In this issue . . .
We
welcome our newest member: Château
d'Ambrus Our
Featured
B&B: Le Pavillon de Galon
Our Featured Rental: Château
Allure du Lac in the Loire "Must See"
Château Gardens! News and Offers from our Members
Time is running out to book your château stay in 2016!
We hope this newsletter gives you some ideas.
Highlighted links in this text will take you to the appropriate web sites.
Just click on any one of them.
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Our Newest Member!
We are happy to welcome
Château d'Ambrus
. . . a Medieval Gem in the land of the 3 Musketeers!
If you've never been to Gascony, you have a great pleasure awaiting you. The cuisine is the first delight: it is considered 'the pillar of French cuisine' which originates from the use of regional products and from the traditional use of cooking in goose and duck fat ~ as distinguished from southern French cuisine of frying in oil or the cuisine of Normandy where dishes are simmered in butter. The Gascons, despite their rich diet, have a very low incidence of coronary heart disease and enviable longevity. [**See our Health Note in the Recipe section of this newsletter.]
Recently, those who see themselves as wine aficionados are calling Gascony the 'new Bordeaux' because they are assessing the wines as 'younger, fresher, and cheaper'. The region may not overtake Bordeaux as the world's finest wine producing region, but it is certainly making an impact. This region of France is also the home of Armagnac, France's oldest brandy.
Amid all this culinary and viniculture discussion lies an important question: where to stay in Gasgogne? Well, we have the perfect place, a Medieval castle offering the ultimate in comfort and historic ambiance for those week-long getaways of family and friends: Château d'Ambrus.
Several large salons and a spacious hall with a grand piano are perfect for large gatherings and receptions. The owners are keenly aware that making their guests comfortable is of prime importance, so the renovation of the château was undertaken with that in mind.
Château d'Ambrus has been recently and completely renovated by the d'Arthuys family and just began welcoming guests in June. With 15 guest rooms, eight of which are en suite, the château will comfortably sleep up to 30 people. Guests will enjoy the 20-hectare (50 acre) park, splendid swimming pool and tennis court. Located in the département of the Lot-et-Garonne at the very edge of the Landaise Forest, the largest in Europe, the château gives easy access for day trips to Cahors in the Lot or the beaches of the Atlantic.
Please visit them on our web site today and make your reservations to experience history and château life in one of France's sunniest regions! Send us an email at inquiry@au-chateau.com with your questions or to check availability. Please mention Ambrus in the subject line.
[Photos
© F. d'Arthuys. All Rights Reserved.]
Our Featured Rental:
Château Allure du Lac
. . . romance and luxury in historic Anjou
Château Allure du Lac
Château Allure du Lac is a breathtaking, five-star château north of the River Loire in a tranquil country setting. Your hosts are ready to personalize your stay ~ to meet all your requirements for a large family gathering, a birthday celebration or that very special wedding.
There are twelve en suite
bedrooms including a two-story master
suite in this superb château, and guests will feel pampered and
spoiled by the luxurious fabrics, quality beds, crystal chandeliers,
antique furnishings and an attentive staff. Guest rooms
are richly decorated and luxurious and each with its own
bathroom.
Nothing has been left to chance, so those staying at the château
will
be assured of all modern conveniences and comforts without sacrificing
the ambiance of this historic château.A 22-acre lake is the setting for this fine example of French architecture. Enjoy boating or fishing on the lake, benefit from long, leisurely walks in over 100 acres of parkland, or take advantage of the refreshing swimming pool in warmer weather. Dining by the lake is very pleasant for lunch or perhaps for a relaxing afternoon tea.
Catering
for meals is arranged in advance, and in addition
to breakfast, lunch and dinner, picnic lunches can be prepared as well.Nearby, of course, are all the royal châteaux of the Loire Valley and the vineyards that produce the much-appreciated wines of the region, so interesting day trips are easily accessible.
Contact the owner by email for
answers to your questions, availability and to book your stay at
Château Allure du Lac. It could be one of your most
memorable holidays!
French Quiz 127
Where are we?
Hint: The
Roman-built castle dates from the 10th century.
Please
provide the name of this southern French town with the familiar
landmark.
French Château Note Cards with our artist's original drawings.
Send
your answer
by email to newsletter@au-chateau.com
See the answer to the last issue's Quiz at the end of this newsletter.
The answer to this quiz will appear in our Autumn 2016 newsletter.
[Photo
©
Cold Spring Press. All Rights Reserved.]
Our Featured B&B:
Le
Pavillon de Galon
. . . a very special getaway in sunny Provence
Welcome to Le Pavillon de Galon
Located on eleven acres of award-winning gardens with its own vineyards, olive groves, orchards, spring-fed pools and terraces, you will delight in the warmth and tranquility of this secluded guest house. With the Luberon mountains as a backdrop, the vineyards and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. In the opposite direction, the south-facing jardin ã la Française is a feast for the eyes. If we weren't featuring Le Pavillon de Galon, it would certainly be included in our Magical Château Gardens below!
The two suites offered to guests are spacious and have views over the gardens, each with a modern, en suite bathroom. You are assured of your privacy and comfort, and in the morning you can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace.
Day trips to Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Marseille, the nearby villages of Lourmarin, Gordes, Bonnieux, Menerbes and others, as well as golf, tennis, horseback riding and other activities are very convenient. Wine tastings at the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape and the Rhône are also near Le Pavillon de Galon.
Of course, you can also spend the day swimming or sitting by the lovely swimming pool on the estate. Your time is your own, and you will find that Le Pavillon de Galon is the ideal destination for a rejuvenating vacation getaway.
