THE STORY: Photographer and architect Claire Dolmaire returned to her native Roanne region to open up the renovated stone-walled haven that is Maison Magda – which offers a highly memorable retreat from the world. Her in-the-know guests just need to choose between one of the two stand-alone gites, which are named Charlotte and Georgia (inspired by the architect Charlotte Perriand and the painter Georgia O’Keefe): the first gite, all stone, wood and lime-washed walls, features a lounge in addition to an adorable open kitchen, a bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a bathroom, offering breathtaking views of the Monts de la Madeleine; the second one, which is bigger, combines natural tones and rooms with custom furniture, not to mentioned the wood-burning stove that you’ll likely cozy up next to for most of your stay. And each gite guarantees you access to the shared outdoor spaces, which you can wander to your heart’s content: a garden, a pool, a vegetable patch and an orchard. You’ll likely agree: sometimes it’s nice to do nothing at all. Gites starting at €120 a night.
TOILETRIES: Local and organic body wash and shampoo.
BREAKFAST: Not provided, but there is coffee and tea available in the gites’ kitchenettes – for everything else, you can head to Ambierle’s bakery, which is two minutes away by car.
LITTLE LUXURY: The sophisticated (and affordable) restaurants run by the Troisgros family, less than 20 kilometers away.
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