We too watched all of the Real Wife Swaps series, and with special interest , the last of the series where the entire program was filmed at Peyraille.
We holidayed there about 5 years ago, and it was our first "taste" of a swingers/naturist holiday.
We've read the all the messages posted about the last episode in the series, and can perfectly understand - based on what was televised - most of the conclusions that have been made about Peyraille and the host, Peter......
But, having actually been there, we do feel that some things weren't necessarily portrayed in a completely accurate way......
There`was a large book of "house rules" - this is true.
But most of these rules dealt with mundane things like breakages must be paid for, being abusive to other guests (either verbally or physically), not getting completely legless on alcohol. or doing drugs - all the same sort of rules that you would expect to find in any swingers club anywhere in the country...... but also explain the opportunities for "group" trips across to Spain, the local swinger's club etc etc...
There is a rule about no sex around the pool, but there is (was) a reson for this.
Although Peyraille is situated almost "in the middle of nowhere", it is surrounded by farm land. We were there in mid-late September and it was obviously harvest time for whatever crops the local farmers grow.
The pool area is bounded on 3 sides by farmland, and most days whlst relaxing by the pool a tractor would come by - OK about 200 yds or so away (so not exaclty "in your face"), but close enough that anything going on near the pool would be clearly visible.
We may all be liberated, but the "pool" rule was there so no locals are offended by what they might see - Fance is still (I thnk) a predominantly Catholic country !!!
One of the other major "rules" was that you are at Peyraille on "holiday".
It does cater , almost exclusively, for swingers, but (and again like most swingers clubs) it does not gaurantee that you will be swinging with other couples from the time you arrive till the time that you leave.....
We agree whole heartedly with this board's praise for Donna & Richard, but also feel that the rules at Peyraille probably allowed the "virgin" couple (especially the female) to feel relexed and "safe", despite the presence of another couple who were obviously more "seasoned" in the swinging lifestyle.
The kung-fu lesson featured on the programme didn't do much for us.
Othe third day that we were at Peyraille, Peter arranged all of the guests (there were 4 couples) to go to the local firing range .
Up until that afternoon, conversation had been a little bit stilted between all of the couples.
No one really knew anyone else, and everyone was too scared to make the first conversational move - but with male (and female) pride at stake by the end of the afternoon's shooting everyone was getting along as if they'd known each other for ages.....
We will say that Peter is "unique".
He is passionate about his food and his wine - and the quality of both were exceptional at Peyraille - and he's very much into health & fitness.
His attitude towards smokers may have come over a little harsh on the TV, but is this any different to "we are nonsmokers and expect the same" that you see in some swingers ads ? Smoking does wreck you health, you DO smell like an ashtray (to non smokers at least), and it does dull you palatte !!!!!
The week we spent at Peyraille 5 years ago was, and has been to date, the most relaxing and enjoyble holiday we have ever had.
We didn't swing while we were there, but did meet and spend quality tme with some of the most friendly, interesting and open minded people that you could ever hope to meet.
C & M
