Studio Lavalette offers a state of the art photo studio along side authentic traditional architectural features, with a lush floral garden and swimming pool.
Each of the three en-suite bedrooms have been stylishly restored and have views down the garden, over the pool and to the valleys beyond. It is a place where you can relax, restore and discover the art of photography.
If you're arriving by plane or train we will pick you up from Bergerac or Limoges airports (60-80 minutes), or Angoulême station (30 just minutes). You can leave your suitcase in your sun drenched bedroom, then sit by the pool and chat to other guests before dinner.
Dining has traditionally been a way of socialising in France and we enjoy facilitating that tradition. So come and sit at our table, there are wonderful French dishes that await your pleasure. How about:
creamy asparagus tarts, with salade girolles;
magret du canard au sauce bigarde, with dauphinoise potatoes;
salmon en pipolotte, with moon blush tomatoes;
chocolate profiteroles;
traditional poire amande and cream; or a
delicious strawberry meringue roulade.
I love cooking and turning local produce into delicious dishes: baking Irish bread with French flour and making cakes, jams and compotes. There's a wonderful fresh Saturday market on our doorstep that supplies flowers, wicker baskets, jewelry, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish and poultry from the surrounding farmers. I know Don will get you taking photos of the wonderful colour display under Les Halles on Saturdays!
Of course no meal would be complete without wine! The Charente’s favorable climate allows high quality vineyards to thrive supplying both mild and fine wines that elegantly accompany any meal. Although, it’s fair to say, the region is more famous for its Cognac. The fact that the brandy must be distilled twice in copper pots and aged for four years in French oak barrels demonstrates how serious they are about it. And with the Dordogne on our doorstep there are ample Bordeaux, Monbazillac, Bergerac and St Emilion wines to taste.
Don and I both enjoy meeting people. Don has travelled extensively with his work over the years and I too have met with many people in my career. We both find it rewarding and enriching to spend time with people from all walks of life.
It will be our pleasure to teach and inspire you to take better photographs and warmly look after you in this magical retreat in France. See you in the sun!
