Mas De Jouas- Family Balcony Suite (2 Rooms)

The idyllic blend of a beautiful setting, stylish accommodation, great facilities for mini guests and the warm hospitality of English ex-pat owners Abbi and Danny, with their two young daughters, has firmly planted Mas de Jouas at the top end of our 'Best Rated by Past Guests' list each year. This friendly mini boutique hotel is the kind of place that strips off the baggage of everyday life and lets families focus on enjoying each other and the, more than likely, great company around them.

Days here tend to slip into an easy routine beginning with wandering downstairs - kids often still in PJs - to be greeted by freshly baked croissants, cereals and fruits; then taking turns watching the kids explore the safe grounds and play areas, followed by heading out to potter around a local attraction or town and then returning for an afternoon by the lovely pool. Mini guests gather together for their supper - cooked up by Abbi whose experience as a parent shows in the menus - on the terrace at about 5.30pm whilst parents grab a chilled beer or wine and share tips on what they've done that day. A little later, they tuck their little ones up in bed and head back to the dining room or terrace beneath the bedrooms to enjoy their own sociable supper (included 5-nights a week) accompanied by laid back tunes, flickering candles and, if he's in the mood to mix, one of Danny's famous Mojitos to round off the night.

There's plenty of opportunity for romance (remember that?) too with one babysitting night a week included in the price and the option to add another at reasonable rates. Alternatively, order a pizza or picnic from Abbi, buy a bottle of champagne from the house fridge, grab a baby monitor and dine 'out' under the stars at one of the pretty tables for two scattered throughout the grounds. It’s easy to see why the 'Mas de Jouas Magic' is a formula that has been known to bring grownups, let alone their offspring, to tears when their last day rolls around!


Accommodation Overview:

Mas de Jouas accommodates three to four families at a time in a choice of a large family room or multi-room suites. All are set within a tasteful 3-storey barn conversion adjacent to the home of friendly owners and social supper hosts, Abbi and Danny and their two young daughters. The ground level is home to the communal areas including the guest kitchen with help yourself fridge and the lounge/dining room. By day, this area is often used as a shady play room by mini guests taking a break from the pool or the sun to enjoy colouring, puzzles or watch DVDs. On cooler evenings, it is transformed, with candles and a soundtrack of chilled out tunes, into a laid back dining room for grown ups where Abbi delivers mouth watering meals and Danny pours the wine whilst guests mingle.

2 Bed Family Suite:

The Family Balcony Suite comprises two interconnecting rooms. The first has a king-sized bed, laid with a high quality Bultex mattress and Egyptian cotton linens, whilst the second has two single beds. Both rooms have space for an additional cot or toddler bed and each has its own ensuite bathroom with bath tub and shower over. There are LCD TVs and CD/DVD Players in each room. Prices range from 2000€-2450€ per week. Rates are based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children 2-10yrs (€80 discount for couples with child under 2) inhabiting both rooms. Click 'prices' tab above to check availability and calculate exact pricing.

Pricing Notes

Prices include: 5 dinners (one being Sunday lunch) a week with wine, one night of either babysitting or local bread oven pizza, daily breakfasts, access to a well-stocked drinks fridge, a load of laundry and kiddies supper each night. Baby food is not provided but Abbi is very happy to either whiz up or chop up what the other children are having, or offer guests can prepare baby foods and store in pot provided, if a mini guest is weaning. Cot and linen is included in the price.

Prices do not include: Bottled wine, champagne, additional laundry, pre-arrival shopping service (can include nappies, wipes, formula etc.)and local taxes at €0.50 per person (incl. children/infants) per day.

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The Aveyron is home to "Roquefort" cheese, "Marciac" wine, "Laguiole" cutlery and cheese, Cantal cheese, rocamadour fabulous local delicacies such as "farcous", plenty of foie gras, cured meats and sausage and the most wonderful cepes and vegetables, and the famous Aveyronais cheesy mash "Aligot!" and lots more. There are some wonderful short nature walks right on the doorstep.

