Welcome to Celtic Périgord

An Immersive Musical Journey

Where Ancient Stone Meets Living Tradition

Nestled in the golden limestone heart of a medieval village in the Dordogne, Celtic Périgord invites you to a week-long residency designed for the soul of the Celtic musician. We bridge the gap between the rugged traditions of the Atlantic fringe and the sun-drenched elegance of Southwest France, offering an unparalleled space for artistic growth, cultural immersion, and kinship.

Join us at Celtic Périgord for a week of melody, memory, and magic. Your chair in the circle is waiting!

Our Mission

Founded by a husband-and-wife team passionate about hospitality and heritage, Celtic Périgord provides world-class workshops that transcend the classroom. Our mission is to host transformative retreats where musicians can sharpen their skills, forge lifelong international friendships, and rediscover the joy of their craft in one of the most beautiful regions on Earth.

Our Upcoming Workshop

We are planning our first workshop to be held Sept 20-27, 2026 in our spacious home in the medieval village of Belvès, in the beautiful Dordogne area in southwest France. Our featured musician is Anthea Lawrence, an Olympia, Washington based fiddler who will teach 2-hour classes each morning (Mon-Sat) and will lead sessions each evening. Shared accommodation (up to 6 people) is included, as are cooked breakfasts each morning, shared dinners 4 evenings, transport to/from the train station in Siorac en Perigord, and hosted transport to attractions on three afternoons.

Why The Dordogne?

Beyond the workshop doors lies a land of prehistoric caves, medieval castles, and world-renowned vineyards. Between rehearsals, you’ll wander ancient cobblestone streets and enjoy the slow, rhythmic pace of French country life—the perfect tempo for creative inspiration.

Meet Your Hosts

Deirdre: The Art of Living

Your comfort is Deirdre’s craft. With years of experience as an Airbnb and VRBO host with a track record of five-star excellence, she ensures that your accommodations are inviting and comfortable and your meals are a delight. From your lodging in a fully renovated medieval village house to locally-inspired meals prepared with ingredients from the Périgord’s famous markets, Deirdre ensures that you are well and happily fed so you can focus entirely on your music.

Mark: The Heart of the Session

Mark is the musical engine of Celtic Périgord. A versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Mark’s roots run deep in the singer-songwriter, Americana, and Celtic traditions. Whether he is running a session on the mandolin or providing rhythmic backing on the guitar, Mark understands the nuances of the genre and the specific needs of touring and hobbyist musicians alike.