A Tiny Hamlet in France

Some of the most beautiful places I’ve photographed were never on my bucket list. In May 2024, my husband and I found ourselves in Les Âgés, a tiny hamlet near Brantôme en Périgord, France, with a population of just 13. For a short while, we increased that number to 15.

Our days there unfolded at a gentle pace, shaped by the care and knowledge of our hosts. This was a photography workshop unlike any I had experienced before. Our hosts were a charming couple who had relocated to France from the UK. They owned a lovely 17th-century home that they shared with us for an entire week.

Paul was a photographer with a deep love for this region. He led us through the Dordogne, sharing places and perspectives we never would have found on our own. Having a local photographer as a guide allowed us to capture some really special images. This is the type of travel and photography that always makes me happy. At the end of each day, we returned to meals prepared by his wife Pam, whose cooking became as memorable as the landscapes themselves.

One morning brought us to the Brantôme Abbey, a riverside Benedictine abbey carved into limestone cliffs, with its 11th-century bell tower rising above the water. Once home to monks, the caves and ancient stone felt timeless, softened by the late-May light and the quiet movement of the river. Another day led us to the Château de Hautefort, often called the Jewel of Périgord. The sky was heavy that day and quite dramatic. I loved how the moody light wrapped the castle. Rumor has it that Ever After was filmed there—reason enough to watch the movie again and see if I would recognize the views. Yes, the rumors were true.

In between scouting the countryside were the moments that mattered just as much: curious cows grazing in open fields and neighbors’ roses in full bloom. I enjoyed the long pauses during our stay to simply take in the view and walk around the tiny hamlet. We looked forward to daily greetings from George, the dog who quickly became part of our routine. He was such a sweet dog.

This tiny corner of France reminded me why I love travel. It encourages me to embrace the unexpected and experience new places through landscapes, people, and the animals who bring it to life.