Escape to Paradise: L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin Awaits in Villard-de-Lans!
Escape to Paradise? More Like… Escape To Paradise! (L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin: Villard-de-Lans Review – The Real Deal)
Okay, folks, let's be honest. When you hear "Escape to Paradise," you picture sun-drenched beaches and cocktails. We're talking Villard-de-Lans, France, here, and "paradise" is a different beast entirely: crisp mountain air, stunning views, and the promise of a truly relaxing getaway. And that's exactly the vibe L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin is aiming for. So, did they nail it? Let’s get messy, shall we?
First, the Essentials: Is it Actually Accessible?
Important for some, not so much for others, but let's get the nitty-gritty accessibility stuff outta the way: Wheelchair accessible? Yep, thankfully. Elevator? Also present, so no lugging bags up endless staircases (a HUGE plus!). Now I can't speak specifics beyond what's listed – Facilities for disabled guests (likely). But, call ahead, confirm, and don’t JUST take my word for it.
Digging In: The Perks and the Quirks
Let's go deep, shall we? And, for me, this is where a review gets real.
- Keeping Connected (Or Not): Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Thank the tech gods! And, you know what? It actually works. Internet [LAN]? Fine, if you're into that. Internet services in general are good, but be warned: you're in the mountains. Sometimes, that connection goes poof. Embrace it! Disconnect a little. Wi-Fi in public areas? Check. Internet access is, well, accessible.
- The Relaxation Station: Okay, so this is where L'Auberge really sells itself. Buckle up. Spa/sauna? Yes, indeed! I'm talking Sauna, Steamroom, and a Pool with view that literally took my breath away. Seriously, I’m not kidding. Swimming pool? Yup. Swimming pool [outdoor] Yep. Then there's the Massage (I'm a sucker for a good massage). Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath…listen, I'm not even fancy enough to know what those are, but they're there, so…bonus points! The Fitness center is decent, but honestly, I'm more of a, "walk up the mountain, then eat five croissants" type of person. So, uh, I didn't use it.
- Cleanliness and Safety: The "Post-Covid" Rundown: Okay, so we're still living in a world where germ warfare is real, the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays are all comforting for the germophobes among us - and that's probably all of us in 2024. They claim Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and even go as far as a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit. You might even get Individually-wrapped food options and Hand sanitizer, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. In short, they're trying hard. I appreciated the effort.
- Food, Glorious Food (And Drinks!): Alright, let's talk fuel. The Breakfast [buffet] is decent, with the usual continental suspects. But, I’m here to tell you that the Asian breakfast isn't really Asian, I mean, sure, there are some options, but it's more like "Asian-inspired" than the real deal. They offer A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Yes, there is all that. The Bar is cozy, perfect for a late-night digestif while you're staring at the mountains. I spent a lot of time making my way down to the Coffee shop when I needed a jolt of caffeine to get my morning going. I will mention, there were some times I was tempted to order room service, but it was 24 hours - and who needs to eat at 3 AM? I didn't, but the option was there.
- Rooms: The Caveat (and the Comfort):
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank heavens!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (YES!), Bathroom phone (what is this, the 90s?), Bathtub (luxury!), Blackout curtains (crucial for a decent sleep!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (score!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer (essential!), High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (a lifesaver!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (nope, didn't use it, thanks), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (fancy!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- The Small Print: The rooms are well-equipped. They're clean. They’re… fine. They are not stunning. They're comfortable, practical, and offer everything you need. It feels… functional. Also, be warned: some rooms might be a little rustic. Think "charming mountain lodge," not "slick, modern hotel."
- Services and Convenience: Concierge? Yep. Dry cleaning? Yes. Laundry service? Yep. Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!). Luggage storage (essential for the clumsy traveler). Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, and pretty much everything else you'd expect. They even have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Airport transfer, but these are all a given. Pets allowed unavailable is the one downside for me. Sorry, Fido.
The Things to Do (Beyond Just Staring at Mountains):
This is where Villard-de-Lans and L'Auberge really shine. You're not just in the mountains; you're in the mountains. Things to do abound: hiking, skiing, exploring the charming village, and, you guessed it, more relaxation. * For the Kids You'll find Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. * Getting around Includes Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Things I Loved (and Things That Could Be Better):
- Loved: The pool with the view. The sauna. The sheer peace and quiet. The friendly staff. The feeling of genuinely escaping the everyday grind.
- Could Be Better: The room decor could be updated. The "Asian breakfast" needs a revamp. Maybe some more quirky touches to enhance the experience.
