How – One Guest Message- Inspired a New Space at La Maison Louverie

It all started with a message we received from a family that has been coming to La Maison Louverie for the past several years. They’re now spending two weeks with us this June, and in their message, they wrote:

“When we first came to stay at Louverie there were a couple of tables in the garden which we really enjoyed sitting at to do our various bits of work; drawing, writing, etc. as well as eating sometimes! Is there any chance that we might be able to reinstate one of those tables as an extra place to sit? …
I hope you don’t mind us asking!”

That simple question is where the ball started to roll. In the past, we had more seating areas and tables around the property. But over time, it became clear (or we thought) that nobody was really using them. They felt more like a nuisance than an addition—taking up space without truly serving our guests. So we removed them, thinking less was more.

But that message made us pause.
Their request sparked a deeper conversation with ourselves:
Who are the guests that choose La Maison Louverie?
Why do they come to us again and again?
What do they truly need and enjoy during their stay in the Dordogne?
Our target group is clear: people seeking a slower, more authentic rural life for a short while. Multi- generation-families, couples, friends and pet owners who value comfort, space, interior style with a history, a pure ‘esprit’, and a warm, home-like atmosphere. They come for nature, forest walks, the big garden with trees, fruit and flowers, the location, and memorable evenings on the terrace with the lovely view. But they also want comfort, a place to work, draw, write, let their creativity out, eat outdoors, enjoy the local wines—and ofcourse having fun and play.

When we thought about that, the old seating areas didn’t make sense anymore—but the idea behind them did. Guests want cozy places to gather, to talk, or to have ‘me-time’, escape to recharge, to relax, or to focus on their creative projects. They want spaces that feel inspiring and welcoming.

From a simple request to a bigger plan:
That message became the catalyst for something bigger than just “putting back tables.” We started making a new plan:
What should we bring back?
What can we improve?
What would genuinely add value for our guests’ holiday experience?
We began re-imagining our old barn not just as storage, but as a multi-purpose space that reflects what our guests truly value: comfort, connection, space, shade, a bit of movement, and room to play.

We’re currently transforming the barn into a space designed with that in mind. Without giving everything away just yet, we can say it will include a fun area —perfect for families, active travellers, creative guests, and anyone who loves a friendly competition in the moment they stay at Louverie.

Not ready to show photos…
We’re in the final stages of preparation, and we’re not ready to reveal the full space or share photos just ..yet. But we’re excited to say that this new ‘project’ will officially open in the coming month.
Returning guests—like the beloved family whose message started it all—will be among the first to experience it.

Follow along, or be among the first to try it.
We invite you to:
Follow our Instagram and Facebook – @lamaisonlouverie – for the first sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the transformation.
Consider booking your stay for later this year to enjoy the most beautiful: September and October and explore this new space in person.

This journey started with a simple, honest request from a family we cherish. We’re deeply grateful for guests who inspire us to keep improving La Maison Louverie, and we can’t wait to welcome you into this new space later this year.
Thank you for being part of our story—and for helping us shape a home away from home that truly fits the guests who make it special

The view from the barn to the house

Escape the ordinary: Dordogne’s countryside bliss is just a quick flight away—no crowds, no chaos, pure charm!

In need of a long weekend getaway or a midweek retreat? Ditching the city crowds for something refreshingly real? The Dordogne’s magic is closer than you think—easy flights await!

Why La Maison Louverie Fits Your Plans Perfectly

Our 3-night minimum in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) syncs spot-on with flight days. Short, smart stays for your countryside escape—no fuss.

Easy Directs from Rotterdam (Transavia)

Transavia flies straight from Rotterdam (RTM) to Bergerac (EGC). It operates on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays from April to June. In September, add Wednesdays to the schedule (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun). October is our gem with Mondays and Fridays.