For the kids there are a couple of excellent insect worlds, lots of different animal parks; one with a fabulous chateaux with giant wooden games and a medieval garden with a “guess the herbs game” and a fabulous glass tunnel through the middle of a lion pen.A steam train at Martel boasts incredible views and other interactive water and nature parks offer fabulous days out. There is canoeing in Najac and Saint Antonin Noble Val andthe option to view the Millau viaduct by Kayak too. There are plenty of lakes for watersports and many wonderful picnic spots.

Abbi and Danny's recommendations of 'plus jolie' places to visi tinclude Belcastel 25 min drive away for picture perfect riverside picnics and the 1909 restaurant for fresh foie gras, then a leisurely stroll to the stunning chateau and view the exhibition of Disney/WB artwork and wonder at the spectacular views from the top. For a glorious day out, some wonderful walks and gourmet restaurants, they thoroughly recommend San Cirq Lapopie, only 35 mins away, there is a wine museum and fabulous bijoux art and craft shops and exhibitions, a river with safe swimming area and a picnic spot. At Najac there are some lovely riverside picnic spots and canoe centres. The castle is well worth a visit and there are some lovely shops and restaurants. The small bastide village of Villeneuve is only 5 minutes drive, it hosts 3 restaurants, a cafe under the arches, and hosts a medieval fete during the last weekend in July each year with spit roast pigs, dancing and fireworks for the dinner in the evening and Abbi and Danny would be happy to book tickets for you.

Getting There: Nearby airports include Rodez (40mins) or Toulouse (1.5hrs).

testimonial scores:5:0:5:0

This is as near to a perfect holiday with toddlers as is possible. Outstanding f...

This is as near to a perfect holiday with toddlers as is possible. Outstanding food cooked for the little ones and adults, you guiltily won't have to lift a finger all week. Abbi & Danny are great hosts and will make sure you have a wonderful time. Also in a beautiful region of France!
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

This is a lovely family hotel who cater so we for the children. magnificent foo...

This is a lovely family hotel who cater so we for the children. magnificent food for both the parents and the kiddies. It was really nice to feel that your little ones are secure in bed in the evening allowing us to enjoying some grown up time. Something we've missed from other holidays. A thoroughly lovely holiday was had by us all.

Abbi and Dany were great hosts and we had a wonderful holiday. Truly a baby- an...

Abbi and Dany were great hosts and we had a wonderful holiday. Truly a baby- and toddler-friendly place with time off for adults too :)
Overall Experience Rating: 100%

A perfect family holiday....

A perfect family holiday.

Just had to write to say how fabulous our week at Mas de Jouas was. We had an a...

Just had to write to say how fabulous our week at Mas de Jouas was. We had an amazing time with Abbi and Danny and have made some great friends too. Our little boys aged 2 and 1 were absolutely content and it was a wonderful break, with delicious food, lovely rooms and a great area with lots to do.

Imagine the décor and atmosphere of a boutique hotel, sublilme and sumptuous me...

Imagine the décor and atmosphere of a boutique hotel, sublilme and sumptuous meals, warm and welcoming hosts and the most child-friendly facilities and surroundings, and you are imagining Le Mas de Jouas.

Not only did we double our length of stay while we were there, we're already ach...

Not only did we double our length of stay while we were there, we're already aching to go back.

The most relaxing hoiday I've had in many years. Abbi and Danny are extremely th...

The most relaxing hoiday I've had in many years. Abbi and Danny are extremely thoughtful and welcoming hosts, the setting and accommodation are stunning as is the local area. Abbi is a seriously talented chef and our 3 year old had the best time playing with Abbi and Danny's gorgeous daughters in the pool, playground and in the lovely grounds. Can't think of a single thing that could have improved the experience, bliss!

I couldn't imagine a more perfect holiday. The location, facilities, food and ac...

