Andrew and Gail Marten at their holiday homes in Le Monestier

Meet Andrew and Gail, your hosts in Le Monestier

Our story, the houses we restored and the Livradois-Forez places we return to.

Welcome to our corner of the Livradois-Forez

Andrew and Gail Marten, hosts of three holiday homes in Le Monestier

We are Andrew and Gail Marten. We live here in Le Monestier, alongside the three holiday homes we have restored and cared for over many years.

Our connection with the village began with Ancienne École. We were living in England when we bought the former village school as a holiday home and renovation project. At first, it was somewhere to escape to and slowly bring back to life. Over time, however, we fell in love with Le Monestier and the wider Livradois-Forez.

In 2003, we made the move from England and settled here permanently. We began welcoming guests in 2013.

Why Le Monestier?

Le Monestier is a beautiful, well-kept village with a peaceful position in the hills and excellent access to the rest of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park.

From the village, it is easy to reach Ambert, the forests and high pastures of the Forez hills, small rural markets, historic villages and walking and cycling routes in almost every direction.

Yet Le Monestier itself remains quiet. It is a place where you can step outside, slow down and begin to notice the landscape properly.

Why we enjoy hosting

The greatest pleasure of hosting is meeting people from different places and walks of life, and introducing them to aspects of the Livradois-Forez that we believe they will genuinely appreciate.

Guests often ask where to find a good bakery, café or restaurant; which walk to choose; or which town, village or market would suit the time they have available.

We take time to listen before making suggestions. We consider your interests, circumstances, pace and the length of your stay, and remain available when plans change or another question arises.

Restoring the three houses

Ancienne École

We were captivated by the scale of its windows, the height of its ceilings and the history held within the building. We transformed the former schoolroom into a dramatic, cathedral-like living space while preserving the qualities that first drew us to it.

Maison Marthe

Maison Marthe had already been partially renovated when we acquired it, but considerable work remained. We completed and improved the renovation, shaping it into the generous and welcoming house it is today.

Chez Amélie

Chez Amélie was effectively a ruin with little more than walls and a roof. We carried out the renovations across all three houses ourselves, with invaluable help from friends. We now know each building intimately.

A few places we return to

These are personal starting points rather than a checklist. Three original routes will receive complete maps and practical guidance after their GPX tracks have been checked.

The panoramic paths around Le Monestier

This short, easy walk begins outside the front door. Evening is particularly beautiful, when the setting sun lights the Forez hills. Stop properly at each viewpoint: look at the landscape first and only then decide how to frame the image. A mapped route will follow after GPX validation.

Wednesday morning in Cunlhat

Cunlhat’s Wednesday market is small and intimate, but large enough to remain interesting. We particularly enjoy it from May through late autumn. Look for local artisans beneath the open-sided structure opposite the church; the number and mix of stalls can vary.

Plan a market visit →

Olliergues

We enjoy combining a meal at Terroir 63 with a walk through the village. Climb the cobbled streets and look for medieval stonework, old doorways and details connected with Jean Gouttefangeas, the local photographer and postcard publisher. Explore quietly: these are lived-in streets and homes. Because the village sits low beside the Dore, we favour late morning or early afternoon outside summer.

Explore Olliergues →Check Terroir 63’s current information ↗

Mountain biking between Le Monestier and Ambert

For experienced riders—or confident newcomers ready for a challenge—the ride offers a technical descent and a demanding return climb, with an easier climbing alternative. We will publish it only after checking the GPX track, options and safety information.

The plateau above Olliergues

Its appeal lies in open views, easy walking, quiet roads and small villages spread across the plateau. We are preparing a route that will identify the best starting point, parking and circuit after the GPX track has been checked.

How we prepare our local guides

Our recommendations combine places we know personally with information checked against official tourism, park, municipal and venue sources. We distinguish our own experience from information supplied by another organisation.

Opening times, market arrangements, menus, access and trail conditions can change, so we link to the relevant official source where it helps you make a better decision.

Official Livradois-Forez RANDO portal ↗Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park ↗

Let us help you plan your stay

Tell us what you enjoy, who you are travelling with and how much time you have, and we will gladly suggest a few places to begin. Sometimes the best introduction to the Livradois-Forez is simply to choose one path, market or village and give it the time it deserves.

Andrew and Gail

Contact us