L'Atelier
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Overview
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.
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What you should know…
- A downstairs bedroom is suitable for access by guests with reduced mobility.
- There is air-conditioning in the bedrooms and a floor cooling/heating system downstairs.
- L’Atelier is one of three villas and it can also be booked with the other two villas Maison Boisette and Maison Pierre to accommodate larger groups.
- Opening days and times for the amenities in the village may vary throughout the year.
Property Features
Villa Interior (230m2)
Ground Floor
- Open-plan kitchen-dining room, well equipped including dishwasher, oven, induction hob, fridge-freezer, juicer, toaster, steamer, microwave, Magimix robot and Nespresso coffee machine
- Archway through to living room with fireplace and TV
- Laundry room with washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board
- Bedroom with double bed (160cm, can be made up as twin), air-conditioning, TV and en suite bathroom with large shower and WC. Accessible for guests with restricted mobility
First Floor
- Bedroom with double bed (180cm, can be made up as twin), air-conditioning, TV and bathroom with WC
- Bedroom with double bed (180cm, can be made up as twin), air-conditioning, TV and bathroom with WC
- Bedroom with double bed (180cm, can be made up as twin), air-conditioning, TV and bathroom with WC
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.4m) with electric security cover, open approximately May to end-September
- Poolside terrace and garden furnishings
- Electric plancha
- Garden
- Parking (3 cars)
The stone 'grange' seen by the pool is empty, locked and part of L'Atelier
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (bedrooms only)
- Heating (underfloor heating/cooling system downstairs)
- TVs
- Music speaker
- Washing machine and dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Hairdryers
Location
About the surrounding area of L'AtelierLocated 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.
Local Amenities | |||
---|---|---|---|
Nearest Airport |
Brive–Souillac Airport
(34km) |
||
Nearest Airport 2 |
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
(90km) |
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Nearest Train Station |
Condat Le Lardin
(10km) |
||
Nearest Village |
Coly-Saint-Amand
(0km) |
||
Nearest Shop |
Croissants/bread summer months only
(Short walk ) |
||
Nearest Restaurant |
Local villages/towns
(5 to 15-minute drive ) |
||
Nearest Town |
Montignac-Lascaux
(10km) |
||
Nearest Supermarket |
In and around Montignac-Lascaux
(10km) |
||
Nearest Golf |
Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club
(34km) |
Region
One of France’s most visited destinations, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a beautiful medieval town with a superb reputation for its gastronomy. Staying near Sarlat allows you to experience the town’s rich heritage alongside its fine cuisine, whilst also being close to idyllic villages and natural scenery of the Périgord Noir, never far from the meandering Dordogne River.
Exquisitely restored, explore the old town with its warren of winding lanes with inviting shops, restaurants and characterful cafes. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate Sarlat’s rich history dating back to medieval and Renaissance times – the small yet attractive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos de Sarlat, once a Benedictine abbey, is one of the main highlights of the town.
Spend time learning all about the region’s gastronomy, best experienced at the traditional outdoor market on a Saturday or Wednesday morning. Local specialities are of course served in Sarlat’s many excellent restaurants or bought in little shops across the town – look out for foie-gras, truffles, honey, chestnuts and walnuts. There is also an organic market on Thursday afternoons and a charming covered market near the cathedral.
If staying in the height of the summer, join in one of the region’s marchés nocturnes in nearby villages where you can enjoy local food amongst locals accompanied by good wine and music.
Elsewhere, visit the grand châteaux of the Dordogne (Château des Milandes and Château de Beynac are both less than half an hour away from Sarlat), stroll around elegant gardens (Les Jardins de Marqueyssac by candlelight is especially atmospheric) and visit picture-perfect riverside villages such as La Roque-Gageac and Domme, both classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Heading north instead, the famous caves of Lascaux are also within easy reach.
Hot air balloon rides are a great way to admire the landscapes of the Périgord Noir or simply canoe along the Dordogne River in glorious surroundings. There are of course wonderful walks, tree-top adventure centres and fantastic cycling routes including the 29km-long voie verte stretching from Sarlat to Cazoulès following a former railway line passing magnificent Dordogne countryside.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFrom horse-riding within a 30-minute drive to many wonderful walks for various abilities nearby, there is such a great range of activities for all ages in this part of the Dordogne.
