BEYOND GAYFIÉ
THE HISTORY OF THE PLACE
The first inhabitants of the Domaine de Gayfié were the Celts. A sarcophagus of a Celtic princess found on the ground and placed in our courtyard bears witness to this period. The Romans took advantage from the so called Oppidum, building a natural fortification on top of this hill. The Duke of Aquitaine called “Gaïfi, defending the independence of the region against Pepin the Short in the 8th century and giving his name to this place; beginning of this century this place became a farm whose main buildings are still inhabited today. Mr. Duphenieux herited the hill planted with oaks and became rich with the trade of truffles, he settled 40 horses in this place. Since his 6th wife refused to live here, he sold the Domaine to the AS Saint-Étienne football club, which wanted to build a training center here in the 1960s but never realized its plans.
This is us…
FAMILIAR
FAMILY-RUN FOR 30 YEARS
SUSTAINABLE
COME TO PRESERVE THE BEAUTIFUL
OPEN
FOR NEW PEOPLE AND OPPORTUNITIES
YESTERDAY AND TODAY
THE CURRENT INHABITANTS OF THE HILL
In 1990, the current partners became aware of the site and purchased the 140 hectares of land. 35 plots of land were developed and 23 buildings have been constructed so far, 13 of which are now used as holiday homes with a total of 80 beds. 6 plots of land are still for sale.
In 2004 Lilo Schwarzer became the managing director of the Domaine de Gayfié and since 2015 her son Richard Bücheler is also part of the family business. Lilo & Richard see themselves as temporary residents of the hill. Following this understanding, they do not want to change the hill, but to let the hill change them and reveal its potential. At the Domaine de Gayfié, it is nature that sets the path, and those who engage in it are rewarded with serenity and tranquillity.
In 2004 Lilo Schwarzer became the managing director of the Domaine de Gayfié and since 2015 her son Richard Bücheler is also part of the family business. Lilo & Richard see themselves as temporary residents of the hill. Following this understanding, they do not want to change the hill, but to let the hill change them and reveal its potential. At the Domaine de Gayfié, it is nature that sets the path, and those who engage in it are rewarded with serenity and tranquillity.
MUSIC OF NOW AND TOMORROW
THE MONTICULE FESTIVAL
Richard represents the vision of the futur of the Domaine de Gayfié. He and his friends from Munich created the Monticule Festival this year. Every June since then, more than 2000 people from all over Europe make a pilgrimage to the Domaine de Gayfié to listen to contemporary electronic music, enjoy the qualities of the Lot region and spend a few conscious days in nature. Many follow-up stays with family and friends are the result of this experience. The concept of letting the hill take effect and bringing it closer to the people seems to have worked.
More information under: www.monticulefestival.com
More information under: www.monticulefestival.com