Settling Into Life at Château de Cerisay
It’s hard to believe I’ve already been at Château de Cerisay for nearly five days. Time has a strange way of moving here; some moments feel slow and spacious, while the days themselves seem to pass in a blink. There is a gentle rhythm to life at the château that feels very different from the usual pace of everyday living.
The first couple of days were mostly about settling in and getting familiar with everything around me. More than anything, it was about adjusting; both to the place and to the group of people I’ve joined here. Instead of rushing into work, I found myself naturally slowing down, taking time to simply observe, listen, and absorb the atmosphere. Arriving in such a peaceful and historically rich setting, surrounded by gardens, old stone architecture, and wide stretches of countryside, almost encourages you to pause.
In the past few days, we’ve made a couple of trips to nearby towns, including Alençon and the beautiful Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei. Both places left a strong impression on me in completely different ways. Alençon felt grounded and full of quiet everyday life, while Saint-Céneri felt almost like stepping into a painting. It’s often called one of the most beautiful villages in France and it’s easy to see why. The narrow lanes, stone houses, soft light, as well as river running through it all create a sense of calm that stays with you long after you leave.
Back at the château, the surroundings continue to offer endless inspiration. The landscape is made up of rolling green fields, hedges and working farms that stretch out in every direction. There’s always something changing with the light—morning mist, golden afternoons, and long, quiet evenings. It’s the kind of environment that naturally pulls you into observation. You start noticing small details you might normally overlook.
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience so far has been the people I’m sharing it with. There are twelve of us in total, each from different creative backgrounds. We have painters working in oils, acrylics, and watercolours, along with writers, mixed-media artists, and even a jewellery designer. Everyone has their own way of seeing and responding to the world, and that diversity makes conversations incredibly rich.
Very quickly, we’ve started to feel like a small creative community. Meals together often turn into long discussions about process, inspiration, self-doubt, and the quiet discipline that art demands. There’s something very grounding about being surrounded by people who understand the ups and downs of creative work without needing much explanation. It creates an atmosphere that is both supportive and quietly motivating.
During this first week, I’ve managed to complete my first painting here at the château. It’s based on the view from the dining room window—a scene I kept returning to every time I sat down to eat or rest. There was something about the framing of the trees, the changing light, and the stillness beyond the glass that felt like the right place to begin this journey.
Next, my focus will shift to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei. That village has stayed in my mind since our visit, almost like a memory that keeps asking to be painted. I’m looking forward to exploring it further on canvas and seeing what emerges through that process.
Thank you for following along. I’ll share more reflections and new work as the days continue here at Château de Cerisay.