In nearby Montignac, close to the pre-historic cave painting of Lascaux, you will find a Parc de Losirs open in the summer months offering mini-golf, mini-bowling and an inflatable play park (for two hours in the late afternoon). Furthermore, you will find canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the picturesque Vézère.
As well as the many fascinating pre-historic sites across the Vézère valley, the busy town of Le Bugue (40km) features numerous family attractions/amusement parks including the popular Aquarium Périgord Noir and the charming Parc Le Bournat.
Head to the area close to Sarlat for tree-top adventures or perhaps youngsters may prefer to discover Parc aux Dinosaures near the idyllic village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Child-Safe Pool
- Heated Pool
Services Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- Bike Rental Available
- Tennis Court Hire Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Maid service
- Babysitting
- Bike rental
- Tennis court hire
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
From March to December, weddings, stag/hen parties, celebrations and events can take place at L'Atel...
Read moreEvent information
From March to December, weddings, stag/hen parties, celebrations and events can take place at L'Atelier and its neighbouring villas with the owner's prior permission.
There is a church in the local village, just 100m and a large park with a lawn where a marquee can be set up.
Please do contact Oliver's Travels for further information.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
Security deposit | €1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
Security deposit | €1000 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
Arrival time | 4.00 p.m. |
Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Energy costs included? | Yes. |
Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of approximaely €100 per pet per booking will apply, payable locally (maximum of two dogs). Pets are not allowed in the bedrooms and other conditions apply - please enquire. |
Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any celebrations or special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. |
Smoking Allowed? | On outside terrace only. |
Changeover day | Saturday in July and August and Xmas/NY. Flexible during all other periods. |
Minimum stay | 7 nights approximately end-April to early-October and Xmas/NY. 5 nights during all other periods. |
Heating costs included? | Yes and firewood also provided. |
End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
Other Ts and Cs | Air-conditioning is featured in the bedrooms only. |
Other Ts and Cs | Guests will be required to sign a copy of the owner's rental terms before the arrival. |
Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, loss of personal belongings, personal liability and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
Pool heating charge? | Included. The pool is heated to a minimum 22º. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
Pool towels included? | Yes. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
---|---|---|
Aug 31st 2024 - Oct 5th 2024 | - | £3,106 |
Oct 5th 2024 - Dec 21st 2024 | £1,851 | £2,590 |
Dec 21st 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | - | £3,106 |
Jan 4th 2025 - Apr 26th 2025 | £1,726 | £2,415 |
Apr 26th 2025 - Jul 5th 2025 | - | £3,106 |
Jul 5th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | - | £4,800 |
Aug 30th 2025 - Oct 4th 2025 | - | £3,106 |
Oct 4th 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 | £1,851 | £2,590 |
Dec 20th 2025 - Mar 4th 2026 | - | £3,106 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How Long have you owned the property?
We bought it in 2008, over 10 years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
We had a family prop...
Owner Profile
How Long have you owned the property?
We bought it in 2008, over 10 years.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
We had a family property for 3 centuries in the village next door and spent years revising this beautiful farm. We fell in love with the dream location. Being in one of the most beautiful villages of France in the middle of one hectare surrounded by beautiful rocks is incredible. Peace, serenity and beauty.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
When we took up this project of restoration with the old respecting the purest traditions, we had a wall of constraints. First the architect of the buildings of France, the prefecture, the town hall ..... and the village. We decided to redo two houses by undoing all the existing to redo the same by adding modern comfort. The professionals, told us that for such a project, it took 2 years. We gave them 9 months. And exactly 9 months later our first tenant arrived.
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?
JUDITH PRICE: Ms. Judith Price founded AVENUE Magazine in 1975 and sold it in 2001. She is currently founder and President of the National Jewelry Institute, the country's first fine jewelry museum. In 2011 was appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the National Order of the Legion of Honor by the President of the Republic for her “exemplary personal commitment to the culture of France.” We received a phone call one day from an American looking for a house in Dordogne for the following summer. She gives us an appointment 2 months later telling us that she would arrive from NY and leave the same day. She wanted to be sure she was not wrong in her rental.
I explain to her that it is necessary to arrive in Paris, then to take a train until Brive la Gaillarde and from there to rent a car to come to the village. Two months later, we see Judith Price arrive, who stays half an hour and tells us she loves totally the houses but she is in a hurry because she has a plane the next morning for NY. She has returned 4 consecutive years and knows the whole family. We have even been invited to ceremony of Legion of Honor in Paris.
