L'Atelier

The villa

The owners of L’Atelier had a clear and simple plan: to create beautiful holiday homes in the heart of the Périgord Noir where castles, caves, market towns, vineyards and restaurants offer endless delights for the young and old.

The result is three elegant stone villas, full of traditional and authentic features as well as modern touches and comforts. Each villa has been cleverly designed to have its own private space and beautiful views of the countryside, and benefits from its own private, heated swimming pool.

L’Atelier was the original village forge and is now a spacious home with a beguiling blend of thick old stone walls and exposed wood, original fireplaces and pretty picture windows which overlook the large private wooded park and valley. Indoors there are four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a spacious and inviting open - plan kitchen/dining room and a separate sitting room with large original fireplace. Outdoors a delightful terrace and lawn area surround the pool and provides a beautiful space for relaxing and eating alfresco both during the day and evening. A garden area offers a beautiful view of the private park and the valley.

As far as settings go it would be difficult to find a more enchanting location. This is one of France’s Les Plus Beaux Villages , surrounded by countryside and woods and between beautiful Sarlat and Lascaux. A traditional Dordogne village of typical Périgordian houses, slate tiled roofs and golden stone walls, with at its centre, its majestic church, alongside the ruins of the original abbey. Amongst its places to visit are also the village’s original communal lavoir and bread oven and the restored tobacco barn. A charming tea shop sells fresh bread and croissants in the summer months and from late June to early September there’s usually a typical night market on a Tuesday evening in the village square. Coly and Montignac for local and gastronomic restaurants are just a short drive away.

Guests are spoiled for choice as far as attractions go within a mere 15 to 30 - minute drive away; Sarlat is 25 minutes by car, the caves at Lascaux are just a 15 - minute drive away, troglodyte villages just 30 minutes and Terrasson and many famous châteaux just 15 minutes away. Many of the Dordogne’s beautiful villages are within easy reach.

Relaxing and memorable holidays with family and friends are guaranteed at L’Atelier, where a clever and sympathetic restoration has resulted in a beautiful home - away - from - home, guests come back to year after year.

Located between Montignac - Lascaux (10km) and Sarlat - la - Canéda (23km), surrounded by glorious Dordogne countryside, L'Atelier is located in one of France’s classified ‘ Plus Beaux Villages ’.

Potter into the village where you will find its pretty church, abbey ruins as well as the village’s old bread oven and lavoir . In the summer months you can pick up fresh bread from the little tea shop and from late June to early September there’s usually a typical night market on a Tuesday evening in the village square. Look out for all sorts of regional specialities of the Périgord Noir at the weekly market in nearby Montignac - Lascaux, a historic town on the banks of the Vézère and close to the famous Lascaux - International Centre for Cave Art. There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the river here as well as some wonderful walks, hikes and cycle rides across this area.

You will no doubt come across so many pretty villages as you explore the region, including another one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Saint - Léon - sur - Vézère (19km), as well as many impressive châteaux such as nearby Château Losse (15km) and its gardens. A little further away, Limeuil (45km) is a delightful place to spend time, where the Vézère meets the Dordogne. Admire views from the gorgeous Parc Limeuil or venture down to the water to paddle on the village’s river beach.

The much - loved town of Sarlat - la - Canéda (23km) is such a wonderful day out with its maze of medieval narrow lanes, pretty squares and impressive cathedral. The town has a great reputation for its gastronomy whether sampling Périgord truffles and local foie gras in well - regarded restaurants or soaking up the ambience of the town’s bustling market. Avoid the many summer tourists by heading there early and enjoy the best of the morning light.

A little further south are Dordogne gems including Château de Beynac (32km), Domme (35km) and Castelnaud - la - Chapelle (38km), all near the banks of the Dordogne. Alternatively, head west to Périgueux (63km), the capital city of the Périgord, for more wonderful markets and historic architecture.