The County's French Touch!
Monday, July 6, 2020 10:24 AM
I’m not a world traveler by any means, but shortly after finishing college – I backpacked through Europe and the South of France was my favourite region by far. I’ve been back a few times since, once for a holiday and a couple of times for work and it still is one of my favourite places to visit. I think that may be one of the things that drew us to PEC - living here is about the closest we’ll ever be to living in Southern France - there are many parallels.
It also might be why I am completely drawn to the work of L’Atelier du Presbytère. I first discovered these truly authentic artisans at the Wellington Farmer’s Market a couple of years ago and literally stopped dead in my tracks the moment I saw their stunning booth. It was SO fun meeting Françoise Méchin Pellet and Thierry Méchin who are one of the loveliest and most talented couples you could ever want to meet. I would say that within the first three minutes of meeting Françoise, she had me wrapped from head-to-toe in their linen product – such a fun experience!
Their stunning products range from very cool unique handcrafted casual fashions and accessories (mostly linen but also some VERY interesting new washable paper products too) to gorgeous products for your home, and the pair designs, cuts and sews everything in their Milford-based studio. They also carry some interesting antiques that are truly suited their unique French style and they JUST opened a beautiful retail shop (a true French oasis!!) in a gorgeous new barn that at the back of their property. I stopped by recently for a visit and can assure you that they have created a very safe environment for these challenging COVID times that we find ourselves in!
Over 20 years ago – Françoise and Thierry started their business in the small village of Vallabregues in Provence. In 2011 – they moved from France to Montreal and opened a small studio/boutique on Notre Dame St. West and then in 2016 they moved to Milford and set up shop here. How lucky for us!! If you are here in PEC or plan to visit soon – you should make a point of stopping by to see their work and to meet them for yourself – you’ll be glad you did!! If you can’t make it here - visit their site as you can now purchase online as well.
Follow them socially for shop hours and also to keep updated on their cool product: