Discover 20th-Century Vintage Fashion at Your French Stay
When you stay at Beaux Souvenirs, you're not just booking a gîte - you're gaining exclusive access to the only on-site vintage fashion museum in France.
We're Vanessa and William, and our passion for 20th-century fashion has created something truly unique: a carefully curated museum and fashion studio where guests can explore decades of style, hear fascinating stories of social history, and even try on designer pieces from our private collection.
Complimentary museum tours are included with every stay - just one of the special touches that make Beaux Souvenirs unforgettable.
A Journey into Vintage Collecting
Vanessa's vintage fashion journey began in the mid-1980s when she stumbled upon a charming antique shop in Essex, UK. There, she found her first treasure—a delicate pink Edwardian blouse—igniting a lifelong passion.
Over the years, Vanessa scoured car boot sales, charity shops, and antique markets, long before the vintage trend became widespread, where she developed a particular fondness for nightwear.
Her collecting philosophy centres on quality, craftsmanship, and reputable manufacture or designer labels - values that shaped a collection of remarkable depth and character.
The Eye of Time Vintage Boutique
By 2012, we'd moved to the Essex/Suffolk border, where we opened The Eye of Time - a vintage boutique in Clare stocked with exceptional pieces that attracted a devoted clientele, including the BBC, who sourced items for the acclaimed 'Call the Midwife' series.
William was often asked to style clients for iconic events, such as the Goodwood Revival and classic car rallies. Our dedication to curating vintage treasures and serving the community through local vintage evening events laid the foundation for Your French Stay. Learn more about our journey.
Welcome to our Dordogne Fashion Museum
Upon relocating to France, we selected a home with ample space to accommodate our extensive vintage collection. An on-site outbuilding beckoned us to transform it into a small private museum - a distinctive feature of Your French Stay that showcases our remarkable pieces.
With William's expert carpentry skills, we crafted a stunning display environment that traces the evolution of women's fashion through the 20th century, combining historical narrative with visual delight.
The museum is open to our guests and anyone with a keen interest in fashion. Non-guests can arrange visits by contacting us directly.
What Awaits Inside?
Our carefully curated exhibits guide visitors through the decades, enriched with social history stories that appeal to all ages and genders.
Explore the refined world of the Edwardian woman, her waspish waist, and the profound impact of WWI on clothing. Discover the exuberance of the Flapper Era, Coco Chanel's early years, and the Art Deco influences of the 1930s. Learn about the WWII restrictions and the government's CC41 scheme, and peek inside the handbag of a famous film star.
Relive Dior's iconic 'New Look', the 1960s boutique explosion from Biba to Mary Quant, the sparkling disco styles of the 1970s, the bold shoulder silhouettes of the 1980s, and the grunge-inspired 1990s. Nothing is left out in this vivid journey through fashion history.
What Our Guests Say About the Museum
"The museum tour was absolutely fascinating - Vanessa's knowledge is incredible!" — Adrian & Mandy, Essex, 2025
"The museum is an absolute gem! A must-see." — Clare & Barry, Jersey, 2023
"Vanessa's fashion tour was second to none - so interesting and informative!" — Carol & Jeff, Scotland, 2024
"Thank you for the wonderful museum tour - you enveloped us with your passion!" — Jon & Julie, Hartlepool, 2022
New for 2025!
The collection from our Eye of Time boutique has been lovingly cleaned, steamed and curated into a dedicated on-site fashion studio. Vintage enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to view, try on and purchase timeless designer pieces spanning from the 1920s to the 1990s.
From day to eveningwear, discover outfits paired with beautifully matched accessories - including shoes, handbags, scarves, hats, and jewellery - from icons like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Mugler, Alexander McQueen, and more. If you have a special event approaching, our Dordogne Fashion Studio is the perfect place to find a show-stopping ensemble you'll treasure forever.
How to Visit the Museum
For Guests: Complimentary guided tours are included with your stay at Beaux Souvenirs. Vanessa leads intimate tours sharing stories of each era, from Edwardian elegance to 1990s grunge. Tours can be arranged at a time that suits you during your stay.
For Non-Guests: Fashion enthusiasts are welcome to visit by appointment. Please get in touch with us to arrange your visit.
Experience the Museum for Yourself
Ready to explore decades of fashion history during your Dordogne holiday? Book your stay at Beaux Souvenirs and enjoy complimentary access to our unique museum and fashion studio.
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