About your Hosts
Sophie & Lee welcome you to experience their easygoing countryside lifestyle of good food, wellness and authentic French charm.
Your English hosts, Sophie and Lee, along with their beloved cat, made their home in the beautiful South West of France in 2025 after nearly two decades living in Australia. Drawn by the promise of rural peace, good food and deeper connection to nature, they settled in a small Occitanie village surrounded by rolling hills and rich local culture.
Together, they’re the heart behind Rossignols, Art de Vivre—their shared vision to create warm, inspiring experiences that blend wellness, creativity and authentic French living. Both are environmentally conscious, nature-loving and passionate about good food, mindful living and making guests feel instantly at home.
Meet Sophie
Sophie brings creative energy and thoughtful design to every aspect of the retreat. A professional artist and art education consultant for over 15 years in the UK, she’s the creative mind behind the accommodation’s eclectic, arty interiors.
Her more recent background as a Nonverbal Communication and Specialist and Behaviour Analyst—along with expertise in mindfulness and breathwork—shapes her workshops, helping retreat guests develop calm focus, awareness and emotional balance.
Meet Lee
Lee is a lifelong runner, former Personal Trainer and natural “doer” who thrives on being active and getting things done. He’s not one to sit still for long—give him a task and he’ll tackle it head‑on with focus and enthusiasm. From managing the practical side of the retreats to keeping everything running seamlessly behind the scenes, he ensures guests can relax knowing every detail has been thought through.
Before changing careers, Lee worked in sales, where his open, ethical approach and quick wit won the trust and friendship of clients who appreciated his honesty and upbeat energy. He’s great company—approachable, genuine and known for his cheeky smile and perfectly timed one‑liners.
His head is a library of trivia—especially athletics results from the 1980s, which, for reasons unknown, he still remembers in impressive detail. Known for his humour and approachable nature, Lee brings energy, care and a touch of fun to every retreat.
Their shared journey is grounded in a passion for health, sustainability and simple, ethical living. Both adventurous by nature, Sophie and Lee thrive on discovering new places, connecting with local culture and embracing experiences that celebrate the natural world. They share a deep love of cooking wholesome meals from scratch—turning fresh, seasonal ingredients into nourishing dishes that reflect their belief in balance and mindful living.
And then there’s their Australian cat, the quietest member of the Rossignols family. A seasoned traveller, she’s lived in Australia, Greece and the UK, with a holiday in Ireland along the way. Though timid around strangers, she’s happiest roaming the gardens, or napping in the barn or under a bush—an independent spirit who prefers to admire guests from a safe distance while keeping a watchful eye on Sophie and Lee.
Through Rossignols, art de Vivre, Sophie, Lee, and their feline companion now share the peaceful rural life they’ve built—inviting guests to reconnect with nature, creativity and the simple joy of wholesome living in the heart of France.
