The drive out into the countryside is well worth the effort. We stayed in the two bedroom gite and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The gite is spacious and has a lovely gravel patio area in front with great views of the countryside. It was warm, so we were able to sit outside for meals, reading and watching nature and the occasional boat passing on the canal. The kitchen is beautiful and was the best equipped of any we have ever rented. We have family in the area and were able to easily host lunch for them at the gite. There was even a manual ice cube maker in the freezer, a real treat for Americans traveling in France. The apartment is very spacious and its design is a great blend of rustic and modern. The cute furniture designed and built by a neighbor added charming points of interest. The DES MONS were wonderful hosts. They were both very friendly and enthusiastic. I hope that our limited French didn't worry them too much.