My Village: Mayrac, Lot

Nico and Constance Coenders look back at how the decision to bus their belongings to France led them to a slice of heaven in Mayrac…

How did you choose your village?

We live in Mayrac in the Lot. We first arrived in France from the Netherlands in November 2021, with our bus and trailer loaded with items such as clothing, bedding and tools. We stayed with people in their basement because we hadn’t found anything suitable yet. So, from there we started our search for a house with holiday accommodation to let out. By chance we found something nearby and immediately fell in love. We wanted to live no further than 1,000km from our family so that they could still visit us, easily and quickly.

What aspects of the area do you enjoy?

Our old farmhouse from 1861 is set in the countryside but we have several authentic medieval villages within 10 minutes. The peace, the space, the history and the rural life all appeal to us. Our house is located on the D15 and that road takes you directly to all the beautiful sights that the Vallée de la Dordogne in the Lot department has to offer.

The Lot is one of the oldest departments with many 12th century villages and beautiful castles. Around us you have Rocamadour, Gouffre de Padirac, Sarlat, Castelnaud and so much more. In Gluges, near us, there is a church that was a favourite of Edith Piaf’s. She anonymously donated the stained-glass windows when the church was renovated. The square is now named after her. There are so many interesting stories from the past. Almost every village has something from the Middle Ages.

How was your French when you arrived?

Let’s just say the level was low. I knew some French from high school and Constance applied berself to leam the language. We could make ourselves understood reasonably well, but it was clear that we were immigrants. And how is your French now? It has improved. In the beginning, Constance often needed my help, but now she has a good command of the language and now supports me. The French language is beautiful and romantic, but difficult to learn. The locals are very patient here and appreciate that we are doing our best to speak French, although complete sentences remain difficult. The lack of full command of the language often also results in comical situations. Unfortunately. Google Translate regularly misfires causing our interlocutor to look at us in surprise and wonder what on earth we mean.

How do you find interacting with the locals socially?

We try to participate in the local social life as much as possible. We live in a rural area so our neighbours are not right next door. If there is a village festival, a vide-grenier or local market, we always try to go. The villagers know us and always say hello when they meet us, just as they always say hello to each other in a friendly way and ask how you are doing. Over time we have also made French friends.

Do you work in France?

In the Netherlands we had decided it was time to quit our jobs (Nico as director and Constance as front desk manager) to choose a new challenge. We didn’t intend to work for a company again, but to start something ourselves, not to get rich but to enjoy life to the fullest. In our beautiful house we have two gites, a swimming pool and a lovely garden with a wide view over farmlands and a walnut orchard. In April 2022 we refurbished both gites and the reservations kept coming in. We are now on Mas du Lac Redon’s third fully booked season, already taking reservations for 2026. We are grateful for so many returning guests, proof that we must be doing something right. Making guests feel at home is something we enjoy immensely. The historical and cultural interest is also a reason for returning guests because they were not able to see everything during their first holiday, there is so much to experience.

Any local food, wine or speciality that you have nave developed a taste for?

We prefer to eat in small restaurants or bistros where they serve local products, and we aho buy local whenever possible. Constance makes great boeuf Bourguignon, coq au vin and delicious salads with goat cheese.

What has surprised you the most about living in your part of France?

We have had many positive surprises, so just to name a few, the stunning beauty of our surroundings, the friendly people, and also how central we are to many sights.

What is your favourite French saying?

Vive la vie! We like it so much it is on our logo. The expression translates to ‘long live life” or “to life’ if said as a toast. It resonates with our attitude to cherish every moment.