For anyone coming to stay is there anything in the surrounding area they should…
Really do?
Go down the Vézère river or the Dordogne in canoe or kayak.
Really eat?
Truffle butter and poached foie gras.
Really see?
See the caves of Lascaux at 5 kms from the house.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property on the area? Come out of July and August to make the most of the region. There are more than 100 castles, gardens and caves to visit within a radius of 30 kms. There are heavenly restaurants, beautiful roads ... it's even better in spring or autumn and even at Christmas with the activity around the truffle.
Reviews
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We will visit again
It was our third holiday here and we enjoyed it very much. The maison is perfectly equipped and absolutely comfortable. The restaurants in Montignac or Sarlat-la-Canéda are fantastic. Our family will visit the villa again next year.
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An amazing property
An amazing property in a beautiful location. Lots of room for a holiday with family or friends with all the facilities you need for the perfect stay. We would highly recommend. We were well looked after during our stay and the villa was clean on arrival.
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Worth every penny!
The local village is small and tucked away in a glorious wooded valley, it's cobbled narrow streets lead to a central square where there is the imposing 12 century Abbey. There also is a local restaurant serving simple French food and a shop selling a variety of local products from hand made cups to dried cepes to fantastic liqueurs. The owner is a particular delight, as he is very keen for you to try samples! It is very well positioned being just 10 mins drive from Montignac, 20 mins from Sarlat and local interests such as the Grottes. The villa is stunning. It is an imposing Maison Maitre, built from local stone and is one of three neighbouring houses. Even though they are together and share a well maintained 1 acre lawn at the front, they are all very private. It is difficult not to sound over enthusiastic but it's simply brilliant. If you are looking for luxury accommodation mixed with old charm and modern facilities, then this is the place. It is spacious, decor finished to a very high standard, comfortable contemporary furniture, but mixed with a scattering of antique furniture. Our visit was at the beginning of May, the days were warm, but nights were chilly, so we lit a roaring fire in the imposing fireplace, with wood provided. We didn't really need it as there is underfloor heating throughout the ground floor and heaters upstairs, but it made the experience even better. Outside to the rear, there is a cobbled/grass courtyard, where there is the heated pool, with electric cover, a large gas Webber BBQ, sun-loungers, table and chairs, again all of a quality standard. There is access to this directly from the house via double doors from the snug and a door from the kitchen area. This is bordered by a tall stone wall to one side, an old barn wall to another and trees and bushes to another. Here is access to the steps that lead down to the large front grass lawn I mentioned earlier. The owner was a very helpful host, she responded to any of our queries promptly and provided us with the contact details of Vincent, who lives locally. He greeted us and in fact helped our daughter, who had driven to the house before we arrived; she couldn't find the house and he went and found her! It may appear to some that it seems expensive, but if you visit you will see why, as it gives the impression that you are actually staying at someone's home. Would highly recommend and will go back without a second thought.
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Great Dordogne vacation
Four of us stayed here in June. The property is a first class, fantastic renovation of a classic Dordogne house. It features a comfortable living area with fireplace, a large kitchen and dining area on the first floor and four well-appointed bedrooms, each with its own luxurious en suite bathroom. The kitchen and dining area opens onto an outdoor patio next to a private pool. It's located in the picturesque village, a Plus Beaux Villages which features a 12th century fortified church. The village is ideally situated between Sarlat, the principal market town of the Perigord Noir, and Montignac, another quaint village on the Vézère River. All of the Dordogne attractions, including numerous chateaux, prehistoric caves, gardens, markets, restaurants and the river valley itself, are a short easy drive. We would highly recommend this villa as a Dordogne vacation destination.
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It was just perfect!
My wife and I booked L'Atelier for a week in June to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with our son and his family, including three energetic boys. It was just perfect. The property is altogether as good as described and the town is beautifully restored. Of course, one must visit the castles and caves of the Vezere and Dordogne valleys, but back at the villa they have to compete with a very comfortable setting, a pool to jump into to cool off from a day of touring, and a large meadow for a game of soccer. Come to Perigord Noir to see the famous sights. Then, relax and enjoy even more the beauty and pleasure of walking about the local village and many other nearby towns full of medieval and Renaissance architecture and artistic gardens. The longer you stay, the closer to home you will remain!
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.