UK Hoppers? Ryanair & Co. Deliver

Ryanair offers flights up to 8 times weekly from London Stansted (Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, more in summer). It also serves Bournemouth twice weekly from May to September on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Bristol is served three times weekly from May to September on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. East Midlands is served three times weekly from June to September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Liverpool is served twice weekly from June to October on Wednesdays and Sundays. Edinburgh is served twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. BA hits London City (Mon-Fri 5x mid-Jun–early Sep) and Stansted (Sats late Jun-Aug); Jet2 from Leeds Bradford (Sats late May-Sep).

No German flights on EGC’s 2026 lineup—here’s hoping for next year’s upgrade! Entschuldigung Deutschland..

Snap Up These June Gems (Verified Dates)

June 20–24, 2026 (Saturday arrival, 4 nights, Wednesday departure)—perfect with Ryanair Saturday flights from Stansted/Bristol or Jet2 from Leeds.
June 29–July 4 (Monday arrival with Transavia, Friday July 3 departure for midweek magic, or stay till Saturday). Afternoon Bergerac landing, 25-minute drive to terrace heaven—book before they vanish!

Your Insider Dordogne Playbook

We’ll dish the goodies: forest walks that recharge the soul, must-sees like Limeuil, Sarlat, Beynac & Cazenac, La Roque Gageac, Monpazier, Sunday’s Issigeac market (local loot heaven), and our top 3 restaurants within 8km—our witty little secret (unlocked post-booking!).

Storm Nils at La Maison Louverie:

Behind the Scenes

On February 11th, 2026, Storm Nils slammed into the Dordogne with 150+ km/h winds. Here at “La Maison Louverie”, high on our forest hill, we felt every gust. Our 11th-century stone gîte demonstrated its resilience, showing what centuries of Périgord weather taught us. Across southern and south‑western France, up to 900,000 homes lost electricity during the peak of Storm Nils. Approximately 450,000 households were still without power the following day. Enedis crews worked to reconnect the grid. In our corner of the Dordogne, we were without power from about 23:00 until 15:00 the next day. This outage lasted roughly 16 hours. We were considered “lucky” compared to some nearby villages that only got their electricity back on Sunday (15th) afternoon.

Record soil saturation

Storm Nils also left a legacy of exceptional flooding across south‑west France. France’s flood agency Vigicrues reported record soil saturation. They also noted unprecedented numbers of rivers on orange and red alert at the same time. The Dordogne around Bergerac and the villages of Limeuil and La Roque‑Gageac swelled and ran fast. Our hilltop position above the valley meant La Maison Louverie stayed safely above any flood risk. Many low‑lying areas along the Garonne and Charente were placed under red alerts. Thousands of homes were affected by high water.

and then.. Storm Pedro a few days later

And just as the waters from Nils were slowly receding, Storm Pedro brought more heavy rain. Gusts reached up to 100–140 km/h in the south‑west. Several departments remained on red flood alert. Around 5,000 homes in the Lot‑et‑Garonne (our neighboring region) were left without power, and over 9,000 homes in Dordogne were effected. For us at La Maison Louverie, the storm confirmed the value of our location. Our robust old stone buildings proved essential when the weather turns wild. Only the Route du Plateau was closed off for a couple of hours because of a fallen tree.

Nature’s Heavy Toll – What We Saw

Tuesday, February 11th evening: A majestic pine with an 80 cm+ base crashed down around 11 pm. We had watched and loved it for years. It took electricity lines and internet cables with it.

Wednesday, February 12th morning: An oak in the field had fallen overnight. And another 20-year-old tree behind the barn was uprooted too. Valley winds funneled upward, smashing the old cow barn wall and ripping off an entire row of tiles. By late morning, our sun drenched poolside awning—where guests sip rosé all summer—lay crushed.

Across southern France, 900,000 homes lost power at Nils’ peak, 450,000 still dark the next day. We were out from 11pm February 11th until 3pm the 12th (16 hours)—nearby villages waited until Sunday the 15th…

Our Personal Recovery Timeline

February 11th, 11pm – February 12th, 3pm: No power. A fireplace was roaring and candles were lit.
February 12th: Winds still 100km/h+—too dangerous for chainsaws or ladders.
February 13th, 4pm: Internet/WiFi back online. Still rain
February 15th: We rolled up our sleeves do the tree work ourselves. Cutting, re-locating, cleaning the road. Assessing the barn roof and decided that this we can also do ourselves.

