Collioure holiday apartment

We have been visiting and enjoying this part of France for some years, and have previously stayed on holiday caravan parks. Mainly to ensure the kids had plenty to do. However for my husbands 50th we decided to try something different, and really was not sure what to expect or if the kids would enjoy it now being teenagers. The area as we know is beautiful, but the apartment really was fantastic and made this a really special holiday and birthday treat. The kids loved the beach and snorkelling, and we all took time to enjoy the peace and the fantastic views. The apartment was cosy, clean, very well equiped and made us feel relaxed and 'on holiday' from the moment we woke up until the monent we feel asleep due to the views and the sound of the sea. Absolutley fantastic, can't wait to book up again, and the kids agree the caravan holidays are over!!!!!

This appartment is in the most astonishing setting, as lovely as the photos. That is it's greatest asset. The accomodation is good. It is not huge, we were two adults and three teenagers, one sleeping on the sofa but we were fine for room. Linen was spotless, crisp and plenty of it. The kitchen was very well equiped indeed, which was what 5 vegetarians who don't eat out needed. There was a very helpful amount of stuff available - snorkels, goggles, parasols, pit pat, playing cards etc. Also lots of information on the area, good books and plenty of maps (some of the pamphlets were from 2004, but still useful).
Standard of cleanliness was good, unless you are a clean freak. (I weirdly took a scrubbing brush to the grout in the shower and improved it no end. Must have been the Fitou!) I think the housekeeper, whoever this is, after people leave having mopped etc, should blitz the kitchen - all the nooks and crannies, crumbs in the cutlery drawer etc. That would please the fuss pots. I think we can all put up with our own crumbs, but a holiday kitchen is best scrubbed. However that couldn't possibly detract from the 5 star rating I am happy to give and I am sure this advice will be taken.
We met John because a freak gust of wind blew out a pane of glass in an internal door and he was round in an instant to mend it. He was very keen to make sure we were satisfied with everything and he was very keen to offer advice. Before we had arrived he had answered numerous questions that I had emailed him, about trains on a Sunday etc. Very reassuring, very kind.
(By the way, in July and August the buses along the coast are 1 euro for 1 person as far as you want - a brill, cheap deal.)
I would heartily recommend this accomodation. I enjoyed the location immensely - 15 min walk from Collioure (exquisite, touristy), 10 min walk to Port Vendres (easy going, less touristy). To sit in the evening and watch the sun set, to listen to the waves when you wake up, to watch your family head for a swim seconds from the appartment, make this a great place for a holiday.

We spent the first week of June at La Gavina (a great name and enjoyed their chatter). The location/view from the apartment was simply wonderful and sitting dining, morning or evening, looking out on to the beach and/or the ocean activities, binoculars on hand, was a wonderful means of natural entertainment. What a lovely spot :=))

The apartment itself was older, 70s style but thoughtfully furnished/ equipped for adults and children and met all our needs and we would definitely recommend to family and friends.

M