Aurélie Valognes, the acclaimed French author, has embarked on a unique literary venture by moving to the former residence of the legendary singer and actress Jane Birkin, located in the picturesque Brittany region. This extraordinary transition not only signifies her latest chapter as a novelist but also showcases her commitment to supporting fellow women writers.
Upon her arrival at the house called Kachalou, Valognes was immediately struck by the warmth and charm of the place, which has remained largely untouched since Birkin's death on July 16, 2023. The sprawling property, measuring 460 square meters and comprising 14 rooms, boasts nine bedrooms, and features such as a dining room with breathtaking views of the bay and direct access to the beach.
Birkin’s daughters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, made the tough decision to part with their cherished family home, which had served as their mother’s sanctuary and source of inspiration. Even after the sale, they left many personal mementos behind, including furniture, dishes, and various knick-knacks, which imbue the house with the essence of its former occupant.
The library remains particularly captivating for Valognes, filled with books ranging from the classics of Victor Hugo to enchanting tales by Lewis Carroll, alongside works about British royalty, including titles on Elizabeth I. Valognes recognizes the importance of these texts, acknowledging they help maintain the strong cultural legacy of Birkin, who retained her British identity even as she made France her home.
Valognes is not only moving to this remarkable abode for its aesthetic beauty; she also intends to open it up as a retreat for other women writers. Her vision includes hosting two artistic sessions per year, with five participants each, allowing these authors to focus solely on their craft without distractions. "Je fais peut-être deux sessions par an, avec cinq personnes. Il y a assez de chambres pour que chacune puisse s’isoler", she explains enthusiastically.
Despite her excitement about the new projects she plans to undertake at the house, Valognes remains grounded and conscious of the home’s history. "Cet endroit devient un multiplicateur de bonheur, d’opportunités et de moments que je n’aurais pas pu vivre ailleurs", she shared passionately. There is no doubt her connection to Birkin—who she refers to as "une femme libre et forte”—also influenced her decision to purchase the house. She recalls reading Birkin's intimate journals, stating, "J’avais lu ses journaux intimes [‘Munkey Diaries’, Fayard, 2018]. Je suis tellement torturée, je me pose un milliard de questions, et j’avais l’impression qu’elle était pire!"
Valognes’s personal history with writings goes beyond just admiration. She has forged her own path as one of France’s most read authors, following the success of her previous works, with her eleventh novel, "La Fugue", set to be released on March 12, 2024. Interestingly, this novel is inspired not only by her experiences but also the ambiance of the home she now occupies.
She describes her creative process as one rooted firmly within the walls of the house, intending to capture its essence and the tales hidden within its history. Placing the house as the central character within her narrative, Valognes conveys how it contributed to her recent existential reflections. She strives to create narratives where the spaces inhabited by her characters are intrinsic to their development, much like how she intends to make this new environment shape her upcoming stories.
Valognes continues to maintain her residence in Dinard, where her children attend school, yet she yearned for this private sanctuary, where she could escape and embrace solitude, reminiscent of Virginia Woolf's need for “a room of one's own.” This sanctuary provides her with the solitude she craves for contemplation and writing, ensuring her creative juices flow freely. "Vivre au rythme des vents et des éléments", she muses, is her mantra on how she intends to exist within this space.
Through all these transitions, including her time at Procter & Gamble and as a rhythmic gymnastics teacher, Valognes remains aware of the significance of this new chapter. She expresses, "J’aime l’idée de n’être que de passage. Il y avait des propriétaires avant moi comme il y en aura après", highlighting her deep appreciation for the house's history and the many lives it has touched over the decades.
The allure of Jane Birkin's former home extends beyond mere nostalgia; it serves as fertile ground for new stories and ideas to blossom. Rather than merely housing her creative pursuits, this residence embodies layers of history, personal touch, and artistic rebirth. For Valognes, this house encapsulates not just her aspiration to write but also her ambition to create links among women writers who seek solace and inspiration within its inspiring walls.