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                                 Special Edition - March 2008

  We have two very exceptional and distinctive  properties to tell you about!

            . . .  plus a unique vacation offer from Château de La Barre

 
 

[PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL UNDERLINED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THIS TEXT ARE 
ACTIVE LINKS TO APPROPRIATE WEB SITES.  JUST CLICK ON ANY ONE OF THEM!]

An Incredible Village Manoir

  . . . in the Midi-Pyrénées 

La Terrasse de Lautrec

   La Terrasse de Lautrec &  its gardens by Le Nôtre

Step through the front door of this village manoir and step into another world!  La Terrasse is unimposing at its entrance on the Place du Monument in the hilltop Medieval village of Lautrec, but once you are inside you will discover a delightful lodging experience ~ a residence filled with history (including a room that is a designated Monument Historique), warmth and comfort.

EntréeView to garden
       So much charm is in the details . . .

This lovely manoir offers two spacious double guest rooms, one lovely twin and a suite that will comfortably accommodate three people ~ all have modern, private bathrooms.

The proprietors discovered this wonderful home after a very long search for just the right property.  Fine renovations and careful updating took place until La Terrasse was ready for guests.  It is now a very special place to stay ~ and we say that from our personal experience during a recent visit. 

Each guest room is carefully furnished with comfortable beds, antiques, and lovely artwork ~ but equally delightful are the long windows affording views over either the Place du Monument at the front or the stunning gardens, designed by the famed Le Nôtre (Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte), built into the ancient rampart walls.  And, speaking of those gardens, they provide guests a tranquil and pleasant place to sit and relax while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Tarn countryside that seem to go on endlessly.  And, there is a heated swimming pool for guests' enjoyment.

The Moulin at Lautrec
You will enjoy the peaceful village of Lautrec as well (designated on the Most Beautiful Villages of France), as you discover the working windmill, the tourist office complete with an ancient convent oven and model of the village dating back to the times of Charlemagne, along with the quaint winding lanes and Medieval architecture all around you.  Delightful shops and a weekly market in the square add to the village's appeal.

When you make your reservation, be sure to request dinner for one or more evenings, because your hostess is an exemplary chef.  But, you really haven't seen anything until your visit to La Terrasse's pages on au Château.  Click here to see many more photos and read about all La Terrasse has to offer.  Then, call or email to make your reservation!

[Photo credits:  Dominique Ducoudray & Cold Spring Press 2007-2008.   All Rights Reserved.]


 Rent a Gothic Château in Lorraine

. . . ambiance and elegance can be yours!

Château d'Hattonchâtel

The Dramatic Château d'Hattonchâtel

Château d'Hattonchâtel  is in an amazing location high above the green landscape of lovely Lorraine in northeastern France.  This walled property offers you the opportunity to become châtelain or châtelaine for a few days or a few weeks ~ a place to lose yourself and shut out the rest of the busy world...a place also for a gathering of family and friends to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or, perhaps, to hold a very special wedding!

The on site managers are available to help with all arrangements for whatever event you plan, or, if you choose to just come together with five other couples, the château can be rented simply as an elegant vacation retreat.  Weddings are the specialty of the château, and the marriage ceremony can be held in the gardens, in the Grande Salle or in the village church only 100 meters distance.

To fully appreciate it, you must visit it on the au Château web pages...take in the drama of the Gothic architecture, the enormity of the grand salon's fireplace, and the appeal of the luxurious en suite guest rooms.  Look at the outdoor space conducive to a grand event such as a wedding or, perhaps, a business reception.  The lovely château makes the perfect backdrop for photographs.

Nancy at dusk
           The nearby city of Nancy in the Evening

Travelers who make the château their home base will be quite pleased with its convenience to so many of Lorraine's attractions and historic sites.  From the Art Nouveau city of Nancy and historic Metz, to the World War I monuments, museums and battlefields, Château d'Hattonchâtel is perfectly situated for convenient and close-by day trips.  Don't miss Verdun offering everything from a modern marina to Medieval manuscripts and important museums such as the Palais Episcopal and the Musée de la Princerie.

   Château WineTastings                                    Garden Statuary 

Would you enjoy an organized wine tasting for your gathering of friends?  Or, perhaps you would just like to take in the astonishing views and wander through the quiet gardens.  Whatever your pleasure, you can find it at Château d'Hattonchâtel.

We hope you will visit this marvelous Gothic jewel on our pages very soon.  There you can read all about its history, see photos of the château and its rooms, and get a further look at what is offered both on the property and in the département of Lorraine.  We know you will find it quite unique and very inviting!

[Photo credits: Château d'Hattonchâtel. All rights reserved.]




Discover the Loir and Loire Valley & Chateau de La Barre 
with the 'FRENCH TOUCH'  ~ A unique and unforgettable experience 
 

Mantel in Guest Room

Fresh flowers in your elegant room
 

Step back in time and arrive in style at Chateau de La Barre
Whether you arrive at Tours Loire Valley Airport or at the Tours Railway Station
from Paris via fast speed TGV train (1 hour 10 minutes), you will be picked up at the 
 airport or station and given the keys to drive your authentic, totally-restored 
1940s vintage Citroën! 

Upon your arrival at Chateau de La Barre, 65 picturesque kilometers later, 
a warm welcome with chilled Champagne awaits you in an elegant home filled with antiques, portraits and a rich past which Guy and Marnie look forward to sharing with you. 

Spend two or three days with the 'French Touch', discovering the beautiful scenery, 
exceptional gardens, Romanesque churches and Renaissance manor houses
behind the wheel of this unique classic car. 

Behind the wheel!

Behind the wheel

From 895 to 1085 including two nights in one of the elegant rooms of 
Chateau de La Barre, where flowers from the garden and port wine await you,
a champagne welcome, a private visit, one candlelit dinner for two in the 
XVIIIth century grand dinning hall and English breakfasts daily, 
plus the rental of the incredible Citroën during your stay ~
pick up and drop off charges at station or airport and 250 km included. 
Or, stay for three days, 1145 to 1425.

To make your reservation, please send an email to 
info@chateaudelabarre.com

[Photo credits: Count & Countess de Vanssay, Château de La Barre. All rights reserved.]



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