Atelier de la Rose
66 Place de la Bastide,
46700 Montcabrier
tel : 05 65 24 66 36
cell : 06 87 82 33 18

Two artists

It was worth travelling around the world to stay at Atelier de la Rose and to be looked after so well by Sally. A charming host she went out of her way to meet our every need. What a luxury to have our own studio space in this Medieval village. We were inspired by the stones and the stories they told. We have a wealth of material not to mention memories. Thank you Sally for this unforgettable experience.

Erica and Zana,  Sydney,  Australia (May 2018)

 

” ….. energizing and motivating”  (a writer’s impression)

Thank you so much for everything.  My stay at Atelier de la Rose was perfect.   In fact, I cranked out 100 pages of the novel after coming back from France. The trip, and my stay with you, was energizing and motivating. I did some work while I was there, but the real value came in being able to experience the most pleasant mental rest and recalibration. Being surrounded by quiet and natural beauty, having the support of you and Colleen [a visiting artist], not to mention all the fantastic meals and conversation, was incredibly nourishing.

Angelo, New York (October 2017).

 

A novel retreat

A writer often searches for that extra something special, that place that evokes the senses and inspires the soul to pen a novel, an essay or a poem. Atelier de la Rose is a secret gem in the Pyrenees on the Santiago de Compostela trail. It offers the most breathtaking view, the most picturesque landscape, the most tranquil town, the most memorable experience, the most exiting adventure, the most thought inspiring environment and the most comfortable dwelling .. something extraordinary.

Sally’s accommodations deliver in all of these categories.

Like a warm hug after a long flight, she and the property welcomed me. I arrived very late after a long flight from Australia and Sally waited at the front gate as if on cue, to attend to me. On waking at 6am, a short stroll puts me straight in the middle of a Cezanne landscape, possibly ‘The turn in the Road at Auvres’. How can I not write, and write well.. in this most magnificent assemblage of medieval rural France with a back drop of The River Lot. The views from the town take my breath away. My room is charming, everything I need, but where I spend most of my ‘indoor time’ in this old-world accommodation is the spacious artist studio. It provides me with floods of daylight, a view overlooking the mountainous landscapes, room to move and pace, and cork boards to assemble my masterpiece.

The hostess Sally accommodates my every request, from floral arrangements, to pins, & paints and trips to the markets. More than that her knowledge of the region, the art and its history is boundless. I recommend you go for full board. Her homestyle cooking gently interrupts my writing with a new culinary delight every meal.

After 3 weeks my novel is well on its way, without a moment of disruption to a writers flow, I can only say Atelier de la Rose was the perfect place for me to begin my book. A perfect score for me 10/10 I will not stay anywhere else in this region of France, whether I am writing or just visiting.

Sharon, Melbourne, Australia (September 2017)

A little paradise (A review from the point of view of an artist’s companion)

My partner and I visited Montcabrier in October for a week. As an artist my partner found the surroundings and the places we visited very inspiring. We arrived at a perfect time in the autumn when trees were starting to change colour. There were many walks to do in the surrounding countryside and journeys to nearby villages and towns, all had something special to visit which enhanced our stay.

Sally, our host, was welcoming and gracious, even after we caught her by surprise, arriving a little sooner than expected. She was happy to advise us about places to visit when we asked and kindly arranged a visit to the village’s extraordinary little “Musée le Livre et la Lettre”. Sally provided a lovely breakfast each morning and delicious dinners every evening, with ingredients thoughtfully sourced from the local region.

The house had stunning views across the valley to forests. The room we had was very clean, comfortable and a lovely place to come back to after a day out or working in the studio. The studio was spacious with fabulous views. Sally provided some essential equipment such as easles, brushes, containers to help facilitate practice. What a little arcadian paradise!

Michele, Canberra, Australia (October 2015)

 

Lovely B & B off the beaten track

My husband and I stayed here for 4 nights in May.  Enjoyed it immensely.  Sally is a very charming and gracious hostess who is more than willing to help with information about the region or assist in making arrangements.  She’s also a fine cook so make sure to have dinner here while you are staying.

Beds and room very comfortable.  Lovely and ample French breakfast, coffee good and served at your timing, as well as a small fridge for personal extras.  Wish we had more time to enjoy the garden.

Montcabrier is not far from a number of castles, vineyards and other attractions in the Lot and Dordogne Valleys, but it is quiet and off the beaten path.  Not a place that provides lots of nightlife!

Carolyn, Pennsylvania, USA (June 2014)

 

Best kept secret in southwest France
My husband and I stayed at Atelier de la Rose in October for a week long walking tour. It was wonderful. Sally cooked our meals or took us to excellent local restaurants, showed us delightful walking paths in the area, drove us to local sights and generally was an excellent guide. I would most definitely return and would recommend her place to all my friends.

