Rêve en Famille

Rêve en Famille Overview

You know what struck me first about Rêve en Famille? The name actually makes sense once you’re there – it really does feel like you’re living out some dreamy family vacation, but in the best possible way. Tucked away on avenue Ducourneau in Gastes (which, honestly, I’d never heard of before booking this place), it’s one of those spots that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special that hasn’t been completely overrun by tourists yet.

The thing about this part of the Landes is that everything’s pine forests and cycling paths, and this hotel gets that vibe perfectly. I mean, it’s got that four-star polish – the lobby’s got this warm, contemporary feel with lots of natural wood – but it doesn’t feel stuffy or intimidating for families. The kids were immediately drawn to the pool area, which actually has enough space that you’re not constantly worried about them bothering other guests. And speaking of the pool, it’s heated, which I didn’t realize until I got there but was honestly a game-changer since even summer evenings can get a bit cool this close to the coast.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to anticipate family needs without making a big production of it. Like, there were extra towels already in the room, the restaurant had high chairs that didn’t look like they’d been through a war, and – this is going to sound small but it mattered – the elevators were actually big enough for a family with luggage and maybe a stroller. The rooms themselves are spacious enough that you’re not tripping over each other, and the soundproofing is surprisingly good considering how lively the place can get during peak season. We stayed in July and while it was definitely busy, it never felt chaotic.

The location is sort of perfect if you want to explore this part of Aquitaine. You’re about twenty minutes from the beaches at Biscarrosse, but far enough inland that you’re not dealing with the summer crowds and inflated prices of the coastal towns. There’s actually a really nice walking trail that starts basically from the hotel grounds – the reception can give you a proper map – that winds through the forest and connects to the bigger cycling network. And honestly, having a car is pretty essential here, but parking was never an issue, which can’t be said for a lot of places we’ve stayed on family trips.

The restaurant’s worth mentioning too – it’s not trying to be fancy, just solid regional food done well. The breakfast spread is generous (proper French pastries, local honey, fresh fruit), and dinner has enough variety that even picky eaters will find something. They do a particularly good job with local fish and duck dishes if you’re into that.

Look, it’s not perfect – the WiFi can be spotty in some rooms, and if you’re expecting nightlife or tons of activities, you might be disappointed. But if you want a genuinely relaxing base for exploring the Landes with family, where the staff actually seems to like having kids around and the whole place feels thoughtfully designed rather than just thrown together, Rêve en Famille delivers on its promise. That 8.2 rating feels about right – it’s very good at what it sets out to do, even if it’s not trying to be everything to everyone.

The best resort villages feature carefully designed properties that harmonize with their natural surroundings, offering guests authentic experiences combined with luxury amenities and exceptional hospitality.