10/10 Excellent
Mary L., Pensacola, FL
5 Sept 2019
Liked: Cleanliness
A beautiful Alsatian experience
My husband and I spent 3 months at Gite le nid de cigognes. The expectations of our stay in Alsace were exceeded due to our hosts Nicole and Jean-Luc Dreyer and their family, their Alsatian origins, their lovely property and its location in Alsace. The large property is in the middle of an old village on the wine route, hosting historic buildings and gardens; truly unique. The entry is dated 1574. When the property doors are open, visitors stop for pictures. The gite is clean and the galley kitchen is equipped for cooking with major applicanes, roasting pans, pots, tableware, and cooking accessories. We prepared most of our meals in the gite and enjoyed eating outside on our porch.
The gite was spacious with 3 floors. The 3 showers provided hot water and appropriate water pressure. The gite’s architecture dates from the 1600’s, for a true Alsatian experience. The renovation done by the Dreyers has modernized electric, plumbing and appliances, which all work well. The bedding was comfortable and sheets made of quality linen cloth. There is a lower room with TV where we connected our Apple TV. The Wifi which is intermittent. The main living area is simple with floor and ceiling lighting, good natural light, has a couch and dining table for 8. There is parking in the secure environ of the complex. The property is large with beautiful gardens, sitting areas and animals. The Dreyers are active in maintaining this historic property and have new projects ongoing to enhance it.
Barr is a wonderful place to explore Alsace. The village hosts a Saturday weekly market, with fresh produce, cheese, meats, fish, and bakers. Since Barr is along the wine route, there are many vignerons in the village and others are within walking, biking or driving distance. We went to two wine festivals in neighboring villages, just a walk away. We only had to walk out the door to quickly access hiking trails. Jean-Luc is a certified hiking guide and we were fortunate to join him and Nicole in a couple of wonderful hikes. A small grocery is in Barr and another larger grocer in the next village.
The Dreyers live on the property and made us feel welcome and comfortable. They were generous in sharing from their garden, homemade products and a tarte flambe dinner cooked in their wood fired oven. Nicole’s elegant graciousness and Jean-Luc’s enthusiastic love of life made our Alsatian experience special. I would love to return here.
Mary L.
Stayed 37 nights in Jul 2019