Overall: The Verdict
L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin isn't perfect. But it's a solid choice. It's not a luxury palace, but it is a comfortable, well-equipped base for exploring the beauty of Villard-de-Lans. It's perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for a relaxing escape and the hotel gets a big thumbs up.
My Stream of Consciousness Verdict and Recommendation:
Book it! But do it with the right expectations. This isn’t a flawless, Instagram-ready hotel. This is a real place, with real people working hard to provide a good experience. Embrace the fact that the mountains are the main attraction.
Final, Heartfelt Recommendation: Go. Breathe in the air. Take a deep dive into the pool with the view. And let this beautiful hotel do the rest. You won't regret it.
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my attempt at a trip to L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin in Villard-de-Lans, France. Disclaimer: I'm not a travel agent, I'm more of a "winging-it-and-hoping-for-the-best" kind of traveler. So, here's the glorious mess I'm anticipating:
Pre-Trip Freakout & Pre-Trip Ramblings (AKA the "OMG I FORGOT MY PASSPORT!")
- Week Before: Panic sets in. Seriously, existential dread about the vastness of the French Alps. Me? In the Alps? I trip over air. I spend an hour agonizing over what kind of hiking boots to buy, then buy the cutest ones – aesthetics over practicality, always. I'm pretty sure I dreamed about packing cubes last night.
- Night Before-ish: The "am I forgetting something?" mental drill. Passport? Check. Tickets? Check (ish, need to print them… later). Phrasebook? Oui oui! (That's all I remember). Oh GOD, did I remember to tell the cat-sitter about Mittens's penchant for demanding tuna at 4 AM? Anxiety wins: 0, me: 1.
- Morning of Departure (early, as usual): Coffee. Strong coffee. Tears of joy (or exhaustion, who knows?) as I finally, finally get everything into the suitcase. Then, the inevitable: "Where's my passport?!" Cue frantic rummaging. Found it. Crisis averted (for now). Pray to the travel gods for a smooth flight.
Day 1: Arriving-ish & First Impressions (aka "Bonjour France, Please Don't Eat Me")
- Morning (aka "Flight Hell"): Wake up, probably at the wrong time, so I can't take my time. Fly to Paris. The flight is… an experience. Crying baby. Turbulence. Dread. The usual suspects. Land in Paris, slightly disoriented, fueled by stale airplane peanuts.
- Afternoon (aka "Train to Villard-de-Lans"): Wrestle with French train system. It's a beautiful, historical mess of delays. I swear I saw a grumpy French man glare at me for looking confused. I may or may not have accidently gotten on the wrong train and had to quickly sprint off to get on another one. The scenery outside the train window is breathtaking. Snow-capped peaks, charming villages… I’m already in love.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (aka "Finding L'Auberge"): Arrive in Villard-de-Lans. Breathe. The air is crisp, clean, and smells like… well, freedom! Stumble (literally, probably) to L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin after a taxi driver told me to take a "petit detour," which, judging by the walk, was anything but "petit."
- The Auberge: First Contact. Check-in. The owner is, bless her heart, talking so fast I might as well be listening to a foreign language. The room is charming--small, but perfect. Then, immediate unpacking with the enthusiasm of a sloth. I drop my bag, spill wine on my favorite shirt (classic), and then fall into a blissful stupor on the bed.
- Dinner at the Auberge: I’m HUNGRY. Order something I don’t understand but looks delicious. It is delicious. Realize I'm probably grinning like a maniac. Feeling utterly, wonderfully, exhausted-ly happy.
Day 2: Exploring & Hiking (aka "My Knees are Crying")
- Morning: Wake up to the sound of… silence. Glorious, mountain silence. Coffee on the balcony, taking in the view. Decide I will hike.
- Mid-Morning: Attempt to hike. Choose a trail that’s “easy.” It is not “easy.” I nearly topple over a cliff. Regret everything. My knees are screaming. But! The view from the top? Unbelievable. I'm surrounded by mountains that feel like they’re touching the sun. I sit. I think. I might cry, but because everything is so beautiful.
- Lunch: Reward myself with a picnic of cheese, bread, and something that might be ham (who cares?). Eat it while gazing at this magnificent scene.
- Afternoon: Back at the Auberge. Sore, but alive. Take a long, hot shower. Realize I am very sunburnt. Rub aloe on my face. Vow to wear more sunscreen tomorrow.
- Evening: Another delicious dinner at the Auberge. Maybe a glass of wine this time. Attempt to converse with the locals using my limited French. The result? A lot of smiling and confused head-nodding. But, hey, connection made! Fall asleep dreaming of mountains.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Experience – Deep Dive into the Mountains (aka "If I Die Here, at Least It's Beautiful")
- Morning: Coffee with a view, same as yesterday. But different. I'm not just looking at the mountains anymore; I'm feeling them. They're massive, powerful, and somehow… intimate. I'm starting to understand why people get obsessed with this place.
- Full Day Hiking (More Aggressively): Today, screw the "easy" trails. I'm going BIG. Find a more challenging trail, a loop that promises even more insane views. This is where the real magic, and the real suffering, begins. The climb is relentless, my lungs are burning, my legs are screaming obscenities, and every muscle is begging me to turn back. But I push on. I have to.
- Mid-Hike Revelation: Somewhere around hour three, I find myself on a narrow ridge, the wind whipping around me, the drop on either side a dizzying abyss. I’m terrified. But I'm also… exhilarated? The world shrinks to just me, the rock beneath my feet, and the seemingly endless sky. It is breathtaking in the most visceral sense of the word. This isn't just a walk; it's an experience, a test, a conversation with nature, and a therapy session all rolled into one. I understand now why people chase this feeling.
- Lunch on the Peak: I find a quiet spot with the perfect view and wolf down my sandwich with the fury of a starving wolf. More cheese, more bread, and yes more wine, because why the heck not.
- The Descent (the Hardest Part): The way down is brutal. The constant pressure on my knees. But, I keep going.
- Evening: Exhausted but invigorated, I somehow manage to make it back to the Auberge. I feel like I've earned a medal. The hot shower feels like the most luxurious thing I've ever experienced. I take an early night, but before I do, I get a small glass of red wine and I sit on the balcony and listen to the silence of the night.
Day 4: Rest, Reflection, and Maybe More Cheese (aka "The Day of Reckoning…with the Rest of Myself")
- Morning: Wake up a little more sore than yesterday. My muscles are crying out for mercy. But the sun is shining, the promise of the mountain air. Today, gentle exploration is the name of the game.
- Late Morning: Exploring the Village: Wander around Villard-de-Lans. It's picture-postcard perfect. Browse the local shops, buying souvenirs for people I don't actually know (the guilt trip is real).
- Afternoon: Cheese, Glorious Cheese: Visit the local cheese shop and basically have a religious experience. Sample everything. Buy way too much cheese. Vow to eat it all before I leave.
- Late Afternoon: Find a quiet cafe, sip my wine.
- Evening: Final Dinner & Reflections: The final dinner at the Auberge is bittersweet. I've fallen in love with this place—the mountains, the food, the people (even the grumpy train conductor). Sitting in the cozy common room with a glass of wine, I think about all the adventures I’ve experienced. I had moments of frustration and fear but I also had moments of utter bliss. I look back and reflect: This trip was exactly what I needed.
- Night: I decide to watch stars on the balcony. The sky is black, with the most brilliant stars I have ever seen.
Day 5: Adieu, France (aka "Au Revoir, You Beautiful Bastards")
- Morning: One last coffee on the balcony, soaking up the view. Pack. (Okay, more like shove everything back into the suitcase).
- Departure: Check out. Say goodbye to the warm and wonderful staff at the Auberge (tears? Maybe).
- Travel Back Home: The flight home? Likely a blur of exhaustion, and reflections on the amazing trip. The mountains, the cheese, the people… they've all left a mark.
- Post-Trip: Get home, unpack, sleep for a week. Start dreaming of my next adventure.
This is my imperfect, hopefully humorous vision of my
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Escape to Paradise: L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin - Yeah, About THAT... FAQ
Okay, Seriously, What *IS* L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin? Like, besides the fancy name?
Right, so, L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin… sounds like something out of a fairytale, doesn't it? Picture this: Villard-de-Lans, France (beautiful, by the way, but don't expect anyone to speak perfect English. Brush up on your rusty French!), tucked away in the Vercors Massif. Basically, supposedly a charming inn. They say it's all about rustic elegance, fresh mountain air, and... well, we'll get to that. Think cozy fireplaces, potentially creaky floorboards, and views that *should* make you want to weep with gratitude. Emphasis on "should." It's a proper mountain escape, designed to lull you into a state of serene relaxation. Or so the brochure promised. My experience? Let's just say it was... *memorable.*
Is the Location Actually That Great? Villard-de-Lans, Specifically?