February 19th: Aftermath Pedro, Awning at the terrace gave up but… We stayed lit and dry.

The Silver Lining We Shared

Zero damage to main the main house, and the tobacco barn has NO damage. No tile was hit by the enormous pine that went down (cm work)

February 17th: Blue skies, our tree cleanup almost finished

Book Spring Confidently: Louverie weathers storms better than most. April/May weeks open → check our calendar

Next week: Behind-the-scenes reveal of something completely new and exciting at Louverie – you won’t want to miss this!

#StormNils #StormPedro #DordogneGite #BehindTheScenes

Springbirds Continues

15% Off Dordogne Gîte—Only 12 Days to Book by Valentine’s!

Dreaming of Dordogne spring without the crowds? La Maison Louverie’s SPRINGBIRDS deal is still on: 15% off (€375 savings on our €2500 weekly rate) for April or May stays. But hurry—only 12 days left until the February 14 cutoff! Book now and swap winter for blossoms, mild weather, and empty forest trails.

Why Spring at Our Périgord Gîte Shines

April and May transform this corner of France: wisteria drapes our south terrace, lavender scents the 4-hectare garden, deer graze at dawn. Your family (and dogs) can enjoy the heated* pool as it warms up, ping-pong table, archery, darts, and fenced orchard freedom—off season prices, off-season peace. Nearby brocante markets pop up weekly, bastides come back to life, and the Dordogne river beckons for canoeing minus tourist boats. It is a fantastic season!

Deal Details—Simple as That

  • Discount: 15% off weekly rate (€2500 → €2125)
  • Stays: Any full week in April or May 2026
  • Code: SPRINGBIRDS (enter at booking)
  • Deadline: Book by February 14—12 days from today
  • Perfect for: Families, pet lovers, nature escapes (sleeps 10, 4-star classified)
  • *Pool heating surcharge 20 euro a day

Only 12 days to go—grab your spring Dordogne week before Valentine’s fills the calendar!

Bleu Monday

Feeling down on this Blue Monday? Transform those January blues into sunny excitement by booking your spring or summer getaway at La Maison Louverie in Dordogne today.

What is Blue Monday?

Blue Monday falls on January 19, 2026, marking the third Monday in January as the year’s most depressing day due to post-holiday blues, cold weather, and low motivation. Originally a 2005 marketing stunt by a UK travel company to boost bookings, it cleverly highlights the perfect antidote: planning a dream vacation.

Beat the Blues with a Booking

Combat the gloom by securing your spot now—early reservations lock in the best rates, prime availability, and flexible options like low deposits or cancellations up to 60 days out. Dordogne holiday rentals fill fast for peak seasons, especially premium villas with heated pools amid stunning countryside.

Why Book Spring/Summer Now?

Spring brings blooming valleys and mild hikes along the Dordogne River, while summer offers lazy pool days and bastide town festivals—perfect for families or groups up to 10. Booking early and ensuring your ideal dates in Pontours close to Lalinde, right in the middle of Sarlat and Bergerac, and lets you plan flights stress-free.

Discover La Maison Louverie

This 4-star secluded villa on 4 hectares features 5 elegant bedrooms, a heated pool, BBQ area, and timeless charm from its medieval roots—ideal for your Southwest France escape. Pets welcome, fiber WiFi, and proximity to riverside adventures make it a top pick.

Ready to ditch the blues? Visit lamaisonlouverie.com and book your slice of Dordogne paradise today!

