Testimonials

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Summer 2011

"Excellent time - gite was comfortably furnished and spacious. Great facilities, friendly atmosphere and beautiful gardens. The helpfulness of the owners, Howard and Cathy, enabled us to make the most of the wonderful area. I am sure that we will want to come back again." (B. family, gite 6, Aug 2011, from West Yorkshire).

"Thank you for a very relaxing holiday in a lovely setting. The extensive grounds enabled the children to play together in a safe, carefree environment and the swimming pool was lovely and warm. The gite itself was very comfortable with a generous patio area for our many bbqs. We'll be back next year! (G. family, gite 3, Sept 2011, from the Wirral)

"We have had an absolutely superb week. Dolphin Gites is ideally situated to access plenty of beautiful, clean beaches with something for everyone from rock pool to surf and safe beaches. In addition, we found more activities to do in the surrounding area such as climbing, chateaux, boating, and water parks - we will have to return next year just to fit it all in! The gite was perfect with everything we could need. Thank you for the bottle of wine on arrival, it was much appreciated. The swimming pool was gorgeous - the photos on the website of the pool, church and garden do not do justice to the grounds as they are lovely and the views are amazing! Thank you for your hospitality - we look forward to returning and will definitely recommend you to family and friends." (H family, gite 5, Aug 2011, from Hants).

"Friendly owners; information sheets very useful; location is excellent; general cleanliness is great; a larger living area would have been welcome; the use of a pool was a bonus; thoughtful provision of washing up liquid, etc." (L family, July 2011, gite 1, from West Midlands).

"Thank you so much for a wonderful week in your gite. Everything was just as we hoped. Better in fact.
It was lovely to find tea bags and a bottle of wine after our long journeys and the welcome drinks were very nice. The house itself was bigger than we expected and really perfect for our holiday. Thanks again. I shall certainly recommend you to my friends. We had a wonderful time." (D family, gite 4, Sept 2011, from Cornwall)

"Friendly owners; information sheets very useful; location is excellent; general cleanliness is great; a larger living area would have been welcome; the use of a pool was a bonus; thoughtful provision of washing up liquid, etc." (L family, July 2011, gite 1, from West Midlands).

"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The gite was more than what we expected - your website pictures do not do your lovely gites justice!! We would definitely recommend and will definitely be staying with yourselves again, thank you." (G family, June 2011, holiday cottage, from West Midlands).

"The setting is lovely. The welcome evening was very hospitable. The pool and loungers provided a great focal point to swim and to meet others. Communication email etc. was very efficient. We were very pleased you were able to provide French lessons and with the high quality of the lessons. We know that you can't guarantee this - but we were very fortunate with the weather. (S. family, holiday cottage, Sept 2011, from Bucks).

"Fantastic location and great, safe environment for the children. We have all enjoyed our stay and the use of the pool. Thank you so much. We hope to come back again one day! (S family, July 2011, gite 2, from Scotland).

"Nicest gite we have stayed in having stayed in gites for the past 4 years. As guests we felt very welcome. Kitchen very well stocked with crockery and cutlery. Lots of info for travelling around. Really nice to have basics such as washing up liquid, washing up powder, toilet paper, etc. Kids loved the pool. The drinks on the lawn were a lovely touch. Hope to be back." (T family, July 2011, gite 5, from Ireland).

"Lovely gite, wonderful location, lots to do. Kids really enjoyed the swimming pool and all the children to play with." (E family, July 2011, gite 6, from Lancs).

"Holiday enjoyed by everyone, especially the table tennis and the pool. Accommodation comfortable and adequately equipped. Thank you!!" (S family, Aug 2011, gite 4, from Plymouth).

"We have had a great holiday at Dolphin Gites. The accommodation and location were perfect for us!" (W family, Aug 2011, gite 1, from Kent).

"The holiday gites and the garden and pool were as much as we want from a base for our break. The children have been able to have some freedom and that has helped us enjoy our time at the gites." (K family, Aug 2011, gite 2, from Herts).

"We have had an excellent 2 weeks and found the cottage ideal and very well equipped to provide us with all necessary comforts. D has really enjoyed all the space and a big plus was being able to use all the facilities on the main site. We would also like to thank you for your warm hospitality and the 2 social evenings. This enabled exchange of ideas and allowed people to foster friendships. We have had a very relaxing holiday in peaceful surroundings and the location could not be bettered. We would certainly recommend the gites to anybody looking to come to France and no doubt we will be looking to come back ourselves in the very near future." (S Family, Aug 2011, holiday cottage, from Herts).

2010

"The pool is a fantastic resource, mainly because it is such a good temperature. We greatly enjoyed the upstairs room in gite 4. Everything felt very professional and efficient which contributed to our enjoyment." (P family, Aug 2010, gite 4, from Cambridge).

