We were very happy that Jean Marc and Nathalie did not hesitate to do an extra home exchange this summer, so we got the chance to enjoy the lively city of Lille during a long summer weekend, as it is not far from us. We enjoyed their house so much with all the decoration and colors from around the world. Also in the lovely quiet garden we relaxed after a visit to the beautiful city. Their neighbourhood is great as you have many paths to walk and cycle from the house to the lake and around in beautiful nature. The communication with our hosts was very spontanous and warm. And they left our house tidy and clean. We still talk about our beautiful weekend in Lille!

If you are looking for a stay with charm in a quiet environment, Nathalie and Jean-Marc are the people to go to. Their house captivates with its architecture and is very spacious. We really enjoyed our stay in Villeneuve d'Asacq. The weather cooperated perfectly and we could always have our meals on the terrace. From there, you have a beautiful view of the lovingly landscaped garden. We explored the area by bike and discovered beautiful places. A visit to Lille was also on our list. By car, you can reach the sea in just over an hour. We will remember this home exchange with pleasure!

Belle découverte de cette région du nord de la France. Nous avons eu beaucoup de plaisir. La maison avec son jardin est très jolie et nous avons été très bien accueilli. Merci !

Dear Natalie and Jean-Marc, Thank you very much for the loan of your elegant and stylish house and garden, which provided a welcome haven after each day’s adventures. We were grateful for the lovely items you left for us to consume – especially the red berry cake that you made for us and the delicious tasting tea. The home-file was very useful - the photographs exceedingly helpful. We enjoyed several walks around the nearby lake, visits to the lovely lake cafe and trips away to Tournai, Lille and Mons. The tea room at Holi was most welcome after our trips to the Bio shop or to Carrefour. They have a good selection of teas and their cakes are delicious. One night we sampled one of their Vegan take-away dishes. Le Royal, near the station provides great coffee and the owners are very welcoming and helpful. Very useful if the train is cancelled or delayed. In Tournai, La pâtisserie Quenoy, is wonderful! Excellent coffee and amazing baked products. We found great coffee at Barista Bar in the Grande Place in Tournai. They provide decaffeinated coffee and a selection of vegetable milks, including oat, which was most welcome. For good vegan sandwiches on multi-seed baguettes, we found Panos at Tournai station very useful for a quick lunch or take-away sandwich, if the weather was kind and we could eat outdoors. The staff are very helpful and will create the set sandwiches on multi seed if asked. The tourist office is worth a visit in Tournai and the historical film most impressive. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the 5km walk map is very good, as are the information booklets provided. The videos in the basement are very informative. We enjoyed walks along the river in Tournai. Mons is a lovely little city – very compact and easy to walk around with great cafés and shops. The railway station will be spectacular…. when they complete it! Moma coffee shop produces exceptionally good coffee. Hema is a great store for all manner of items. In Lille, we found Le Pain Quotidian provided an acceptable vegan lunch and Nottinghill provided great coffee. La pâtisserie Meert is a delight, both architecturally and gastronomically. The Cathedral visit was very rewarding – delightful! The architecture and history of Lille is impressive and the centre is great for just wandering and window-shopping. The Cathedral of Norte Dame in Lille bears fitting testament to the strong identity, palpable civic pride and astonishing human and financial resources of this distinctive city which began in 19th Century the audacious project of building a cathedral right out of the French high gothic canon. Everyone we met in French (and Belgium) Flanders was welcoming, friendly and helpful. Thank you once again Jean-Marc & Natalie for your great communication, both during and prior to the exchange. We wish you many more interesting exchanges.

We had a wonderfuly stay in this very cozy, bright and charming house, which actually is much bigger than it looks on the pictures. Jean Marc and Nathalie made available 4 bikes, which we enjoyed very much for discovering the direct neighbourhood. Also the information booklet was very complete, with many useful tips and tricks for small visites in the direct surroundings.