Experience Award-Winning Hospitality in Southwest France
Join Vanessa and William as they leave behind their busy lives in the UK to create a unique and unforgettable holiday rental experience in Southwestern France. Discover how their passion for design, culture and hospitality came together to craft a retreat that not only offers exceptional comfort and charm but also features a one-of-a-kind on-site vintage fashion museum, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to every stay.
A New Chapter Begins
In 2016, after years of dedication and hard work, Vanessa & William decided it was time for a new adventure. Combining Vanessa's marketing expertise and fluency in French with William's carpentry skills and their shared passion for vintage fashion and antiques, they set out to build something special. A chance meeting at a French trade show in London led them to the breathtaking Dordogne region—a place that instantly captured their hearts.
With excitement and hope, they bid farewell to their home in Clare, Suffolk, ready to embark on a promising new chapter.
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The Perfect Place
Their journey took them through 30 properties - from crumbling water mills and rustic farmhouses to chateaux and quaint village cottages. Their ideal home needed to feel truly French, with a refreshing pool, a village bakery, scenic walks and easy access to transport links like airports and train stations. Proximity to local attractions and excellent dining was also high on the list, as well as space for a vintage clothing collection and William's growing collection of Tintin and Napoleonic memorabilia.
Then, as if by fate, they found an old stone coach house that checked every box. After one visit, they made an offer, sold their UK home and six months later, held the keys to their dream.
What is a Gite?
For those unfamiliar, a gite is a cherished French tradition - a self-catering holiday home blending the comforts of your own space with the charm of rural France.
Unlike hotels or B&Bs, gites offer guests privacy and freedom, along with the essentials for a relaxing stay, such as a full kitchen, internet access, and laundry facilities. It's perfect for guests who want an authentic home-from-home experience.
Your French Stay
Thus, Your French Stay was born. Their first creation, the Beaux Souvenirs gîte (meaning "beautiful memories"), was explicitly designed for adults seeking comfort, charm, and authenticity. Nestled in the peaceful village of Mialet, it offers relaxation and a touch of elegance, aiming to delight guests from the moment they arrive.
Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to provide a seamless blend of vintage character and modern convenience, creating a truly unique retreat in the North Dordogne. This exceptional gite invites guests to experience the perfect combination of comfort, culture and tranquillity.
Award-Winning Accommodation
Beyond the beautiful surroundings and exceptional hospitality, there's one feature that truly sets Your French Stay apart - an on-site vintage fashion museum. This unique collection of 20th-century women's clothing and accessories is the only one of its kind on-site next to a gite in France. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the museum via a guided tour and the chance to shop from a curated vintage studio.
Looking Forward to Welcoming You!
Vanessa & William are proud to share their passion, creativity, and French retreat with guests seeking a peaceful and memorable holiday. They look forward to welcoming you soon to Your French Stay and their gite Beaux Souvenirs, where beautiful memories are waiting to be made.