Cindy, New Mexico, USA (October 2013).

 

Writer’s retreat
It is almost a month since I spent a very productive two weeks in April on my writing projects at Atelier de la Rose. I was reticent at first about applying to use the studio as I thought it seemed huge and was intended for visual artists. Sally convinced me otherwise, especially as she has a discounted rate for residencies of 15 nights or more.

Working at the large comfortable table in the studio was perfect in so many ways. It enabled me to set a disciplined work routine (helped by the village bells ringing on the hour and half-hour!), and had wonderful views into the surrounding gardens and across to neighbouring hills.

Montcabrier is ideal for a retreat. When I needed a break, there were many paths to explore down hillsides, across the valley, or simply around the village in the evening with a wonderful night sky to ponder over.

As a retreat, it takes some planning to get there by public transport but this is by no means impossible. Sally was also happy to pick me up and drop me off at the nearest bus stop fifteen minutes away.

My other concern about my isolation was meals, especially as I’m a vegetarian. No problem – in fact Sally is definitely one of those can-do people! I was totally spoilt with a delicious variety of vegetarian meals, including traditional delights like nettle soup, galettes and Quercy walnut tart. Malbec, a red wine from nearby Cahors, flowed generously through dinner and on, as we settled into evening conversations usually joined by Noire, the resident centenarian who appears to have forgiven Sally for the sign on the gate, CHAT LUNATIQUE!

I read the contributions to this guest page before I committed to my stay at Atelier de la Rose, and was interested in the comments about Sally. After all, this is a person you will be relying on and spending meals with. I can only add that indeed Sally deserves every accolade found here. She is intuitive to the needs of resident artists/writers, very knowledgeable, generous and supportive.

My time at Atelier de la Rose was enjoyable, productive and memorable.

Louise, Melbourne, Australia (April, 2012)

 

Missing Montcabrier
Actually I’m going to miss everything about Montcabrier – your hospitality and generosity made the entire trip very special.

I am already trying to work out how I’m going to get back, which I will!

Liz , Victoria, Australia (June 2011).

 

A hidden treasure
I stayed at Atelier de la Rose from September 1st-28th as a resident artist and loved every day I spent there. The quiet community of Montcabrier combined with Sally Gaucheron’s excellent attention to detail and service allowed me to fully enjoy my month in France.

Sally is an excellent businesswoman. She is attentive, obliging, courteous, and professional. She is also very knowledgeable about medieval architecture and art history and serves as a tour guide as well. Sally will go out of her way to make sure you have the best time possible in Montcabrier.

I enjoyed sitting down in the evenings and sharing my dinners with Sally- an excellent cook as well as an excellent conversationalist. The thing I appreciated about Sally was that she respected my space and my privacy, but was also warm and friendly – a hard to find combo.

I left Atelier de la Rose two days ago and can’t wait to come back and visit! I highly recommend this nice little hidden treasure in the Lot.

Vivian, Washington, USA (September 2011).

 

An artist’s residency
Sally, who runs the residency, is very professional, helpful and friendly. It was a great experience both professionally and personally. The area is beautiful, tranquil, sunny. I worked many hours every day and often at night. I saw a lot of the local countryside, met some of Sally’s neighbours and went to the local market.

Pam, Galway, Ireland (May 2008).

 

Artist’s paradise
Atelier de la Rose is perfectly organised to meet the needs of artists. Not only is the studio well-equipped and spacious, but having delicious meals prepared for you allows you time to concentrate. It also gives you a chance to explore the beautiful Lot area of South-West France.

Diane, California, USA (June 2006).

 

Guided walking holiday made to measure

Our accommodation was very comfortable and we felt a sense of independence having the area to ourselves.  We enjoyed the experience of living in a small village and eating out on the terrace with a view of the valley ….

 

The program that you organised for us was varied, always interesting and we felt that we got to know the local area in a small way.  We really appreciate the fact that you walked with us – this eliminated the stress of having to find our own way – and you were able to explain about the environment and other special features.  We would have missed out on this aspect if you had not walked with us.  The destinations you chose for us were amazing and we loved the architecture and the way you explained details ……

 

A big feature of our stay was your cooking which we found appetizing and particularly French …. The restaurants you took us to were another feature – we saw another side of French life and were were delighted to join in with the appreciation of superb food.

 

Peter and Wendy; South Australia (September 2018)

 

A note from a writer

I just wanted to thank you again for such a wonderful experience.  I needed all of that time to myself. …. The residency is truly magical.

Tiffany; USA (September 2024)