Proudly dog-Friendly

A peaceful summer day at La Maison Louverie, our 4* private holiday home in the Dordogne, starts with coffee on the terrace, birds in the orchard and children already eyeing the large pool. Families have space to spread out between the garden, the playroom, the ping‑pong and the hammock, while the surrounding Périgord Pourpre countryside invites slow walks and market visits. It is a quiet country retreat, yet still close to bakeries, restaurants and beautiful villages, making it easy to enjoy both nature and local life.

La Maison Louverie is also proudly dog friendly, so your dog does not have to stay behind when you go on holiday. With plenty of land, shade and fresh air, it is an easy place to relax with your pets and family together. If you are looking for a dog‑friendly gîte in the Dordogne with a heated pool for your next summer holiday, you are very welcome to come and stay with us!

How to survive the winter in the Dordogne

Sometimes we feel completely closed off from the world here in the southwestern part of France. January is the month of – 50 Shades of Grey -. Some complain about it, but I love it. I think there is a reason why nature takes a nap when it’s cold and boring outside. It needs rest after that really busy season of hot summer that rolls in the beautiful long season of autumn. There are no 3 months straight spring, summer, autumn, or winter. And here in the forgotten world of January and the Dordogne, there is just a small nook that is registered for winter. Yes, it snows. And yes, it’s definitely cold, especially at night. But no other homecoming to the Dordogne than sniffing those smells like a haunting dog on a Sunday; all those roaring wood stoves and fireplaces with burning French oak.

If you arrive in the dark, you feel like Elon Musk built a Starfleet to Mars and you missed that ship. There will be no life -other than crossing deer, badgers, and foxes, that also had no desire to leave planet Earth-, and there will be no light; all shutters, blinds, curtains, everything that can cover up the proof of life is hidden. No sound; French people tend to stay at home in the winter evenings, drinking their homemade red wines. No terrace is occupied, and most of the restaurants have also adjusted to the hibernation of men and closed for the season. The rolling fog, coming from the Dordogne River or the Vezere when the water is warmer than the outside temperature takes over the outer banks, the valleys, and will climb up onto the hills. Leaving every sound dampened. And the world is silent.

In the morning when the world decides it’s time for a beautiful day, the sun will come out late. And after a frosty night, it can only be described as magical. Driving down the hill, direction the artist of bread and croissants in the nearby village, the river is waking up. The fog will leave the trees covered in a white breakable coat against a blue sky. Stepping into the bakery I am first in line because there are no tourists and well, the rest of the inhabitants also crawled back under the rock where their ancestors the Cromagnon came from, ages ago. They also survived winter. In their caves. With a fire to keep them warm. Nothing has changed much. We still live in, under, and in between stone walls. We changed however the open fireplace into a more efficient wood burner. I still gather wood daily, also no change there.

So if you ever decide to come to this part of the world. This gentle side of life, in winter, in our 50 Shades of Grey. Be prepared for some true peace and quiet. Smell the Dordogne fog, enjoy those calm wind-free days and drink that red wine in front of that roaring, but contained fire. Have a walk in the mossy green forests and don’t forget to bring a camera. It’s easy to survive winter, just embrace the slow steps in this nook of the year. This is how you survive winter in the Dordogne

La Maison Louverie: A Country Retreat in the Dordogne

If you are looking for a relaxing and authentic getaway in the southwest of France, you might want to check out La Maison Louverie, a 4-star country retreat in the Dordogne. This charming and spacious house offers everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay: cozy bedrooms, modern bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens, a private pool, a large garden, and stunning views of the countryside.

La Maison Louverie is located in the hamlet of Couleyrie, just 3 km south of the Dordogne river, in the heart of the “Valley of the 1001 castles”. You can explore the rich history and culture of this region, visit the medieval towns and villages, enjoy the local markets and cuisine, and discover the natural beauty of the forests and rivers. Whether you are looking for adventure, romance, or tranquility, you will find something to suit your taste.

La Maison Louverie is more than just a holiday home. It is a place where you can feel at home, where you can reconnect with yourself and your loved ones, where you can experience the French art de vivre. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are interested in booking your stay at La Maison Louverie, you can visit their website at http://www.lamaisonlouverie.com/ or contact them by email at lamaisonlouverie@gmail.com

You can also follow them on Instagram at @lamaisonlouverie to see more photos and videos of this amazing place.