"Extremely friendly welcome on day of our arrival. Really enjoyed the Tuesday drink/ social meetings, chance to meet other holiday guests. Wish we had made more use of the bike hire, but wanted to see and do so much during our stay. M and H overwhelmed by meeting lots of other children and also your children. We've had a fab time and will hopefully be returning soon. PS fabulous pool, M and H would have stayed at the pool for the full 3 weeks if they had their way. (W family, July 2010, gite 2, from Nottingham).

"Lovely gite, just right for 3 people. The drinks night was a nice touch helping the guests to get to know each other. Merci beaucoup Howard and Catherine. Au revoir." (W family, July 2010, gite 3, from Gwent).

"A very well maintained gite complex, competitively priced in a very nice setting near to the beaches. The boys should charge 1 euro a night for a camping business!" (B family, July 2010, gite 2, from Suffolk).

"A really lovely holiday in a very good gite. We would definitely return and will certainly recommend Dolphin Gites. Overall, loved it and thanks for your hospitality and we really enjoyed the bbq. Hope to see you again." (F. family, June 2010, gite 6, from Shropshire).

"We have had a wonderful week with you and we will surely recommend your gites to our friends and work colleagues. Your gites were better than expected. I don't think you could have supplied another item in the gite that we could have wanted or needed. Excellent value for money, see you again." (W. family, July 2010, gite 3, from Bristol).

"Gite very nice, comfortable, garden great! Thanks for everything." (O. family, July 2010, gite 6, from Ireland).

"Happy stay. Very nice evening reception party. Thank you." (A family, June 2010, gite 3, from Gloucestershire).

"Lovely accommodation and good location for getting around the Vendee. Would consider coming back." (P family, May 2010, gite 2, from Bucks).

"Had a very relaxing and enjoyable week. Can't wait to come again." (R family, Aug 2010, gite 5, from Surrey).

"We liked the freedom the gites/ facilities gave the children which provided a safe environment for them to play. Thought the welcome drinks were a very good idea to meet everyone. Thanks for the help with the car (much appreciated)." (M family, Aug 2010, gite 5, from Yorkshire).

"Wonderful gites in a wonderful part of France, hope to return next summer." (M family, Aug 2010, gite 1, from London).

"We have really enjoyed our stay; the accommodation was fabulous and the pool fantastic. Thank you very much. We would really consider coming here again." (W family, Aug 2010, holiday cottage, from Middlesex).

"Lovely accommodation and situation of gites. Welcome night was good fun. J enjoyed the treasure hunt. Thank you! Howard and Cathy very helpful and friendly." (N family, Aug 2010, gite 6, from Hampshire).

"Beautifully maintained property and gardens in an ideal location. We liked the get together evening and the community feeling on-site." (S family, Aug 2010, gite 3, from Devon).

"Cracking holiday. Loved the site. We will be back. Thank you for your welcome." (J family, Aug 2010, gite 4, from Sussex).

2009

"A fantastic holiday. Gite 6 is a wonderful, spacious, well appointed (with great character, exposed beams and walls lovely) addition to your complex. Such friendly and amiable hosts. Drinks evening always enjoyable. Pool so clean and a pleasure to swim in. We look forward to returning next year - to gite 6!!". (M family, Aug 2009, gite 6, from Suffolk).

"We particularly enjoyed the use of the pool - clean, spacious and good provision of loungers. Gardens pleasant and private. Welcome party good idea and enjoyable. The welcoming bottle of wine - a much appreciated gesture. We would return. Thanks!". (V. family, Aug 2009, gite 5, from Grantham).

"We were very happy with our stay and would like to come again. Many thanks for your warm hospitality. (...and the swimming pool was nice and enjoyable and nicely heated and I liked the house very much - Matthew)". (C. family, Sept 2009, gites 6, from Shropshire).

"Great location, great pool, the Tuesday apero is a nice touch, as is the bottle of wine on arrival. We hope to come again soon". (B. family, Aug 2009, gite 2, from Yorkshire).

"We had a great time and thought the gite was perfect. The pool was a big success!". (L. family, July 2009, gite 4, from Essex).

"Really enjoyed the get together on Tuesday night; really felt welcome. Peaceful place, great for a good break from stressful life. Thank you!". (M. family, July 2009, gite 2, from Glos).

"Thank you for a lovely holiday. We have very much enjoyed our stay with you". (S. family, Sept 2009, gite 4, from Kent)

"Had a fantastic time! Thanks for all your help. Gite 3 - lovely, airy, clean. Tuesday nights were a great idea! Take care". (H. family, July 2009, gite 3, from Ireland).

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Dolphin Gites and would like to thank Howard, Cathy and family for the warm welcome and help throughout our visit. All the very best." (S. family, July 2009, from Ireland).

