Villa Shambhala France

Nature inspires art here at this sophisticated villa in Bordeaux. The owner has a passion for art and style, which influences every room of this 4 bedroom holiday villa. Clean, modern design beautifully highlights vintage architectural details, like the cobbled plaza and the worn wooden beams. But outside is the crown jewel – this villa overlooks the Dordogne river, and only a few steps will take you down to the riverbank.
You’ll be drawn out to look at the river and the stars by the many outdoor spaces: the courtyard, roof terrace, private river garden and the salle d’ete. A riverside stroll will put you in touch with the wildlife (you can also fish or swim). If you’re inspired by the views you’re in luck, this French villa has an art studio.
It’s a scenic walk to coffee and croissant in the nearest town, Pessac. A twenty minute drive will bring you to Saint Emilion, where world class restaurants sit beside ancient ruins. Though the Bordeaux region is famous for its eponymous style of wine, the city of Bordeaux (45 km) has diverse attractions, like Musée des Beaux Arts and the Grand Théâtre, two historic temples to fine art.
The welcoming climate and stunning scenery of the Dordogne encourage exploration, and the region has many treasures to delight wine connoisseurs, gourmets, artists and activity enthusiasts alike.
The chic bustle of St Emilion, only twenty minutes from Shambhala, offers stylish boutiques, contemporary fine art and world class restaurants. Following the Dordogne and Lot waterways will reward the explorer with many new delights, as charming villages and market towns such as Bergerac, Souillac and Cahors were established through trade along their banks.
Bordeaux is an elegant city filled with architectural delights. The visitor can enjoy the narrow streets of the old town, stunning 18th Century mansion houses, the neoclassical theatre and wide boulevards lined with boutique shops in this diverse and attractive city.
Along the Dordogne are many fine chateaux such as Beynac and Monpazier, mainly built for military action against England during the 100 Years’ War. Each summer only ten minutes from Shambhala a dramatic battle re-enactment is held at Castillon de Bataille. The home of the philosopher Michel Montaigne is only 10 minutes away, and there are fine Gallo-Roman mosaics to be seen in the neighbouring village of Montcaret.
The traditional French hamlet location is a peaceful centre from which to explore the region, with excellent amenities close by.
The local village of Pessac is a lazy walk along the Dorgogne where you can take a coffee, drink and pick up fresh croissants and papers while enjoying the beautiful countryside, vineyards, apple orchards and walnut groves. When you reach the village there is a small supermarket, boulangerie, tabacconist, hair salon and two restaurants. Slightly further out you have Castillon and Sante Foy that have larger supermarkets and various markets throughout the week which specialise in local produce.
The nearby Chateau Bauduc, favoured by Gordon Ramsay and Rick Stein, is a must for wine connoisseurs and offers a programme of tours and tastings, with private visits by arrangement. Wine tours of the many local vineyards are a wonderful chance to sample world-renowned names. Chateau Monbazillac is at Bergerac and St Emilion, Cahors and others are all nearby, offering a chance to sample outstanding wines on the soil where the grapes are grown.
To accompany the wines are many famous traditional cheeses, truffles, mushrooms, duck and goose delicacies such as foie gras. The wealth of gourmet produce makes this area a paradise for foodies, who will be delighted by the local markets of Castillon, Sante Foy and Libourne. This passion for fine produce is reflected in the many excellent restaurants throughout the region.
Travel InformationAirport: Bordeaux and Bergerac approx 45 km.Railway: Veline.Ferry: Calais, St Malo and Dieppe. – There is a midweek clean and laundry service available for €10 an hour.- There is also a local baby sitter that charges €15 an hour.
Wine Tours
If you have a passion for wines and want to know more about them, your time here will be delightfully spent. The owner, Kit organises very special wine tours of small groups to see famous cellars of St Emilion from the inside.
Kit is often on hand to advise on sightseeing and wine tours or to leave you in peace. She also runs art and wine courses.
Art Courses
Experiential art company ‘Live in Art’ has launched a series of new residential art courses taught by acclaimed French contemporary artist Eric Bourse.
The location of the courses is Live in Art’s first permanent ‘living gallery’ space and studio, the luxurious Villa Shambhala on the banks of the beautiful Dordogne river in south west France. With its dedicated art studio and gallery space, direct private river access and only 20 minutes from world UNESCO site Saint-Emilion, it’s the perfect spot for an inspirational weekend of painting and wine tasting in the Dordogne.
Take full advantage of the expert teaching techniques of Eric Bourse who will offer you a personal guidance in developing skills and personal style through the versatile medium of acrylics. All abilities are welcome – beginners wanting a taster session to start them on their painting journey or more experienced painters who want to develop their style and technique. All materials and equipment needed to take part in the course will be provided with a small canvas completed to take home at the end of the course.
The art studio at Villa Shambhala has been developed under Eric’s direction and is hung with Eric’s own work, as well as used as his own working space. Villa Shambhala is also hung as a ‘living gallery’ of Eric’s work and other French contemporary artists.

Villa Details