When I moved to St Hilaire de Riez some 8 years ago, this tiny thatched cottage at the bottom of my road was going to rack and ruin. Pretty heartbreaking!

Especially once I realised it had been the painter Henry Simon’s studio back in the fifties.

I took this picture back in 2002, I think. I love old cottages and the run-down state of this one nearly moved me to tears!

Fortunately, it has been magnificently restored & renamed Les Rimajures by the artist’s daughters and is now open to the public.  You can pop in for a tea or coffee, visit the gallery and little shop. 

It’s just a stone’s throw away from the port of St Gilles Croix de Vie, you may even have passed in front of it as the free carpark for Ile d’Yeu passengers is practically opposite. 

Entry is free, you could even combine it with a visit to one of the morning markets in St Gilles (the link is in French), 5 markets a week, no less, even in winter!!!  I LOVE France!

Some of his paintings are on display in the 17th century church in St Hilaire de Riez, just up the road from me. 

He is also well -known for depicting local scenes & folklore, and water is a recurrent theme.

Born 100 years ago, a celebratory exhibition of the artist’s work  will be on show in Paris in July before transferring to St Hilaire de Riez. 

Between August & November, there will be displays in the Mediathèque, Tourist Office and the Bourrine du Bois Juquaud in St Hilaire.  Not forgetting the Palais du Congrès in St Jean de Monts from the 10th July to the 31st August, free entry. 

Bring your swimming gear for afterwards, there is a magnificent stretch of beach just opposite!