Happy New Year . . . January / February 2003
 

[ PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL UNDERLINED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THIS TEXT ARE ACTIVE LINKS TO APPROPRIATE WEB SITES.  JUST CLICK ON ANY ONE OF THEM!] Looking Back at 2002  It was a good year at au Château -- a surprising fact with tourism down and the economy as troubling as it is. We were pleasantly surprised to find a strong rebound of visitor traffic to our web site after a dramatic decrease following September 11th.  Vacationers were afraid to wander far from home, especially by plane, a terrible blow to the already struggling travel and airline industries.  People are still not venturing out as freely as they were, but they are certainly dreaming about it and investigating the possibilities on the Internet.  We are very grateful that our growing web site is receiving their attention. The year 2002 saw us welcome fifteen new properties to au Château,  reaching from warm and sunny Provence to historic and friendly Normandy -- from green and tradition-filled Brittany to the charming and still mainly undiscovered Languedoc-Roussillon and many places in between.    It has been our great pleasure to include  more distinctive and beautiful country manors on au Château, as well as elegant and classical château properties.  It is nearly impossible to have a favorite, as each and every manoir or château on our web site offers the visitor something unique and special.  No two are alike!  In the coming year we look forward to introducing you to many more properties across France, affording you wider choices as you plan your next vacation and set about to devise a driving route.  We hope that you will include many of these inviting chambres d'hôtes on your itinerary, for we are convinced that stays at any of our members' homes will be enlightening and truly rewarding experiences -- providing happy memories of your visit to France. Traveling  -  Then and Now The year 2002 was definitely a mixed bag for travelers.  While US airfares for leisure travelers were down,  low fare tickets carried more restrictions and getting bumped from a flight didn't have the perks it once did.       A benefit of tightened security and a more watchful eye over luggage resulted in more fliers arriving with their baggage than losing it -- the best year on record since collecting data on lost luggage began seven years ago.  But, a noticeable change at airport check-in counters was the on-the-spot collection of overweight or oversized baggage fees -- airlines increased these in 2002 or started enforcing policies that they used to overlook.  As the airlines tried to streamline their expenses, many holders of paper tickets found themselves paying up to $25 for not having e-tickets when they were an option.  As travel agents lost the last of their commissions from airlines, some travelers found themselves paying their agent a hefty fee for processing tickets.   Re-scheduling restrictions on non-refundable tickets limited travelers options, and frequent fliers found that airlines would be decreasing the number of seats available to them not only in 2002 but into the future. 2003 will, hopefully, be a safe and enjoyable year for travelers.  There will be changes, to be sure, most notably with regard to airport security.   One is the likelihood that the US government will require all checked baggage be left unlocked for random inspections.  Luggage which is in any way suspect and found locked will be broken into by inspectors.  This has caused a furor among travelers and travel groups who ask the questions, "Who will have access to that luggage,  and who will be responsible for missing items?"   Of course, an answer acceptable to most of us is not possible, which brings us back to the age-old admonition to pack light.  More than ever, packing light means carrying small pieces of luggage onto the plane if possible to avoid having anything to check in -- and don't pack any valuables! In conjunction with the unlocked checked luggage issue is that of film.  Anyone with concerns about scanning equipment ruining their film is being warned to keep it in their carry-on luggage where it will pass through less harmful X-rays,  as opposed to putting it in checked luggage which will be subjected to the newer and more powerful equipment recently put into use as a result of September 11th.  As you can see, traveling is not becoming simpler but more tedious and complex.  The aggravations and delays faced in airports will not be pleasant, and we must all find ways to make it easier on ourselves.  It is important to arrive early for flights, to have clothing that packs well, is wash and wear and forgettable in appearance so it can be worn during the day and into the evening.  Forego stylish outfits and opt for total practicality.  Leave valuables at home  -- especially jewelry --  keep cameras with you and not packed in that unlocked checked baggage, and wear a money belt to hold your credit cards, passport and photo ID / driver's license.  Of course,  we believe that if France is your destination, all the little annoyances will be well worth it!   Bon voyage!  Romantic Paris - an indispensable lovers' guide Thirza Vallois is not new to Paris, although her time is spent living both in the City of Light and "home" in London.   In recent years, she produced a well-received trilogy of books to guide natives and tourists alike through all the arrondissements of this wonderful city -- appropriately entitled Around and About Paris  -- each volume covering its share of the twenty neighborhoods.  