"We really enjoyed our stay. The complex is perfectly suitable for families with young children". (R. family, June 2009, gite 2, from Ireland).

"We had a lovely stay. The accommodation was perfect for us. The garden and pool are very safe for small children. We would be happy to return again. Howard and Cathy were very welcoming and helpful". (H. family, May 2009, gite 5, from Ireland).

"Lovely holiday. Gite was perfect - peaceful. Lots of quality sleep. Would definitely choose to come again. Thanks!". (C. family, Aug 2009, gite 6, from Cambridge).

"Ver friendly and welcoming, we really enjoyed our stay". (S. family, Aug 2009, gite 3, from Lancs).

"Beautiful setting and very clean pool. Great Tuesday event - whole family very welcoming. Thoroughly enjoyed stay and look forward to next year. Thanks again!". (R. family, July 2009, gite 3, from Wales).

"Thank you once again for a wonderful holiday in your beautiful gites. We go home re-energised, rested and nicely tanned!". (K. family, June 2009, gite 5, from Ireland).

2008 

"If you are lucky enough to have chosen Dolphin Gîtes as your holiday destination, then you have found a little bit of heaven in the Vendée region of France. Howard and Cathy are gracious and friendly hosts and they have lovingly restored these unique properties. We enjoyed a wonderful family holiday in a beautiful location with lots to see and do. The Parkinson family add a personal touch which is rare and much appreciated. Thank you very much for a wonderful stay and we are very much looking forward to seeing you all next summer". (K. family, June 2008, gite 5, from Ireland)

"We have very much enjoyed our stay - excellent, well equipped accommodation, lovely grounds and pool, and friendly helpful hosts (including the young hosts!). Drinks party on Tuesday is a good way to meet everyone. Many thanks." (H. family, June 2008, gite 3, from West Sussex)

"Perfect gite! Perfect hosts! We are back next year, so that says it all. Thank you so much for a great holiday." (M. family, July 2008, gite 5, from Kent)

"We had a wonderful time and were sad to leave. The hospitality we received was outstanding and we look forward to coming again." (S. family, August 2008, gite 3, from Gloucester)

"We have enjoyed a tremendous holiday which surpassed our expectations. The pool and table tennis have been a particular pleasure and it has been lovely to spend time in a warm, welcoming and safe environment. Thank you for making a memorable holiday." (B. family, August 2008, gites 2 & 3, from Devon).

"Lovely gites and owners, has been great staying here. Excellent pool. Really enjoyed drinks night." (S. family, August 2008, gite 4, from Cleveland)

2007 

"Our gite and complex met all our expectations. Hospitality of all the family has been exceptional. We have all thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would certainly recommend Dolphin Gîtes to our friends. We would use Dolphin Gites again. Thank you." (H. family, Aug 2007, gite 2, from Beds)

"Quality gite, stunning location, the swimming pool made the holiday for the children, very friendly hosts especially Luc and Tristan. Good beaches, lots to do in the area. All in all a very relaxing and enjoyable holiday - a little more sun next time needed." (G. family, Aug 2007, gite 4, from West Yorkshire).

"Helpful, welcoming, nice complex, well maintained and safe for children, nice pool. Very pleased with the whole package." (C. family, Aug 2007, gite 5, from Nottingham shire).

"We have enjoyed our holiday and next time would come for 2 weeks. The location is excellent being near to the beaches plus other attractions and sites to visit. We enjoyed the get together evening as it allowed adults and children to get to know each other." (G. family, Aug 2007, gite 1, from Kent).

"Good central location for sightseeing the area. Beaches and local towns excellent. Gite superb, welcoming and very quiet. Swimming pool a bonus to come back to each day to cool off. A wonderful annual holiday had by us all and would certainly return. You made us feel very welcome on our arrival and during our stay. Thanks very much. " (W. family, August 2007, gite 1, from Essex).

"Found the gite and location superb-well thought out. We've had a fantastic holiday. Thank you very much." (S. family, July 2007, gite 5, from Scotland).

Fantastic location, very welcoming hosts in Catherine and Howard and co. The bottle of wine was most welcome. The gite was superb with a great enclosed garden and the pool was brilliant and heated. Had a very enjoyable stay and would be more than happy to return. Veranda a brilliant idea, very cosy and a great addition to the gite." (K. family, July 2007, gite 4, from Ireland).

"The accommodation has been perfect. It had all the facilities a family needs, space for the children to play and a "homely" feel. We have enjoyed our stay. Typed out information sheets regarding beaches and places to visit was very useful. With thanks." (M. family, April 2007, gite-5, from Northampton).

"The gite is lovely and spacious. The pool is excellent. The site generally has been ideal for our family holiday. Fantastic holiday had by all. Good value for money. Many thanks." (B. family, July 2007, gite 5, from Warwickshire).