I couldn't imagine a more perfect holiday. The location, facilities, food and accommodation were simply superb. But what made it extra special was Abi and Danny's hospitality and generosity. As exemplary hosts they pulled out all the stops to ensure their guests had a relaxing and enjoyable time. I have never seen my 7 month old laugh and smile so much. We were truly ad to leave but we will definitely be returning!"

The epitome of baby-friendly accommodation!...

The epitome of baby-friendly accommodation!

Abby & Danny provided the most relaxing family focused holiday we have ever had....

Abby & Danny provided the most relaxing family focused holiday we have ever had. They just love kids! If you want a holiday where you can have fun in the pool with the kids or put your feet up with a glass of wine then I would recommend Mas de Jouas.

We cannot thank Abbi and Danny enough for making us so very welcome. Lovely atmo...

We cannot thank Abbi and Danny enough for making us so very welcome. Lovely atmosphere and great attention to detail.

Fantastic place for pre-schoolers. Abbi is a great cook. We really enjoyed the ...

Fantastic place for pre-schoolers. Abbi is a great cook. We really enjoyed the evenings with dinner - a great chance to socialise and get to know the other guests.

Abbi and Danny were most fantastic hosts and went out of their way to make sure ...

Abbi and Danny were most fantastic hosts and went out of their way to make sure that all of our needs were met. A must for those who want a really relaxing holiday with their babies/toddlers. Truly magical holiday!

Abbi, Danny and the girls were so welcoming and went out of their way to ensure ...

Abbi, Danny and the girls were so welcoming and went out of their way to ensure our stay was as relaxing and easy going as possible. Our meal was wonderful and the facilities were fantastic for our baby, from floats in the pool, to walkers, highchairs and playpens. Such an easy holiday with small children. We can't wait to go back!

Unbelievable holiday. We had a fabulous time. Not only is the accommodation and ...

Unbelievable holiday. We had a fabulous time. Not only is the accommodation and location stunning, but more importantly Danny & Abbi are simply wonderful hosts. Our daughters had an amazing time and we all desperately want to come back as soon as possible. I haven't cried because I didn't want to go home from holiday since I was a child but both my daughter and I were crying much of the way to Toulouse! The food, wine, pool, gourmet picnic & weather were all incredibly good, but most of all the hosts' attention to detail was outstanding and we enjoyed their company very much. We have made friends for life here and will return again and again!

We had a wonderful time and ended up feeling like we were on holiday with friend...

We had a wonderful time and ended up feeling like we were on holiday with friends. Abbi and Danny were fantastic hosts and the whole set-up made for such a relaxing and fun time - not what we expected from our first holiday with a baby! Mas de Jouas is a gorgeous place to stay and we definitely plan to return.

We had very high expectations for our first family holiday at Mas De Jouas, main...

We had very high expectations for our first family holiday at Mas De Jouas, mainly due to the stunning photos and glowing feedback we saw on the website. Having such expectations can sometimes be a downfall as they never quite hit the target, we needn't have worried! From the moment Abbi and Danny welcomed us as we approached the stunning grounds of Mas De Jouas we felt comfortable, relaxed and very well looked after. The facilities provided everything you could possibly need when holidaying with a baby and a stressed husband! It was almost as though Abbi and Danny could mind read our requirements and if hosting were an olympic sport, Abbi and Danny would win gold medals! A holiday that couldn't be faulted...except maybe for the increased waist line due to Abbi's DELICIOUS cooking! We'll definitely be darkening the Mas De Jouas door again.

Another wonderful holiday. All of us had a great time and are sad to be back in ...

Another wonderful holiday. All of us had a great time and are sad to be back in cloudy England! As before,the warm hospitality was much appreciated. The small changes made since last year (honesty fridge, good mix of larger and (slightly!) less large dinners etc) have only improved what was an already great experience. We again met some great people and I'm especially sure that Rhys will miss all his little friends/playground/pool etc.

