Escape to Fairytale France: Chateau de Moulin le Comte Awaits
Escape to Fairytale France: Chateau de Moulin le Comte Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Escape to Fairytale France: Chateau de Moulin le Comte Awaits. Forget the perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the REAL deal, warts and all. And let's be honest, a chateau in France? Expectations are HIGH. Does it live up to the dream? Let's find out, shall we?
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First Impressions: The Castle, The Curse, and the Cat
Okay, so pulling up to Chateau de Moulin le Comte… breathtaking. Seriously. Stone walls, turrets poking at the sky, the whole nine yards. It's like stepping into a Disney movie, but with more…historical baggage? (More on that later.) Parking was a breeze, thank heavens for the free on-site car park. And listen, after navigating French roundabouts, a "free of charge" sign is a gift from the heavens. Valet parking is available too, but honestly, I'm perfectly capable of backing up my own car.
Accessibility - Did They Actually Think About Us? (Thankfully, Mostly!)
This is HUGE for me, because let's face it, accessibility in older buildings can be…problematic. But Escape to Fairytale France: Chateau de Moulin le Comte actually did a decent job here. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," and thankfully, that wasn't just lip service. The main entrance was accessible (big win!), and the elevator, while a bit creaky and slow, worked. I spotted ramps in places where they were needed, and the staff were generally very helpful. My biggest issue was the cobblestone paths around the grounds – beautiful to LOOK at, torture to navigate. A few more smoothed-out paths would be a huge improvement.
Rooms: Grand, But, Uh…Did Someone Forget the Plug Sockets?
We’re talking about the availability in all rooms, including – additional toilet, air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
Okay, the room. Oh, the room. We booked a "Superior Suite" (because, hello, chateau!), and it was…massive. Like, genuinely, could-live-in-here-for-a-month massive. The bed was HUGE, the bathtub was deep enough to swim in (almost), and the view…well, the view was the chateau's best amenity as it was beautiful. But…and there's always a "but," isn’t there? The socket situation was a complete disaster. Like, one outlet near the bed, strategically placed behind a nightstand. Good luck charging your phone and keeping your CPAP machine running overnight. It was a little frustrating, and those should be improved. However, the free WiFi in all rooms worked flawlessly (miracle!), and the Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms meant the end of those old clunky LAN cables.
Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional SNAFU)
Listen, I'm a foodie. Chateau de Moulin le Comte has restaurant which is one of my most favorite things about the place.
- Restaurants: Okay the restaurants included the a la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, coffee shop, desserts in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, poolside bar, restaurants, room service [24-hour], salad in restaurant, snack bar, soup in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, and western breakfast.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: The dining, drinking, and snacking included the a la carte in restaurant, alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, bar, bottle of water, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, coffee shop, desserts in restaurant, happy hour, international cuisine in restaurant, poolside bar, restaurants, room service [24-hour], salad in restaurant, snack bar, soup in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, and western breakfast.
The breakfast buffet? Oh, the breakfast buffet. A glorious spread of pastries, cheeses, fresh fruit (the strawberries were DIVINE), and enough coffee to wake the dead. The Asian breakfast, and Asian cuisine in restaurant looked good too, but I didn't try it. They also had the traditional Western breakfast too.
Dinner was a different story. We opted for the Michelin-star restaurant, because, when in France. The food was mostly spectacular, the service was impeccable (though a bit…formal), and the wine list could bankrupt a small nation. I had a divine duck confit. HOWEVER – and this is where my stream-of-consciousness takes a turn – my husband ordered the steak, which arrived…well, let’s just say it was less "melt-in-your-mouth" and more "wrestle-it-off-the-plate." I'm not sure if there was a problem that night or the staff was just tired, but the chef missed the medium-rare mark by what felt like a mile.
There's happy hour and a bar at the poolside, but I needed a caffeine boost. The coffee shop did the trick, and so did the desserts in the restaurant!
Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Spa-tastic or…Spa-n'tastic?
The spa is the first thing I went through on my list.
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, body wrap, fitness center, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, pool with view, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor].
Oh, the spa… This is where Chateau de Moulin le Comte truly shines. The pool with a view is breathtaking, and the sauna and steamroom definitely give you a new view of the surrounding area. Now, I'm not a spa expert, but the massage was…amazing. Seriously, the best I've ever had. I think I’m still relaxed. The pool? Gorgeous. Crystal-clear water, perfect temperature, and a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. I spent a happy couple of hours drifting around, feeling like a pampered queen. And the spa/sauna felt magical.
