L’Atelier France

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 village hotel houses a bar-cafè where light meals are available and the newly-opened tea shop also sells fresh bread and croissants. Coly and Montignac for local and gastronomic restaurants, as well as shops are just 5 – 10 minutes away.
Guests are spoiled for choice as far as attractions go within a mere 15 to 30-minute drive away; both Sarlat and the caves at Lascaux are just 15 minutes 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. Here you are just a few steps away from a village which is known as one of France’s Les Plus Beaux Villages, yet still in a beautiful rural location surrounded by countryside and woodland. The traditional Dordogne village has typical Perigordian houses, slate tiled roofs and golden stone walls with a majestic church in the centre, alongside the ruins of the original abbey. You can also visit the village’s original lavoir and bread oven and restored tobacco barn.
You will find more restaurants, shops and a supermarket in the nearby town of Montignac (6km) which is located on the banks of River Vézère. You can explore the historic town, admire the beautiful houses with balconies on the river bank and visit the Château. The Lascaux caves, just outside Montignac, are also a highlight of this part of Dordogne plus there is a wealth of activities in this area from hiking paths across the stunning countryside to canoeing along the Vézère.
Other highlights along the river include Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (20km), another Plus Beaux Villages, Château and Gardens of Losse (15km) and the beautiful Limeuil (45km), where the Vézère meets the Dordogne and you can paddle by the river beach or enjoy some fine views from Parc Limeuil after wandering through the delightful village.
Sarlat (23km) is one of the most remarkable towns in the region with a maze of medieval narrow streets to explore, lovely squares and an interesting cathedral. The town has some fantastic restaurants and there are many opportunities to sample some of the fine Perigord truffles and foie gras that the town is so famous for. The town can get busy during the summer months but you can usually avoid the crowds by heading there early and enjoying the morning light. Combine the day with a visit to Château de Beynac (31km) and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (40km) for a remarkable day out in the Dordogne.
There is a wealth of activities in the area for all ages with horse-riding and golf both within half an hours drive and a number of well-known hikes for all abilities through the glorious countryside nearby. Kids will love the Dinosaur Park (20km) or the Aquarium du Perigord Noir (40km) and the more adventurous may enjoy go-karting just south of Périgueux or tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat. At Excellence Luxury Villas 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 Excellence Luxury Villas 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- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Extra cleaning (€30/hour)- Catering and meal delivery- Pre-stocked fridge/shopping service – Cooking lessons- Babysitting- Massage- 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!