We had the most fantastic time. As you know having 2 littl'uns is hard work but ...

We had the most fantastic time. As you know having 2 littl'uns is hard work but we managed to have time for the 2 of us, even the odd hour around the pool was heaven and then the evenings for drinks and dinner were special and a real laugh. The food was excellent every night and Danny's wines, devilish cocktails and aperitivos hit the spot. Both Abbi and Danny are very special hosts and it was a pleasure to have holidayed with them and their family. We have memories of this trip that will stay with us forever.

This was the best of all holidays. Abbi & Danny are the perfect hosts, an idylic...

This was the best of all holidays. Abbi & Danny are the perfect hosts, an idylic location, beautiful rooms, fantastic food. We loved it so much we stayed on for another week. Happy days! Merci Mas de Jouas

We had a lovely time at Mas de Jouas, Abbi and Danny could not have been more fr...

We had a lovely time at Mas de Jouas, Abbi and Danny could not have been more friendly and helpful, and the facilities and food were excellent

Owner Profile

We are Danny and Abbi, a young sociable fun-loving couple with 2 little girls of 3 and 6! When our first princess came along it put a lot of things into perspective, most importantly that we needed a life style change, so we gave up corporate work and totally dropped our old life for countryside, French food and the dream way of life! We have absolutely no regrets, the French health system has proven itself many times to us and even a few of our mini guests, and the school system is wonderful. Abbi being fortunate enough to be offered the perfect job teaching English and running an English activity day at the school creche, and we have completely immersed ourselves into our local French community.

We were married in beautiful remote spot 2.5hrs south of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, and when we arrived at Jouas, the romanticism came flooding back and we had to have it! The location of Jouas is stunning, quiet, yet close enough for us to commerce to not feel secluded! Jouas has an ambiance that instantly relaxes you, space for the little ones to run about and a wonderful pool that everyone loves! Being parents ourselves, we found it really hard to find a holiday where we could relax, where the kids actually felt they weren't restricted, and not compromise on luxury and good taste, excellent food or security. So we created what we believe is our dream holiday. The fact that Jouas is one building and separate from our accommodation (where we also live with the kids grandparents) gives guests freedom to wander down to the living area in the morning in their PJs with early rises and make a cuppa, pop on the telly, get out the toys and read a book/put their feet up, or chat to the other guests doing the same thing, while their partner has a lie in (we do suggest you maybe take turns!)! With the accommodation being in the same building just above the terrace and dining area, it is like being at home, monitors work right through the building and we have gravel everywhere (as well as dogs and grandparents next door!!) for extra security. We are so fortunate, the guests we have stay are in general of a similar nature and often age and the atmosphere is always a real mix of relaxation, fun and fabulous conversation. While the kids run around making new friends, Mums and Dads (and often grandparents and friends!) sit back with a glass of wine, beer or even a cuppa and have a well earned break! This year is our first year where we are including the drinks and food in the price, this is based on 3 years of trends, guest requests and our dream of again keeping the whole Jouas experience as relaxed as possible! Finally, Jouas is our 3rd baby, we have a friend helping out with the cleaning, no contractors, but apart from that we do it all ourselves, because we feel that guests deserve to know who is going in their rooms and feel secure with their little ones.

We have two little ambassadors for Jouas of our own! Our oldest has been here since she was 2 and our youngest was born into the Jouas way of life! They have the freedom to wonder through the grounds, up to our house, feed the ducks and wondering chickens with us confident of their safety with high standard barriers round the pool for example! Then there is the playground, toys everywhere and of course the plethera of other children that they have as company from April to October every year! Our girls (4 and 6) make super playmates and love to show the other children round their palace and look after them! Kids are often wondering round with home made ice lollies, or meringues, pizza topping and paint smeared all over them! Thankfully we offer 2 loads of washing per week!!!!!! Our mission statement "A happy child = a happy parent = a happier child = a perfect holiday"!!!!!!!