Oh, the *location*. YES. Villard-de-Lans, when the weather's cooperating (which, let's be honest, is a gamble), is stunning. Jaw-dropping, even. Imagine snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys (in the summer, obviously – unless you're into skiing, then winter is your jam), the air crisp and clean… it's genuinely breathtaking. Getting *to* Villard-de-Lans? That's a different story. The roads are winding; my stomach was doing the tango. And finding the Auberge itself… well, let's just say my GPS had a meltdown. Finally found it, though. Parking? Don't even get me started. It's like a game of Tetris with your car. But hey, once you're there, the *potential* is there. Big potential.
Let’s Cut to the Chase: The Rooms. Cozy or Creepy?
Okay, okay, the rooms. This is where things got... *dicey*. They *advertised* cozy. I got… *rustic*. Think exposed beams (which, admittedly, are kinda cool), and... well, a distinct lack of modern amenities. My room was a bit… chilly, and let me tell you, French heating systems are a mystery to me. Then there was the bed. Let's just say it wasn't the most comfortable I've ever slept in. I'm pretty sure the mattress was older than I am. And the noise? Oh, the noise. Floorboards that groaned with every step (including mine), and the occasional, shall we say… *lively* conversation filtering through the (thin) walls. One night, I swear I heard someone yodeling in the hallway. Yodeling! Look, I’m not saying it’s *haunted*, but it had a certain… *ambiance*. Truthfully? I’m more of a "cozy with modern upgrades" kind of gal.
The Food! Is it Worth the Hike (and Potential GPS-Induced Meltdown)?
Alright, the food. This is where things got interesting, and it all boils down to one word: *Raclette*. And the restaurant... the dining room was pretty, all low lighting and candles. But the food? Oh, the raclette. Imagine a wheel of melted cheese, scraped onto potatoes, cured meats, pickles… pure, unadulterated, artery-clogging bliss. I'm drooling just thinking about it. I ordered *far* too much; my stomach stretched to accommodate it. The wine was decent, especially after a few glasses, and the atmosphere was… convivial (or maybe that was just the wine talking). The breakfasts, however… well, the croissants were lovely, the coffee strong, but they were missing some classic breakfast fare, like good bacon. But the raclette. Oh, the raclette. It almost makes up for everything else. *Almost.*
What About the Service? Friendly? Aloof with a Side of Snobbery?
Okay, let's be honest. The service. It was... *French*. Which means, sometimes, it was charmingly efficient. Other times, it was... well, a little less so. The staff were generally polite, but there were moments when I felt like I was being *tolerated*, rather than welcomed. There was also this one incident at breakfast – I asked for more coffee, and the waitress just… *stared* at me. Then, with a sigh that could curdle milk, she reluctantly refilled my cup. Look, I get it, they're probably tired, it's a tough job, blah, blah, blah. But a little smile, perhaps? A little enthusiasm for those of us who are actually paying to be there? Still, I can't say they were actively *rude*, just, maybe, a little… *seasoned* by experience. And maybe a little more coffee for them, too, next time.
Is There Anything to DO There, Besides Eat Raclette and Wonder About the Floorboards?
Yeah, there’s the “doing” thing. Villard-de-Lans itself is a hub for outdoor activities. Hiking, skiing (if you’re there in winter, obviously), mountain biking, etc. You can walk around, take in the views... if you can stop staring at the gorgeous peaks and the sheer, pristine wilderness. I personally am a terrible skier, so I stuck to gentle walks. There are some pretty trails nearby, and the air is so incredibly fresh. If they have them, there's a pool and spa, too. But during my visit, it wasn't in the cards. So if you're a fan of outdoor stuff, you're in luck. If you’re not? Well, there's always more raclette… and the quiet contemplation that comes with it.
The Final Verdict: Would You Go Back to L'Auberge de la Croix Perrin?
Okay, final verdict. Deep breath. It's complicated. On the one hand, the location is breathtaking, the food (especially the raclette) is divine, and there's a certain *je ne sais quoi* about the place that's undeniably charming. On the other hand, the rooms could use a serious update, the service isn’t always the friendliest, and the noise levels could rival a rock concert. So... would I go back? Hmmm… I’d probably go back. But armed with earplugs, a heating pad, a seriously good GPS, and an insatiable craving for raclette. And maybe a translator app to improve my French – I’d *love* to understand what they’re saying at breakfast. The point is, it wasn't perfection, it was… *an experience*. A flawed, quirky, and sometimes frustrating, but ultimately, *memorable* experience. So, if you’re afterChicstayst
