Résidence Mes Amours d’Enfants – Les Villas du Lac

Résidence Mes Amours d’Enfants – Les Villas du Lac Overview

You know what struck me first about Résidence Mes Amours d’Enfants? The name itself – it literally means “my childhood loves” in French, and honestly, that’s exactly the vibe this place captures. It’s tucked away on Avenue de la Petre in Soustons, which most people just drive through on their way to the bigger beach towns, but that’s actually what makes it special. The property sits right by Lac de Soustons, and I mean right by it – you can hear the water lapping from some of the villas, especially in the evening when everything goes quiet.

The setup here is interesting because it’s not your typical hotel at all. These are proper little villas scattered around the property, each with their own character. I stayed in one that had this slightly weathered wooden deck (in a good way – gave it that lived-in lake house feel) and large windows that actually opened wide, not those tiny hotel slits you usually get. The interiors are clean and functional without being fancy – think IKEA meets French countryside cottage. What I really appreciated was the kitchen setup in each villa. It’s not just a mini-fridge and microwave situation; you can actually cook a proper meal, which comes in handy since Soustons isn’t exactly overflowing with restaurants. There’s a decent Carrefour about ten minutes away if you need supplies.

The lake is honestly the star here though. It’s this massive freshwater lake that somehow doesn’t get the crowds that the ocean beaches do, even in summer. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks right from the property – the guy who runs the rental spot is this chatty local who knows every fishing spot and will talk your ear off about the best places to catch pike (if you’re into that sort of thing). The walking path around the lake connects to the town center, which is a pleasant twenty-minute stroll past some genuinely charming old houses. I mean, it’s not Instagram-famous charming, just real French small-town charming. The management is pretty hands-off, which works well if you’re the independent type but might feel a bit sparse if you’re used to full-service hotels. Check-in was straightforward, parking is free and plentiful, and honestly, the whole place has this relaxed family-friendly atmosphere without being overrun by kids. The 8.2 rating makes sense – it’s not luxury, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a peaceful lakeside retreat where you can actually unwind without fighting crowds or paying resort prices.