However, we are here to tell you about her latest book, one that has only been available since November -- Romantic Paris.  Thirza has had this book on the back burner for years, always planning to introduce it as a way to answer the age-old question,  "Why is Paris such a romantic city?"   This is not a question with a single definitive answer, as readers will soon discover. Romantic Paris is an invitation to join an around-the-clock and a dream-come-true celebration of the ultimate city of romance.  Thirza Vallois has the place at her fingertips and gives you the best of the best of romantic Paris.  In her book she walks you to all the city's treasured spots and secret corners and provides you with a choice of fabulous places – hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, museums, night life – that she has carefully selected to suit couples of all ages, all budgets, and as varied a spectrum as possible.  Here is an excerpt from Romantic Paris:   "By the fateful year of 1118 a multitude of church steeples pierced the little island's sky - an exquisite sight. The cathedral of Notre Dame was in poor repair, soon to be leveled and replaced by a glorious Gothic monument which would take nearly two hundred years to complete.  Here Canon Fulbert took in his 17 year-old niece, Héloise, so that she could benefit from the excellent education provided by the school of Notre Dame.  Her appointed tutor was 39 year-old Pierre Abélard, the greatest scholar of his generation, whose reputation drew students to the Latin Quarter from all over Europe. He was also an accomplished poet and musician. In other words, Pierre was irresistible.  Before long, Héloise had to be sent back to Brittany to have her child away from the public eye. Her vengeful uncle, not content to keep the lovers apart, had Pierre captured and castrated, thus thwarting definitively their earthly love.  Compassionate death, however, united them once more, as it often does for true lovers. For nearly 1,000 years now they have been resting next to each  other, more often than not sharing the same tomb.  In the early years of the 19th century, when the new Père Lachaise cemetery was trying to lure upper crust tenants from western Paris to its huge grounds lying on the unappetizing, eastern edge of the city, someone came up with the brilliant idea of transferring the prestigious couple and their monument to Père Lachaise as a publicity stunt, and sure enough it did the trick. Everyone began buying plots at the new       cemetery, which explains why the medieval pair now rests among the smug bourgeoisie of 19th century Paris."  If you cannot find Romantic Paris in your local bookstore, you can order it on line by clicking here to pay with a credit card.  Or, contact Mme Vallois by email at thirzavallois@iliadbooks.demon.co.uk.  Whether you are newly married seeking out the perfect honeymoon location, an established couple looking for the ideal place to celebrate a significant wedding anniversary, or just a romantic at heart, this city and this book are perfect for you!  [Photo Credit :  Romantic Paris by Thirza Vallois Interlink Publishing Group & Arris Books Ltd, UK] Welcome to Provence and Château Talaud We recently added a very special château to our web site, one that is romantic and elegant -- both a wine estate and a family home -- located in the heart of the warm and inviting Provençal landscape.  We introduce you to Château Talaud. As  winter's chill is upon us, what better way to get away from it all than to travel to Provence in southern France?  The Château Talaud is perfectly located to enable guests to explore the delights of tiny villages, the numerous excellent restaurants that dot the region, the markets rich with Provençal delicacies, fabrics, and gifts to take home, and, of course, the charm and warmth of the people who live here.  Half of the château's 30 hectares of land is devoted to Côtes du Ventoux  wine production, and a vineyard view from the dining room is quite pleasant indeed.  This classical 18th century château has been entirely renovated to a very high standard, and its owners, Hein and Conny Deiters-Kommer, have incorporated their knowledge and experience as world travelers into a welcoming and congenial chambres d'hôtes.  The international flavor (your hosts speak six languages) allows guests from every country to feel at home.  Whether you are looking for a peaceful and elegant double room with en suite bath or a complete apartment to rent by the week, you will find total comfort, style and all modern conveniences.  Château Talaud offers guests large and comfortable rooms, decorated with perfect taste and suitable for stays of a night or two or a week or two!    The château can be your base to visit the wine country of Châteauneuf du Pape or the ruins of Les Baux de Provence and Glanum.  Take in some antique shops in Saint-Rémy de Provence or spend hours rummaging through the Carpentras open-air market.   Don't forget the Roman arenas at Arles, Orange and Nîmes or the delights of people watching from an outdoor café on the Cours Mirabeau at Aix-en-Provence.   Unwind with a picnic lunch along the Rhône River, drive to historic Avignon or visit Vaison-La-Romaine for a gourmet meal at one of its famous restaurants.   All this and more can be yours if Château Talaud  is your home away from home when you next visit the south of France.  [Photo Credit:  Château Talaud]  French Quiz 21 What Paris landmark is named for famous World War I French flying ace Roland Garros? a prominent gate at the Cimetière de Montmartre a sports stadium west of the city a war room at the Musée Legion d'Honneur a pedestrian bridge crossing the Seine a small, quiet garden in the 3rd arrondissement ? You will find the correct answer at the end of this newsletter. Village View:  Rochefort-en-Terre The delightful Breton village of Rochefort-en-Terre is a photo opportunity at every turn.  The courtyard above is only one of  many that a pedestrian will pass while strolling the gently curving village lanes.  Charming artisan shops, restaurants,   pâtisseries and private homes line the quiet streets.  It is a peaceful corner of beautiful Brittany, surrounded by an  undulating green countryside along winding country roads.  Nearby, the stately and welcoming Château de Talhouët,  barely 5 minutes out of the village by car, is open all year  to offer guests spacious rooms and fine dinners. This part of southern Brittany should not be overlooked by any visitor to France. [Photo:  Cold Spring Press © 2002 - 2003] Château de la Crée  -  A Classical Burgundian Retreat In the rich and verdant wine country of eastern France stands a popular destination for those who enjoy the bed and breakfast experience:  Château de La Crée.  The Remy-Thévenin family truly enjoys welcoming guests into their classical château and sharing their family's excellent wines either at the dinner table accompanying a gourmet eight course meal or through personally escorted wine tastings.  The château's labels include Domaine Remy-Thévenin, Domaine Louis Remy, and Roland Thévenin et Fils, each superb in its own right and each a fine example of Burgundian wine. [Photos:  Courtesy of Château de La Crée ©  2003] Guests will find themselves in spacious, elegant rooms or suites with palatial ensuite bathrooms and views over the park and Côtes de Beaune vineyards.  For those who want to spend time on the grounds, they will be able to enjoy billiards, tennis,  or a putting green in addition to strolls in the gardens or renting bicycles for touring the area.  Farther afield are the Burgundy vineyards, Beaune and its famous Hospice, golf courses, horseback riding, fishing and swimming.  The large city of Dijon is only 34 miles away and Lyon about 60.  This is certainly an area suited to visitors interested in gourmet dining, history and wine! The  Côte d'Or (golden slopes) of Burgundy where Château de La Crée is located is paradise for wine lovers.  Vineyard tours and tastings are available along the wine route where some of the world's most famous grapes are grown -- familiar names such as Meursault, Nuit-St-Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot and others.   Visit Clos  de Vougeot,  the walled 12th century château which was originally the Abbey of Cîteaux, for tours of the château and cellars, or the Marché aux Vins in Beaune for leisurely tastings. Château de La Crée is open from March until the end of December, and on request in January and February.  Your friendly hosts, who speak three languages,  warmly welcome guests to their truly wonderful home, offering exceptional wines and cuisine to accompany the comfortable and inviting accommodations.   Please visit the château on our web site for more information, photos and rates for 2003.   French Quiz 22 Paris' Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne is popular for its a - exotic plant collection from around the world b - the city's largest miniature golf course c- the comic strip character Asterix & his adventures d - children's playground, rides and open-air circus e - over 76 acres of flowers and nature exhibits f - safari park where animals roam freely ? You will find the correct answer at the end of this newsletter. Speaking of Wine . . . A visit to the Sauternes vineyards of Château Raymond-Lafon is the focus of the French Wine Report in the upcoming issue of the print newsletter, FRANCE On Your Own.  Wine reporter, Panos Kakaviatos, recently visited the 50 acre estate to bring us the inside story of the production of this exceptional appellation as well as to report on the upcoming January 22nd Paris wine tasting. To read the entire article, click here to subscribe to the newsletter.  For travelers to the Bordeaux region of France who are interested in a visit to Château Raymond-Lafon, contact the Meslier family by email at famille.meslier@chateau-raymond-lafon.fr or phone them at 33.5.56.63.21.02 from outside of France.      [Photo:  Magnum of Château Rayomond-Lafon Sauternes    courtesy of Château Raymond-Lafon   Copyright © 2002 - 2003]    EASY RECIPE:  TRUITE AUX AMANDES Here is a simple recipe for Trout Almondine that can be prepared at the last minute. You will need four trout, one cup of milk, a few ounces of butter, two ounces of flour, two ounces of shaved almonds, one lemon and salt and pepper to taste. Clean the trout completely and pat dry.  Dip each one into milk which has been well salted and peppered, then roll them lightly in the flour. In a large pan, heat butter.  Brown the fish over a medium heat about 8 minutes on each side.  Pay close attention to the cooking so the fish does not break or fall apart.  Brown the almonds lightly in a small pan with a bit of butter over a moderate heat.  Pour the almond mixture over the trout just before serving.  Garnish with half slices of lemon.   Bon appétit! [Recipe courtesy of Marilyn Piauton's "How to Eat Out in France" ] We hope you have enjoyed au Château News.  If you have,  please forward it to friends and encourage them to subscribe.  It's FREE! [The answer  to Quiz 21 is  the stadium and to Quiz 22 is d.]

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