The fitness center exists, which I appreciate in spirit, but let’s be honest, I spent most of the time indulging in the aforementioned pastries.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are We Safe? (Mostly…)
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, breakfast in room, breakfast takeaway service, cashless payment service, daily disinfection in common areas, doctor/nurse on call, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, hot water linen and laundry washing, hygiene certification, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, room sanitization opt-out available, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, shared stationery removed, staff trained in safety protocol, sterilizing equipment.
In these post-pandemic times, I'm extra sensitive to cleanliness. Chateau de Moulin le Comte seemed to take it seriously. I noticed hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were masked and diligent about cleaning. There was daily disinfection in common areas, and the rooms were sanitized between stays. I even noticed a doctor/nurse on call for every guests' safety. However, the shared stationery was only removed after I asked why there was none. Maybe a little more visible effort in some areas would have made me feel even more at ease.
Things to Do: Beyond the Chateau Walls
- Things to do: I didn’t see them, but the hotel had a lot.
Okay, so beyond lounging by the pool and stuffing yourself with pastries, what is there to do? Well, the chateau itself is a treasure trove of history. There's a shrine, and the hotel hosted events. The hotel’s website will give you a whole list of things to do.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the "Wait, Really?"
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, audio-visual equipment for special events, business facilities, cash withdrawal, concierge, contactless check-in/out, convenience store, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, essential condiments, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, on-site event hosting
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized travel brochure itinerary. This is the REAL deal, the Chateau de Moulin le Comte experience, unfiltered and probably a little bit… over-enthusiastic. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit hungover.
Day 1: Arrival and the Castle's Embrace (and a Side of Panic)
- Morning: Okay, so the flight was a disaster. Delayed. Stranded. My noise-canceling headphones died halfway through, forcing me to endure a screaming child and the incessant chattering of a lady with a particularly loud laugh. But! We made it! Landed in Paris, survived the train to Saint-Omer. Whew. The drive to Aire-sur-la-Lys was… picturesque. Fields, cows, the whole shebang. But, I'll admit, I was a nervous wreck. This place, this Chateau, it's… real!
- Afternoon: Check-in. Oh. My. God. The Chateau is even more stunning in person. Like, jaw-dropping. I mean, I knew it was fancy, but the sheer scale of the place is insane. The reception staff were incredibly polite, which partially soothed my travel-worn nerves. I swear the concierge was eyeing my backpack like it was something he'd step on. The room is HUGE, practically a ballroom. I'm pretty sure a small army could comfortably take up residence. I spent a good half hour just wandering around, touching everything (I'm a tactile person, alright?). Then I accidentally locked myself out on the balcony. My phone was inside. Trapped in a French castle. I almost lost it! Thankfully, a very patient chambermaid, who clearly had seen it all, saved me. Lesson learned: Carry room key on person at all times!
- Evening: Dinner at the chateau's restaurant. The food! Oh, the food! I ate things I can't even pronounce. One dish involved duck confit, which I thought I didn't like, but it was so rich and delicious I almost licked the plate. Almost. The wine flowed freely. A little too freely, if I’m being honest. I might have spent the rest of the evening loudly discussing the merits of French onion soup with a very confused (but very polite) couple from… Sweden? I remember something about ABBA… I’m blaming the wine.
Day 2: Exploration and… A Near-Death Experience with a Croissant (Sort Of)
- Morning: Breakfast. The spread! Croissants, pain au chocolat, a mountain of cheese, and, bless them, they had real coffee! I had a slight headache thanks to the wine, but managed to wolf down about six croissants. Nearly choked on one. The drama! I swear, for a second, I saw my life flash before my eyes. But, you know, I’m alive! After breakfast I ventured out to explore the grounds. The gardens here are absolutely breathtaking. Rows of perfect flowers, fountains, hidden pathways. I spent a good hour just wandering around, feeling like a princess (or, more accurately, a slightly clumsy, slightly hungover princess). Did I mention I got lost? Again?
- Afternoon: Visited the town of Aire-sur-la-Lys. Small town, a lot of history. But, the REAL highlight of the afternoon was the local bakery. Oh. My. God. The bread! The pastries! The smell! It was like heaven on earth. I bought a baguette and ate half of it on the spot. Totally worth the carb coma that followed. Got a little lost trying to find my way back to the Chateau, and by "a little lost," I mean I wandered around for a good hour asking for directions in my terrible high school French. But! I eventually found my way.
