The colourful garden of this pleasantly dispersed hotel has no less than five different varieties of laurier rose (French for pink oleander). Accommodation is distributed between various ‘maisons gardoises’. These are the distinctive stone cottages of the Gardon region (whose nearby gorges, by the way, offer exceptional swimming and kayaking). In an earlier life, les Lauiers Roses was a B & B but there are now three (yes three) swimming pools to cater for guests of the hotel and the few self-catering units.
Unusually, for an establishment in the centre of a picturesque small village, there are 12 acres of attractively landscaped grounds. Hence there is plenty of room for families to relax and enjoy themselves while adults travelling independently can always find a quiet corner away from the fun.
This is a Logis de France with a broad spectrum of prices so, before reserving your room, it pays to discuss your priorities with the charming owner. Given the layout, some ground floor rooms may be a bit dark and not totally private. And do book a space in the underground garage if you prefer to keep your car cool for sightseeing in this magical area.
Cuisine in the restaurant is uncomplicated and wholesome, using the freshest produce from local suppliers. The hotel is still a very much family affair with Armel and Jenni Bargeton as current custodians while Armel's brother is the chef. Together with their friendly staff, they manage to create an infectiously happy ambience. Armel’s website is busy, busy, busy but it does give a clear idea of what to expect.