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Reviews of The French Cottage

491 Villiers Street, 9707 Clarens, South Africa

#7 of 117 Holiday rentals in Clarens

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 55 hotel reviews

9.5

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.7

  • Comfort

    9.7

  • Location

    9.8

  • Facilities

    9.6

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.4

  • Free WiFi

    8.3

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 18 July 2025

    10
    Want to keep this gem a secret
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    What a beautiful place. Out of this world. Felt like I was in France.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 July 2025

    10
    Excellent
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wonderful

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 June 2025

    10
    Amazing
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing I loved everything

    The location, the accommodation the beautiful waterfall and cave gives you a feeling that you could be anywhere in the world The attention to detail as I am a linen snob , the beds were super comfortable warm and the linen exceptional, the owners have thought of everything to ensure you enjoy yourselves and unplug from with world. Our stay was too short but will be back to really recharge our batteries Thank you Jules

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beautiful location

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 April 2025

    8.0
    Wonderful setting and a thoroughly charming cottage. We had everything we needed.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights

    It was very muddy and wet when we arrived and we had difficulty getting into the property

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 April 2025

    10
    Wonderful stay at the French Cottage
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Nothing which I can add here - Everything was lovely.

    We had a wonderful stay at the French Cottages. Everything we needed was provided, making our experience comfortable and enjoyable. The small fireplace added a charming touch, and we loved the ground coffee left for us. The cottage was well-equipped for the cold nights, with warm blankets that kept us cozy. We also took advantage of the nearby attractions, enjoying the short walk to the cave and the river walk. The spacious and cozy setup of the cottage made our stay even more delightful. Thank you, Julia, for providing such a fantastic retreat.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 February 2025

    8.0
    Delightful. Friendly owners. Beautiful setting. Lovely 5 minute walk from town.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The only disappointment was no Rooibos tea bags!

    Pretty little cottage nestling against the sandstone crags and Clarens Nature Reserve. Sweet bedrooms. Delightful grounds. A very happy little spot to call home for the night.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2025

    8.0
    A beautiful experience. You have to be bold person to stay there though.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    You need to bring your own iron. While I would have preferred to have my outfit ironed, it wasn’t much of a train smash.

    The best place to go if you want to be out of everything noisy. I could easily be with my family while still having time to self. You don’t even need to go anywhere really, especially if you come prepared.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 December 2024

    10
    Delightful accommodation in a perfect setting
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The upstairs was linked to downstairs by an outside stairway…but we soon got used to this

    Set against the mountain, The French Cottage had a perfect location. It was quiet and secluded- the only noise coming from the rich bird life. One of the Clarens Conservancy Trails started and ended right outside the property. The kitchen was well equipped and the beds comfortable. The Cottage had a lovely atmosphere!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 November 2024

    9.0
    Magical Getaway
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The second and third bedroom are set together outside of the main lounge, kitchen and bedroom. These bedrooms should have a mini fridge and kettle.

    just loved the ambience and setting 😍 beautiful historical building set against the backdrop of the sandstone cliffs and stunning walkways. A magical stay.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 November 2024

    10
    Amazing and I will definately visit again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The French Cottage is the most beautiful cottage. The location is absolutely amazing and the surroundings very nice. Garden is neat and very quiet. A must to visit.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 October 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The road to the cottage is very bumpy. Luckily, we went with our Ford Ranger. Safe parking but not covered.

    Very comfortable beds and beautiful linen. Very clean and everything we needed. Superb surroundings. We walked every day to the mountain and into town. Very good experience. Julia, our host, was always friendly and offered her assistance and help if needed. We could braai every evening. Rooms are big and bathrooms have a bath and a shower. We can recommend the French Cottage for excellent accommodation.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 October 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beautiful cottage and close to nature.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 September 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This was a beautiful stay. It was tranquil and the views are stunning!

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 September 2024

    10
    We had a lovely time, everything was perfect.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 1 night

    Location was phenomenal, we only spent one night unfortunately. Would have loved to explore the property more (walking trails).

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 July 2024

    9.0
    Family at the cottage
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The architecture of the building suits the surrounding mountains well. It's a hidden gem all must get to experience. From the "thinking path" to the decor, so well thought out and plenty of heaters in every room to warm up.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 April 2024

    9.0
    Great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    it was difficult to get into the property

    Great Location

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 April 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This lovely cottage has all the facilities needed for a comfortable and romantic stay. The surroundings and the garden are of a breathtaking beauty. There is even a cave with amazing bushman paintings nearby the cottage, the latter being situated at walking distance from the idyllic Clarens village, where one can find plenty of small original shops, ranging from art galleries to antiques, crafts and souveniers shops. Sunny terraces and cosy restaurants perfect the picture. In one word, this place has everything one might need for a perfect holiday: art, history, gastronomy and nature.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 April 2024

    10
    We felt more at home at the French Cottage than at any of the places we have stayed on our travels.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Kitchen scissors would have been useful.

    We had everything we needed for our self-catering stay including nice touches such as ground coffee, and toiletries in the bathrooms. The interiors are decorated with beautiful fabrics. The location is wonderful with stunning views and the stone cottage is utterly charming. There are a variety of outdoor areas to sit or have meals and a must is the overhang cave within a short walking distance behind the cottage.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 March 2024

    10
    Beautiful, peaceful location very well located
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beautiful, peaceful location very well located. Friendly, attentive host in Julia.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful, relaxing weekend
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    The location, in nature, beautiful walk to the mountains and rock formations. Beautifully decorated and a dishwasher!!!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 March 2024

    10
    Stylish, quaint and private stone house in a gorgeous setting!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The privacy, location, furnishing, comfortable beds and very well equipped kitchen. Julia left us fire wood indoors and outdoors!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 February 2024

    10
    I would pay double to stay there again
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Not Applicable

    The property is filled with the most amazing fruit trees!! The best most beautiful hikes and walks to do. As soon as I arrived a felt calm. What a relaxing place to be.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2024

    10
    Couples weekend awat
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Three-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    The surroundings are magnificent, couldn't ask for a better little natural oasis. The house and facilities and brae area are perfect! Such a beautiful place and very close to town to get to restaurants and bars. Super quiet so perfect for anyone who wants to escape to their own personal wilderness. Julia and Co are just brilliant and so helpful. Would love to stay again!

    Stayed in January 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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