FRENCH PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
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Brewed in France: the Brasseurs du Pont
How French Plans helped Chris & James realise their dream, transforming a historic riverside gem into a thriving microbrewery
Brasseurs du Pont is a micro-brewery, bar and restaurant offering accommodation on the banks of the river Dordogne in South West France. In this article, business owners Chris and James share the reality of swapping the UK for the Dordogne including taking part in C4’s A New Life in The Sun and working with French Plans to make a reality of their project.
Chris and James, why did you choose the Dordogne to live?
We holidayed in France a lot when we were children on family holidays from way back. So, we know France well, but in truth we didn’t know too much about the Dordogne initially. The decision really came back to tourism and footfall. This location works because it’s undeniably beautiful, but also easy to reach. It’s well served by several airports, which is so important for a hospitality-led business. Then there’s the property itself. You simply couldn’t build it today. With the regulations, the flood zone, its position next to the Dordogne and the protected water source, it’s a real gem — one of those buildings that exists because of when it was built. That uniqueness was a huge part of the draw.
It was not an easy search though - it took us five years. However, it was worth the wait as we wanted a property with scope to be a bar, restaurant, rooms with space for a brewery… which is exactly what this location offers.
Both of you have experience in hospitality. What was the inspiration behind creating a microbrewery?
For James, hospitality comes very naturally. He’s worked across some incredible brands, both on the high street and in the skies, having spent years working across some fantastic airlines, where service, attention to detail and people skills are everything. Together we complement well, and while we didn’t come from a traditional hospitality or microbrewery background, we’ve always been passionate about food, drink and creating spaces people genuinely enjoy being in.
Back in the UK we spent Covid years redesigning our garage in the UK to become a little nano brewery, feeding our neighbours with our wonderful beers. In fact, much of those recipes we designed in the UK are the beers we now make here in France! And we thought - why not! A lot of what we do is driven by instinct, research, and learning on the job and being willing to adapt as we go.
A New Life in the Sun: what was your experience of being on tv?
It was an ‘ok - why not?’ moment! We have watched these types of programmes for years; the programmes giving us the confidence to also make this happen for ourselves. And actually we have met loads of our friends through the series here in Dordogne, reaching out to those who have made the move. You see these programmes for years and suddenly you’re the people on screen. What people don’t always realise is how honest the process is; the pressures, the deadlines, the unknowns it’s all there. And that microphone is always on! Ha!
Looking back, it captured a very intense moment in our journey. It was exhausting, but also something of which we’ll always be proud. The renovation phase was incredible. Now we’re open, operating we’re at a different stage to that before - but Channel4 have created a wonderful capture of the early moments here in France.
How did you hear about French Plans?
Once we had found our property, we then had to navigate the French system of planning! We spoke to a few people around and through word of mouth, French Plans were recommended to us. The stood out to us as they understood both the French planning system as well as the challenges faced by English speakers. French Plans kept coming up as a trusted name, and from the first conversation it felt like they really understood what we were trying to achieve.
Why did you approach French Plans?
We knew that trying to navigate planning permission, the regulations and the technical drawings ourselves would be risky and stressful. Submitting documents which perhaps weren’t going to be right the first time would delay us, and we needed someone who could bridge the gap technically, legally and linguistically and help turn ideas into something that would actually be approved.
"French Plans felt like the smartest way forward, but also financially, their rates to us were fair."
Tell us about the brewery. How did you wish to integrate the new microbrewery into the existing restaurant and bar?
The aim was always for the brewery to feel like a beacon of our business - our USP of sorts. We wanted it to enhance the customer experience with something visible, interesting and authentic while also making sense operationally. It had to work for service flow, storage, hygiene regulations and future growth, all while keeping the soul of the place intact.
It’s again why we chose the building we did, although we had no idea (!) if structurally it could be placed there or whether we could run services to that part of the building. We actually decided very quickly where the brewery would be sited in Brasseurs Du Pont. Again, it just felt right in that part of the building: nested right alongside the bar.
What were the biggest challenges encountered during the renovation of the building?
The building itself was both the biggest joy - and the biggest challenge. Its age, location and protected status meant that nothing was straightforward. Every change had to be thought through carefully, respecting the structure while making it fit for modern use. Add to that the usual renovation surprises things you only discover once walls are opened and it was definitely a test of patience, and our bank accounts (!). We knew we would have to update some services, but we’ve now had to replace all electrics, lighting, plumbing, and these costs were especially large. Those types of background investments which are essential but as a customer, you really just expect that light to turn on, you don’t go ‘wow’ their lights work…
Planning. Were there any unexpected issues… and how were they resolved?
There are always unexpected issues when dealing with planning in France, especially with a property like this. Regulations, environmental considerations and technical requirements all come into play.
"Having French Plans meant these issues were handled calmly and professionally. They knew how to adjust plans, communicate with the authorities and keep things moving rather than letting them stall."
Can you give an example as to how French Plans made your project a reality?
They translated our ideas into something that could actually exist on paper - and be approved. From drawings to submissions, regulations to revisions, they took what felt overwhelming and made it manageable. Without that support, the project simply wouldn’t have progressed the way it did. Our building itself is located within Zone Rouge & under various conservation restrictions, French Plans simply understood all of this and took them all graciously through into drawings to submissions.
What did the communication French Plans feel like for you as a client during the project?
Clear, consistent and reassuring. That’s probably the best way to describe it. They explained what was happening, why it mattered, and what the next steps were. When problems arose, we felt informed rather than panicked which made all the difference. We had various additional stages which we hadn’t previously expected such as regulation submissions, or working with the local fire officers for accessibility and fire practice rules. These all impacted the layout of our bar and restaurant and the brewery location - but throughout the whole process French Plans explained the situation and guided us through it. They kept it professional and simple for us.
How long did the project take from applying for the planning permission and it being received?
From submission to approval, the process took longer than we might have expected initially but very much in line with French planning timelines. It’s an extended process which you simply need to accept moving into France :). What mattered most was that it was handled properly the first time, avoiding costly delays or rejections later.
How has the microbrewery impacted the overall business (e.g. is there increased customer traffic, more business, etc.)?
The microbrewery has added another layer to what we offer. It’s brought in new customers, given returning guests something new to experience, and strengthened our identity as a destination rather than just a stop-by restaurant or bar. It’s also opened doors to conversations, events and future opportunities as we now take on external distribution.
There is something to always keep us busy!
Thank you, Chris and James. Final words - would you recommend French Plans to other English-speaking business owners looking to establish themselves in France – and why?
Absolutely. If you’re an English-speaking business owner trying to establish yourself in France, having the right support is invaluable. French Plans understand the system, the language, and the realities of running a business here. They remove stress, prevent mistakes, and ultimately help turn ideas into something real and approved.
A New Life in France
If you have enjoyed this article, click onto A New Life in France on YouTube to watch a series of videos about the project. They include an interview with Chris and James as well as a second video in which Tom Easdown, French Plans’ Director discusses in detail the planning and renovation process.