The reasons? A true awareness of ecological balance, a superb nature reserve that protects regional unity and has cultured and informed residents—many of whom are erstwhile Parisians.

Pierre-Yves, designer, has a passion for botany. He tells us why he and his friend Alain decided to live here in May of 2010:

“The Perche has been very well preserved, probably because of the fact that the region was isolated for a very long time. Before, to get here from Paris there was only the RN12, which was not a four-lane highway like it is today. As a result, the Perche has preserved its rural architecture, is surrounded by nature, and is free of housing developments. Around the Maison d’Hector there are fields, very little industry—just nature and beautiful landscapes.

“The Perche Natural Regional Park, which straddles several départements [administrative areas] has tried to preserve the Perche’s regional and natural unity. Many organic farmers have settled here, drawn by the rich nature and the high quality of the soil, perfect for organic farming.

“Terre de Liens, a local association, is slowly buying up parcels of land that used to be farmed with pesticides and renting them to young farmers who want to set up organic operations. This dynamic association is open to one and all. Before, farmers cut, flattened, and sprinkled pesticides; today they are reintroducing hedges for enclosing fields. These hedges are essential: aside from acting as windbreakers, which protects the soil, they also shelter birds and small animals that help the Perche recover its ecological balance.”

"One day, Carol said to me: What if we lived here?
That’s how we ended up staying. The Perche is an amazing region. Aside from a simple environmental conscious, I was surprised by the esthetic conscious, the beauty and harmony. Many artists come and settle in the Perche to give classes and open studios.
Everything starts with “eating right,” then the circle widens to include the natural environment, handled with balance, and architecture, and the quality of house restorations.
Here, I’ve found a real sense of hospitality, consideration of the Other and the guests. It’s the definition of the Art of Living."

The Village and Forest of Bellême
Filled with 17th- and 18th-century homes and mansions, Bellême is another mythic village in the Perche region, set in the center of a regional park. Sports lovers will appreciate the marked hiking trails, as well as the splendid views from the 18-hole golf course.

Mortagne-au-Perche A medieval town in the heart of the Perche: Mortagne. Enjoy its picturesque lanes, its Saturday morning market, and its unforgettable blood sausage!

Art Studio Visits at Saint-Céneri-le-Gerei, a Beautiful Stone Village in the Perche
Inspired by the “portes ouvertes” weekends in the artist’s neighborhoods of Paris, The artists of Saint-Céneri-le-Gerei open their doors to visitors, turning the town into a open-air art gallery on April 22nd to 24th 2010. The program includes a wide range of events, including meeting the artists, children’s workshops, a photo contest open to visitors, and an outdoor picnic and free concert.

Photos David Commenchal - CDT 61
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