"We have all had a lovely holiday, the gite was well equipped. The pool area was ideal for our children and the water was warm. Thank you." (M. family, July 2007, gite 1, from Cheshire).

"A nice pool, good value for money, attentive and friendly hosts. We have had a great holiday, thanks very much!" (S. family, July 2007, gite 2, from Warwickshire)

"Pool beautiful and clean. Lovely surroundings. Friendly welcome" (P. family, May 2007, gite-4, from Hampshire)

Translated from French:  "We had a very nice stay, lots of things to visit in the area. We enjoyed using the pool. Warm welcome. We would have liked to stay an extra week!...hopefully we'll see you again." (D.family, July 2007, gite 2, from Normandy).

2006 

"The website is an honest reflection of the gîte. This has not been our experience with other gites. The pool is superb, and ideal for young children, being heated. We found the Parkinson family very hospitable and friendly without being intrusive in any way. Your children are very mannerly and we hope to holiday here again. Thank you." (T. family, Sept 2006, gite-5, from Dublin)

"Excellent self-catering accommodation - every need catered for. Fantastic pool area, very clean! Beautiful gardens well maintained. Great owners, Cathy and Howard are helpful and friendly - we were recommended some great places to visit and eat at. Local knowledge very good. Overall a fantastic holiday and we are looking forward to coming again very soon! PS. Please give Whisky a big hug for us." (P and T, Sept 2006, gite-2, from London)

"We have had a great holiday. Even better than last year due to gite-5 being so spacious and comfortable and the swimming pool being heated! The bottle of wine was appreciated on arrival, thank you" (B. family, Aug 2006, gite-5, from Essex)

"Tim had fun playing with Luc and Tristan. The pool is wonderful. We are hoping to return in the future, back to gite-2. The location is fantastic and you have been very helpful and welcoming, thank you" (L. family, Aug 2006, gite-2, from Midlands)

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. Vendée is fantastic. The layout of these gîtes is great, providing privacy, yet allowing you to get to know your neighbours. The pool was fab thanks to it being heated. Alanna has come on leaps and splashes! we are going home very relaxed and we hope to return sometime in the future." (C. family, June 2006, gites 5 and 1, from Merseyside)

"Thank you very much for a warm welcome and a very enjoyable holiday. The gite, pool and gardens have been excellent and we really enjoyed the opportunity to meet the other guests on Tuesday evenings. Thank you." (B. family, June 2006, gite-3, from Cheshire)

"The set up of the gîtes and surrounding land is superb. The pool is fantastic and the playground was a definite hit! It has been a pleasure to stay and we would hope to return in the future. (B. family, Aug 2006, gite-3, from Midlands)

"Lovely big gite with a good sized garden, ideal for a large family. The swimming pool was a very welcome bonus. Thank you for your help when we had to seek the services of a pharmacist and doctor. You have achieved the right balance of a relaxing atmosphere along with the need to respect property and people. Thank you!" (C. family, July 2006, gite-4, from Warwickshire)

"Lovely peaceful surroundings and great pool! Beaches nearby perfect for children. This is the first holiday the children have clearly enjoyed. Thanks for creating such a relaxing atmosphere." (S. family, July 2006, gite-5, from Surrey)

"Gite was beautifully clean on arrival. Thank you for a wonderful holiday. The pool was an absolute godsend and the children have spent hours in there!! Aperitif evening was very enjoyable" (T. family, Aug 2006, gite-2, from Northampton)

2005

"Gite and area surpassed expectations. Pool and garden lovely. Social aspect of getting to know you and other guests helped overall enjoyment. Thank you for a smashing week and hope to see you again" (W. family, July 2005, gite-1, from North Wales)

"We had a fantastic holiday, really pleased we booked here. Complex is wonderful, garden, views, setting and especially the pool. Howard and Cathy could not have been more welcoming or helpful - the evening party was a very nice touch. A great place and we hope to come again" (C. family, July 2005, gite-3, from London)

"Wonderful holiday and the pool was the icing on the cake" (H. family, June 2005, gite-2, from Liverpool)

"A nice quiet, peaceful and relaxing time. Enjoyed the pool and the company" (Mr and Mrs T., June 2005, gite-2,  from Liverpool)

"An excellent holiday made especially so by the swimming pool which is a first class amenity kept in perfect condition" (Mr and Mrs H., Aug 2005, gite-3, from Essex)

"We love the peace of the countryside and being able to explore the grounds. The pool is a great addition and having a kitten to play with has been great fun" (B. family, September 2005, gite-2, from Brighton)

2004 

"Cleanest accommodation on arrival that we have stayed in. We all plan to return to the Vendée next year and would like to stay here again. Very friendly and helpful advice on the local area and we really enjoyed the aperitifs evening (M. family, August 2004, gite-1, from Northern Ireland)

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