Lyon Faubourg - Saint Priest

We like things authentic, traditional and affordable and we had been travelling back from Italy to the UK when we literally just found this place which ticked all our boxes. We always look at Trip Advisor reports which were few but excellent. Our journey this time (the first we had done like this) was booked as we travelled journeying destination to destination. This particular place was not what we expected at all. We arrived in St Priest as there was a day of many weddings (Lyon Faubourg is opposite the most beautiful castle and park - now I think a town hall) and around the castle were brides a plenty throwing flower bouquets into the air amidst throngs of people, smiles and children laughing. We counted 7 brides. The sky was azure blue and 30 degrees, all was jolly! Faubourgs farmhouse appears on the photograph as though it may be slightly in the country and were looking for something outside the hustle and bustle of central Lyon. so were surprised it was so busy and we had to go round the block a couple of times until we found it. And find it we did - look out for the large silver lettering 'Lyon Faubourg' to the right of their gate. We were not disappointed. I would suggest first finding somewhere local to park and walking to the gate as there is a risk of holding up traffic as you try to get in. We rang the entry buzzer stated our name and the gate opened....and we drove through into the most beautiful redesigned farm yard. The gate closed behind and we were welcomed by Pascal, the owner. He was warm, friendly and personable and we liked him immediately! His wife was away for the weekend so he and his son were holding the fort, both speak good english so I didn't have to stumble through my broken and poor french and he was very polite when I did!! The scene we were greeted with was a well thought out and designed garden with various trees, climbing plants, border canes, various seating areas, a little bar area, a swimming pool, sauna and more than adequate parking for the four rooms on site here, all afront a shuttered and old eclectic farmhouse with converted barns to the left. I was a bit stunned. What was most amazing is in our booking notes we noted we had forgot costumes and whether there was anywhere local to buy any (which there is) or if he had spares? Pascal had layed out a selection of various costumes for us to borrow. We thought this was such a sweet and lovely thing to do that i think we fell in love with him there and then! After our 8 hour drive a good swim and soak was just what we needed and my wife, safe in the seclusion of Faubourg, was first in! It turns out it was a quiet evening and we were the only residents on site. Pascal showed us around the apartment (in the converted barn ) which was stunning and has three good size bedrooms either en suite or with private wash rooms oppposite. We chose the one with the bath that had a super king size bed and a view over the yard / simming pool. Our bed was ridiculously comfy and we slept soundly. You pay per room not for the whole apartment. The shared kitchen is modern with everything you need, there is excellent wine and nibbles which you make a note of and you pay for when you leave. There is a coffee machine, dishwasher, fridge freezer etc. The sitting room is large with a wooden terrace (again looking over the pool area) and has a large dining table, good tv with international stations, games, sweets on the coffee table etc etc. Perfect! Pascal told me his wife had designed the interior - what a job she has done! Her artwork features throughout and is bright, colourful with constant movement and freedom. Pascal was informative and helpful without being at all intrusive. He gave us a quick guide to what we could find locally. There are a choice of good local restaurants, coffee bars, a supermarket, hairdressers and shops, we found a very lively street market (with good fish, cheese and meat) on the sunday morning and there is even a sushi restaurant - all within 5/10 minutes walk. Obviously the apartment is usually shared. So were fortunate to have the whole place to ourselves for excetional rates. There is a self contained seperate room downstairs with an en suite bathrrom and kitchenette for those uncomforable about sharing space but the larger apartment is really enough. This was a truly truly amazing find and one I plan to go back to. It is good not only for one night stop overs but to be honest I could easily have stayed longer and then some!Since, we have even had a text from pascal to check we were home safe! Honestly...who could ask for more! Juste parfait Pascal! Pascal personally brought breakfast at a time we would like (I know it all sounds so untrue!) with fresh bread, yogurts, preserves, fruit and cereal.