Retreat Life
When you join us, you step away from the rush of everyday life and into the calm rhythm of authentic Périgord living. It’s a chance to slow down, make time for yourself and unwind. We are between the Dordogne and Céou rivers, with peaceful spots throughout the gardens to sit with a book, sketch, sew, or simply enjoy a quiet glass of wine on the swing seat as the sun goes down. If you fancy a change of scene, the beautiful little River Céou is just a five-minute walk away, perfect for a paddle or peaceful riverside stroll.
Meals are freshly prepared by chef Jan using the region’s wonderful seasonal produce including walnuts from her own trees just outside the barn. Everything is paired with carefully chosen regional wines and aperitifs that celebrate the flavours of the Dordogne.
There is free fibre Wi-Fi throughout the retreat, making it easy to stay connected if needed, whether you want to share your latest creations, stream music while you work, or simply keep in touch with home.
It’s a place to truly relax.
The Dordogne Valley
At the heart of the Dordogne Valley in St Cybranet, Walnut Barn Retreats is surrounded by landscapes that have inspired artists, writers and travellers for centuries. This is a place where golden stone villages rise above winding rivers and medieval castles keep watch from dramatic cliffs.
The Dordogne is a paradise for outdoor living. Guests can kayak along the river beneath ancient castles, swim from secluded river beaches, cycle through designated shady lanes, or follow scenic walking routes through villages and forests (see link to the local walking guide). At dawn and dusk on warm days, the valley fills with hot air balloons tracking the path of the river. Wildlife is everywhere here too, you might see kingfishers flash across the water or red kites circling overhead. If you’re very lucky you may see deer emerge at dusk.
Whether you come to paint, sew, learn, write, photograph, create, or simply rest, the Dordogne has a way of gently slowing life down. It’s a place to truly unwind, where creative and curious minds can slow down, reconnect, and recharge inspired by centuries of history, local craftsmanship, unspoilt nature, and the quiet beauty of the Dordogne Valley.
The nearby village of Beynac-et-Cazenac is crowned by its magnificent 12th-century château, once a strategic stronghold during the Hundred Years’ War. Its steep, narrow cobbled streets, honey-coloured stone houses and sweeping river views are a dream setting for photographers, painters, and anyone drawn to timeless beauty. It most famously featured in the film “Chocolat”.
Across the valley, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is home to another remarkable medieval fortress, famed for its history of rivalry between the French and English crowns. Today, the surrounding hillsides, riverbanks, and dramatic architecture offer endless inspiration for sketchbooks, painting and photography.
At Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, beautifully sculpted box hedges and romantic pathways overlook the Dordogne River below. Originally designed in the 19th century, the gardens are especially magical in the golden evening light — a peaceful place for walking, journaling, or simply gathering ideas.
Clinging to the cliffs above the river, La Roque-Gageac has long attracted travellers with its warm microclimate and extraordinary setting. Traditional shallow hulled, gabarre boats still glide along the Dordogne here, while the riverside cafés and winding alleys make it one of the prettiest villages in France.
A visit to Château des Milandes offers a wonderful blend of history, beauty, and inspiration. The 15th-century château became the home of Josephine Baker, the celebrated American-born dancer, singer, resistance fighter, and civil rights activist who restored the estate and made it a symbol of tolerance, family, and culture in the Dordogne. Today, its elegant gardens, Renaissance architecture, and sweeping valley views make it a fascinating place to explore.
A short 20 mins drive away is Sarlat-la-Canéda, the cultural heart of the Périgord Noir. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre is filled with artisan shops, food markets, hidden courtyards, and atmospheric cafés. On market days, the town bursts with colour, textures, and local produce, baskets of walnuts, woven linens, ceramics, vintage treasures, and seasonal flowers.
Perched high above the valley, Domme offers panoramic views stretching across the Dordogne countryside. Founded in the 13th century as a fortified bastide town, it remains one of the region’s most breathtaking viewpoints and a wonderful place for sunset walks and photography.
For quieter moments, Les Jardins d’Eau de Carsac provides a completely different atmosphere, tranquil ponds filled with water lilies, shaded pathways, and reflections that seem almost impressionist in character. It’s a lovely source of colour and pattern inspiration.
Walking or Hiking around Saint-Cybranet offers the chance to explore the varied landscapes of the Dordogne’s Périgord Noir region. River valleys, rolling hills, and scenic plateaus provide beautiful countryside views, while the Céou River and natural rock formations such as the cliffs of Conte add to the area’s charm.
About Us
Owner and chef Jan, and artist and organiser Deb, first met five years ago on a three-hour car journey. They talked all the way there, all the way back, and have been chatting ever since. Jan’s dream of turning her beautiful converted tobacco barn into a creative hub found its natural partner in Deb — an experienced workshop tutor of over thirty years who had moved to France hoping for more time to explore her own creativity.
With years of running ski and wellness retreats in the Alps, Jan brings a wealth of hospitality and hosting experience to Walnut Valley, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes guests instantly feel at home. Supported by Jan’s partner Nigel, the team now welcome guests from around the world to enjoy residential creative retreats in the heart of the Dordogne.
