a grand adventure!” to “I’m going to live in the airport bathroom with a bag of stale pretzels.” I finally arrive at Geneva, Switzerland. I get a rental car hoping it's the right car.
Afternoon (finally!): The drive! Ah, scenic France. Google Maps? My mortal enemy. Directions? Optional. I get lost… multiple times. Which, honestly, wasn’t entirely bad. I stumbled upon a tiny village with a church bell that pealed every fifteen minutes. Magical. Then I got hopelessly turned around and ended up in a field of… something. Cows? Sheep? I'm still not sure.
Late Afternoon: Arrive at Auberge du Hérisson! And, well… it’s gorgeous. Honestly. The photos don't do it justice. The air smells like pine needles and… heaven? It's a traditional place and after the long travel, I am tired and happy. I’m greeted by the owner, a woman who looks like she could wrestle a bear and bake a perfect tart simultaneously. She speaks a mile a minute and my French is rusty. Like, REALLY rusty. I manage to mumble something that hopefully resembled "Bonjour," unpack, and immediately go for a celebratory… croissant. (This is where it goes sideways).
The Croissant Catastrophe: Oh, the croissants. I had visions of buttery, flaky perfection. Reality? A slightly stale, store-bought situation. Total disappointment. It felt like a betrayal. A sign of bad things to come. I briefly contemplated calling the whole trip off and returning to the airport for a McDonald's fix. But I'm a contrarian. I eat the croissant. And I’m feeling better.
Evening: Dinner at the Auberge's restaurant. It's rustic, it's cozy, it's… FRENCH. I’m talking rich sauces, strong cheeses, and enough wine to make a sailor blush. I end up talking with a friendly local couple about their grandkids, the weather (surprise, it's lovely), and somehow, politics. I'm pretty sure half of what I said was gibberish, but they just smiled and nodded. French hospitality, folks. It's real.
Day 2: Waterfall Wonders and The Questionable Picnic
Morning: Hike to the Cascades du Hérisson (Hedgehog Waterfalls). Okay, the waterfalls? Epic. Absolutely breath-taking. The mist on my face, the roar of the water, the sheer, untamed… beauty. I want to stay there forever. I take about a million photos, 999,999 of which are blurry. I'm not a photographer.
Lunch: The questionable picnic. Armed with the aforementioned store-bought croissant (slightly improved), some cheese that smells suspiciously strong, and a baguette that could double as a weapon, I ventured forth. Finding a suitable picnic spot proved, let's say, challenging. I settled on a rock next to the river.
Picnic Moment: I sit and start to eat. I try to place the cheese. The cheese's smell is strong. I feel the wind and the cheese falls. It falls in the water. I don't want to eat it, so I toss it. I realize that I shouldn't have thrown the cheese. I feel guilty. I walk away from the picnic. I don't finish eating.
Afternoon: I've just spent the afternoon moping about the Cheese Incident and what should I do. I decide, I do not want to think about it. I just head back to the Auberge.
Evening: Back at the Auberge, I decide to have another meal. I drink away my sorrows.
Day 3: The Cheese-Eating Redemption and Farewell
Morning: I have been thinking about the cheese situation, and decide I need to redeem myself. I ask the Auberge's cook for a cheese advice and I eat cheese with bread and wine for breakfast. I feel a bit better.
Afternoon: Shopping in town for souvenirs and other memories. I buy a cheesy poster and a cheesy joke book. I am redeemed.
Evening: The farewell dinner! I order the same things as the first night. I chat with the owner and tell her some of my experiences. We laugh. After a few more glasses, I'm that tourist, chatting loudly and probably mangling the French language beyond recognition. But I don't care.
Day 4: Departure and The Promise of Return.
Morning: I pack. I swear I’ll return to this place. I say my goodbyes and head toward Geneva, driving slowly.
Afternoon: Drop off the car. I get on to my flight. The airport is awful, but I don't mind. I had a great time.
Concluding Thoughts (a bit more organized, because I’m trying to be):
Would I recommend Auberge du Hérisson? Absolutely. Is this itinerary an accurate reflection of a perfectly planned trip? Nope. Is it an honest account of one person's travel experiences? Absolutely.
So, pack your bags, embrace the chaos, and don't be afraid to get lost. And for the love of all that is holy, be careful with your cheese.
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So, Escape to Paradise: Auberge du Hérisson... Worth the Hype? Seriously?
What are the rooms like? Were they as dreamy as the website made them out to be?
Oh, and tip: pack an eye mask. The French, bless their stylish hearts, *love* their natural light. Which is fantastic, unless you're trying to sleep after a five-course meal and a bottle of wine.
Tell me about the food. Was it as divine as everyone says? And about that rogue pigeon...
Dinner was a multi-course affair. Honestly, sometimes I felt I was going to fall in a food coma halfway through. And it was wonderful. Fresh, seasonal ingredients. Flavour combinations that made my taste buds do a tiny happy dance. Wine pairings? Spot on. But, and this is a crucial "but," be prepared to loosen your belt. Seriously. You'll be eating constantly. (I'm not complaining, just... preparing you.) And don't be afraid to *ask* for more bread. Embrace the carbs! It's France!
What is there to do? Is it all just eating and relaxing? (Sounds good, really.)
But here’s a confession: I almost fell asleep *during* my massage. And then I snored. Loudly. The therapist (who was incredibly kind, bless her) pretended not to notice, but I’m pretty sure she rolled her eyes when she left the room. The most relaxing experience of my life, and I went full-on embarrassing. So, consider this your warning. Practice silent napping beforehand.
Beyond the spa, there are walks, a pool, and a cute little village nearby to explore. But honestly, most of my time was spent luxuriating in the general sense of *being*. It's that kind of place.
What about the staff? Were they super friendly (as the reviews said) or... French?
One time, I asked for a recommendation for a good local wine. The waiter (who, I swear, could have been a model) gave me a withering look, as if I'd just asked him to perform brain surgery. Eventually, he suggested something, but honestly, I felt like I'd committed some sort of egregious wine-related sin. But hey, it was delicious!
Overall, though, the service was fantastic. They went out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Just be prepared for a little bit of... well, "Frenchness." It’s part of the charm, right? Embrace it. Even the slight wine-related judgement.
So, is it worth the price? And would you go back?
Would I go back? Without a doubt. I’m already plotting my return, actually. Considering moving in. (Maybe in a room *away* from the kitchen this time.) The only downside? The post-vacation blues are *real*. Coming back to my boring life and having to make my *own* croissants? Torture. So, yeah, go. Just… be warned. You might never want to leave.