Don’t miss this opportunity to treat yourself to a country retreat in the Dordogne. You won’t regret it!

Squirrels of the Dordogne

IMG_0571

Last week we had a squirrel in the garden. Not so common for us. We usually see them as road kill between the river and the forest – not so nice. But this one was alive and free to admire.

We have the benefit of having some walnut trees in the fruit orchard. Simon, as we call our new garden pet, was munching away on the nuts he could find. Simon, however, has a big appetite, no let us rephrase that; a huge appetite. After we noticed him around -it was hard not to constantly hear his teeth gnawing on the hard shells-,  no nut has been found since. The other theory is that the late frost we had this year damaged the budding flowers on the trees and therefore the fruit could not grow. We can blame Simon.. or Mother Nature. Anyway, we have no nuts this year. (but still 125 kilos stored in the barn from last year. Hope Simon cannot open barn doors.)

This brings us to the best find we had this year.

Monpazier is voted number 11 on the list of France’s 20 most beautiful villages. To be honest, the first time we visited this village in March 2015 we were not very impressed. At all.

We send guests to the places we think are special, remarkable, full of history, or a must-see. We have read that Monpazier was voted one of these nice places. Not saying we agreed. But we totally changed our mind! Monpazier is back on the list.

With some investments made, the marketplace looks great (or we got used to the French ‘forgotten glory’ state of buildings) There were flowers, there was life, but above all, we were happily surprised with new cafes and shops.

The village sits on a hill looking out onto lush valleys. In the distance, you might get a glimpse of Chateau Biron (a must-visit). You drive into the ‘center ville’ through the stone gates of forgotten times and you end up in the market square. Which it is; a square. In virtually every corner you find something. We have Balthazar de la Bastide, a deco and interior shop with pottery and goodies for your garden. You can go back in time with a “Portrait photo en costume 1900” for men, women, and children. Another ‘Antiquities’ shop called La Petite Credence is to be found a few meters away and for your real French decoration stuff, you have to walk in at Gaya. A feel-good place where you find country-style clocks, metal-wired chicken, hardwood tables, and everything for a French touch in your home.

A few years ago we ended up in the only open place in town. A restaurant with a white stone floor, with an atmosphere of a dead fly and after 2 pm almost nothing to eat, except soup… Time has changed, big time.

Outside this October sun kissed our skin, blue skies above, and mild temperatures surrounded us, well mild; we talk about 25 degrees in autumn.. Tourists are happily eating and drinking in the marketplace at the different cafes and restaurants. The food smells good and people seem genuinely content.

But we want to point out one cafe in particular. Outside there are nice tables and chairs lined up. Inside behind the glass entrance, we find a Starbucks-like-cozy-coffee place. Chesterfield seat, red stone brick wall, matching styling on the walls, all in theme and you understand the concept straight away. A nice bar with a school board and chalk paint writing. They have a real cappuccino, Latte macchiatos, and everything in between. (Normal cappuccino in France means it’s with wiped cream and a coffee with added milk: you order as a cafe crème. It is not with cream but with milk. Just to complicate things..) We are happily surprised with the coffee choices and the mugs that it’s served in. And then we find out they also have smoothies and organic food! And a brunch on Sunday with pancakes, sandwiches, and cheeses… What in the world…? So yes, it is possible. It is possible to have a modern place in the countryside of France called the Dordogne.

To check our (bad) French: ‘Doesn’t Ecureuil mean Squirrel?’ And yes it does! We are complimented by the nice staff. So also for that reason: Check the Ecureuil Cafe in Monpazier for GOOD coffee and breakfast/milkshakes/smoothies/snacks/brunch/lunch. Our best find this year.

Ecureuil Cafe | Place central 24540 Monpazier | 0553616217 | lecureuilcafe@orange.fr