Sometimes you’re lucky enough to go on a family vacation that you can’t stop thinking about. Such is the case today, while it’s a bit cold, and there was actually snow on my car this morning. My thoughts drift back to the sun filled days of our past two summers in Dordogne when we stayed at Le Chevrefeuille. I’ve written how fantastic of a place this is for kids and adults- with the charm and the beauty of a small French hideaway. It’s everything you think it is. But it wasn’t until last year that we promised ourselves that we would seek out the artist Guy Weir who we learned lived somewhere nearby.
Watching him work.
Who
The watercolor artist Guy Weir is an Englishman who has been living in the Dordogne area since the 1970s. I remember noticing prints on the walls of our guest room that first year- and I asked Sara (the lovely host) who created them. She told me that this man lived around the way and he had a studio/gallery where he created and sold his work. I thought it sounded intriguing, but being our first time in Dordogne we were distracted and ran out of time.
Our walk to his studio.
Fortunately, the second summer we went, we made sure to meet him. He’s wonderful. Very charming- he was kind to the boys and greeted us like it was the most normal thing in the world for people to walk up to his studio in damp bathing suits fresh from the pool. He told us about himself and his art, his travels and experiences. The whole thing was idyllic in the sense that this was something we didn’t do every day- let alone encounter in some fairytale sort of village.
What
Inside the old farmhouse is his gallery.
I fell in love with a print he created of a bicycle and flowers- and wanted to see some of his creations in real life. Additionally I saw a poster of his sunflowers- which reminded me of the many sunflower fields we passed in the region. When we arrived at his gallery we saw many prints hanging on the walls, an upstairs with even more treasures, and a table to our right filled with posters that were also for sale.
The two posters we framed and hung on our wall.
We bought those two posters and took them home as our travel tchotchke. They hang on our living room wall and remind us of those two fun summers we spent in Dordogne. I want to always remember driving through that beautiful country- even with the boys yelling/fighting/being kids from the back seat and all.
Where
This doesn’t even look real.
Just a short stroll down a narrow lane, behind Le Chevrefeuille you’ll find his studio. An old renovated French farmhouse- it’s warm and inviting without being even remotely pretentious. We walked into his studio looking a little disheveled- but trying to be as respectful as possible. We had no idea what to expect- but our hosts had assured us that he was very friendly and would welcome our interruption.
Go
The sign that says ‘This way!’
So if you’re still on the fence with where to go and what to do this summer, I highly encourage you to read my posts from our two past experiences and stay at Le Chevrefeuille so you can go meet this nice man yourself.
You can find him during the summer months at his studio: Pechbouthier 24220 Meyrals, France.
You can see my Dordogne posts here:
- Le Chevrefeuille review on Travel Mamas
- Things To Do In Dordogne: Families Welcome!
- More What To Do In Dordogne
Guy Weir’s website can be found here. Also, check out the Le Chevrefeuille Facebook page for a blurb on a Summer 2015 special, and follow them on Twitter. The main website for Le Chevrefeuille website can be found here.
Nothing to disclose, just want to inspire you to see this region since we aren’t going back this year (sob!). Book soon as they always fill up.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
To me, this is what the expat experience is all about: finding a tiny corner of the world that speaks to your heart and soul.
Exactly. We never would have known about this place had we not lived here a while. It’s a true gem. Did you ever get to see the Dordogne area?
Unfortunately, no. The only thing we got to see in France was Paris. I realize Paris is far from the typical French experience. But, with only really traveling our second year, I had to choose between Paris and something more quaintly French. I decided that I would regret not taking the kids to Paris more than I would a beautiful area like Dordogne. Who knows if I made the right choice, but make it I did! 🙂
Well, I have yet to meet anyone who has gone to France but not Paris!!! Also your girls are older and probably appreciate it a little more.. say, than ahem- three little boys I know who said ‘Ok, let’s go back to the hotel pool’ when we were in Paris 🙂 So yes, you made the right call, and by the looks of Dordogne, it’s not going to be changing much or go anywhere soon!
How lovely! And this region is top on our list for places to visit!
I found Guy Weir and his studio while on a bicycle trip thru the Dordogne and bought the same print of the bicycle that you have hanging on your wall. I hangs in a place of honor on my office wall and reminds me of a wonderful trip each time I see it, which is every day. It was quickly rolled up in a mailing tube and was carried in a pannier all thru my trip. Luckily it made its way home unscathed.
That’s awesome! Did you get a chance to talk to him? He’s quite an interesting fellow. And yes- that little area is pretty magical. We’re fortunate to have seen it. Thanks for stopping in, Gene.