- Evening: Cooking class. The Chateau offers cooking classes! I love to cook, so of course I had to! The chef was amazing, patient, and even understood my broken French. We made a coq au vin. And it actually tasted good! I mean, I made it! Victory! Dinner, again, in the chateau restaurant. This time, I tried to keep my wine consumption in check (I think I managed… mostly).
Day 3: The Chateau's Grandeur and a Moment of Profound Sleep
- Morning: Woke up. No hangover! Success. The Chateau itself. Taking the time to really appreciate the history of the place. The intricate details, the artwork. It’s awe-inspiring, really. The thought that people actually live here is mind-boggling. A perfect walk with a view, after what felt like a decade of walking and walking.
- Afternoon: Pure bliss. A long soak in the massive bathtub in my room. I put on some relaxing music, lit all the candles I could find, and just… melted. Then, I fell asleep. For like, three hours. In the middle of the day. In a bathtub. Hey, don’t judge! Bliss.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Okay, so. This was the moment I knew. I was leaving! I had to check out the next morning. I'm not ready! I'm really not! Well, It was fancy. Maybe a little too fancy. Like, I was pretty sure I saw the waiter eyeing my jeans. Ate way too much again. Seriously, this place will be the end of me. I bid farewell to the sweet, kind-hearted Swedish couple. I could not help myself and gave them my best rendition of Waterloo. Goodbyes and well-wishes.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering French Dream
- Morning: Check-out. So hard. I felt like I was abandoning a friend! But, alas, all good things… Departure. The train back to Paris went smoothly, but the drive and all the trains before it feel like a blur, a sweet, hazy blur.
- Afternoon: Staring out the window, my head full of images. The Chateau. The gardens. The food (mmm, the food). The moments. The almost-choking incident. The lost-ness. The people I met. The fact I got to stay here. I did it. A true French adventure.
I'll be back, Chateau. I promise. And next time, I'm bringing my own baguette!
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So, like, what *is* this "Stuff" anyway?
Why should I even *care* about "Stuff"? Sounds… exhausting.
I remember this one time, I was convinced my cat, Mittens, was secretly judging my life choices. (She *was*.) And I’d just finished reading some heavy philosophical book and was feeling all… grand. And Mittens goes and barfs a hairball right in the middle of the rug. Talk about crushing reality! That hairball? Totally “Stuff”. And I’d be lost without her (and the rug cleaner).
Is there a right way to *deal* with "Stuff"? Because I'm failing spectacularly.
The "right" way? I think maybe... is to just be present. To acknowledge the good, the bad, and the downright *ugly* (looking at you, tax season). Embrace the chaos. Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. And remember, even the worst "Stuff" makes a good story eventually. Maybe a *really* good story if you throw in some wine.
Okay, but how do I *organize* my "Stuff"? My apartment’s a disaster. Is there a magic bullet?
I *tried* Marie Kondo once. "Does it spark joy?" she asked, holding up a pair of ratty sweatpants. My heart plummeted. Those sweatpants? Oh, they sparked *comfort*. They were the champions of lazy Sundays. And, frankly, I needed them. It was a battle of wills, and my sweatpants won. The point? Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good, or the comfortable.
What if my "Stuff" is making me feel overwhelmed?
Been there. Done *that*. I once spent a whole *week* basically paralyzed, surrounded by half-finished projects, a mountain of dirty dishes, and an utter inability to even *think* about what to do first. It was awful. What helped me? Honestly? A tiny, incremental step. Just picking up one thing. One dish. One email. Just… *something*. And then another. And another. It’s often easier to just… start. And give yourself permission to *not* be perfect.
I feel anxious about the future, about all the "Stuff" that *might* happen. Any advice?
The best I can offer? Focus on *now*. What are you feeling right *now*? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Lonely? Address *those* things. Take deep breaths. Go for a walk. Call a friend. Put your feet up and pet your cat, if you have one. (Mittens sends her love, by the way.) The future is a giant, messy, unpredictable beast. But the present? The present is manageable. And if the present is manageable, you *can* handle the future. Eventually. Probably. Maybe. (Don't quote me on that.)
What's the *most* important "Stuff" in life?
You know, I was at my grandma's funeral recently. A life well-lived. And the things people remembered? Not the fancy car she had or the expensive jewelry. No, it was the stories—the time she taught someone how to bake her famous apple pie, the way she always made you feel like the most important person in the room, the terrible jokes she told that always made everyone laugh… *That’s* the "Stuff" that counts. Leave your mark… and some laughs.
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