Please visit Le Pavillon de Galon on our site for more details and photos. You will not be disappointed with the accommodations, amenities and your friendly and helpful hosts. Please contact us with questions, or to make a reservation. Be sure to put Galon on the subject line.
[Photos ©Cold Spring Press. All Rights Reserved.]
Villes et Villages de France
. . . we hope to tempt you to visit these marvelous placeswhen you are roaming through the French countryside.
Alleyway down to the River Evron
The above photo shows one of the ways down to L' Evron which originates just south of Moncontour and flows north to the Baie de Saint-Brieuc. It is known for its abundant wild trout as well as other species of fish. There is a fly route by the mill which requires catch and release fishing.
This serene Medieval village has imposing ramparts from the 13th and 14th centuries which were intended to protect the nearby city of Lamballe, capital of the region at the time. Moncontour was little known until the Industrial Revolution when its sailcloth production expanded as far as the Indies. Due to the wealth generated, there are rich and beautiful houses and a fine church in the village.
We
highly recommend
that you spend time in Brittany to enjoy its picturesque coastal towns
and explore its wild and bucolic interior. A village such as Moncontour
is just one of so many appealing and welcoming towns to discover along
the way. You will find, as we have, that there is something
uniquely charming about Brittany
Domaine de Moulin Mer
Escape to the clean, crisp air of seaside Brittany this summer with a few
nights or longer at Domaine de Moulin Mer. Easy access from the UK on the
Plymouth-to-Roscoff ferry ~ at the B&B you will enjoy immaculate rooms,
sumptuous breakfasts and dinners and relaxing days
exploring the bay's sheltered coast.
Click on the banner to learn more!
[Photo copyright Stéphane Pécot. All Rights Reserved.]
Must See
Magical Château Gardens
Part Deux
Magical Château Gardens
Part Deux
There is a lot more to enjoy at French châteaus beyond their history, ambiance and romantic experience. They all have well-tended lawns, and most have wide expanses of meadows and woodlands. And then there are the gardens ~ many that will take your breath away and some that have won prestigious awards. We will introduce you to a few more of them below. Click on the link to each château to see more photos of their gardens and accommodations.
Château
de la Foltière,
Le Parc Floral de Haute Bretagne, will amaze you with its 24 unique
botanical gardens, all designed and created by their energetic owner,
Alain Jouno. In addition to staying in this welcoming bed and
breakfast, you can spend many pleasant hours wandering from one
stunning garden to another. There are water features, sculpture
gardens, and bursts of color everywhere. The gardens were planted
to provide something in bloom at almost every month of the year.
You will not soon forget your stay at Château
de la
Foltière in this little corner of Brittany near St-Malo,
Le Mont
Saint-Michel, the Channel Islands and more.
La Terrasse de
Lautrec in the Tarn département
of the
Midi-Pyrénées can boast that its formal gardens were
designed by Le Notre!
The lovely gardens and shady sitting area along the rampart walls
create a delightful setting. The views are beyond description ~
and most noteworthy is the fact that Charlemagne built a church at the
base of these very ramparts! Don't miss this jewel in the tiny village
of Lautrec.
In the rolling
hills of Provence's Hautes-Alpes above Lake Serre-Ponçon,
one of Europe's largest artificial lakes, is the grand Medieval Château de
Picomtal. In their gardens you will discover pools and
fountains, a French garden with flower beds framed by boxwood hedges,
cobblestone pathways, orchards and many relaxing places to
wander. The château's friendly American and French hosts
will welcome you warmly to their elegant château where you will
stay in tastefully decorated and comfortable rooms and enjoy a fine
breakfast each morning. Visit
it on au Château soon
and make plans to book a few nights here ~
and maybe participate in a cooking class! 
Near the
tip of Normandy's Cotentin Peninsula is the historic and elegant Pavillon
of Château de Tocqueville, a luxurious property for guests to
rent by the week. The mild microclimate promises many a pleasant
holiday, and guests can wander the fourteen-acre estate the enjoy the
English gardens designed by Alexis de Tocqueville's British wife in the
19th century. The large pond is home to several swans and is
bordered by a large expanse of lawns and shrubbery. It is truly
an exceptional vacation destination, convenient to so many of the
historic Normandy sites ~ and with quite a history of its own!
Finally in
this issue, we take you to the Loire and Château
du Grand-Lucé. This magnificent château is
available for weekly rentals and special events such as weddings and
family gatherings. You can even land by helicopter!
And, as shown in this photo, the gardens of Grand-Lucé an
important feature of this 74-acre estate which also includes a lake,
meadows and woodlands. This château is near the royal
châteaux of the Loire Valley, vineyards of the Loire and many
other interesting attractions. Make your reservations soon!Visit them all on our web site. To book your stay at any of these lovely properties, simply contact us at inquiry@au-chateau.com for information, booking or questions, and please don't forget to mention the château's name in the subject line.
[Photos ©
copyrighted by château owners unless otherwise noted. All
rights reserved.]
News
from Our Members . . .
&
other travel information
Château
Détilly in
the Loire Valley can sleep from 12 to 27 people in the château
and
Coach House. A cancellation
has made the week of July 2-9 available, and the owner is offering the
entire estate for €6000 (usually €14,300!), or the Château only
for €5000 or the Coach House only for €2000. Don't miss this amazing opportunity!
Rented by the week, this beautiful property with a swimming pool and tennis court is the ideal destination for your family or a group of friends. The owner is now offering substantial discounts for those interested in shorter stays at the château. The following dates may still be available:
Weeklong and short stays: 20-25, August 20-22, September 6-8, 12-16 and 26-30. Weeklong or shorter stays are available after September 30 for the normal rates. Contact inquiry@au-chateau.com for more information or reservations.
Rented by the week, this beautiful property with a swimming pool and tennis court is the ideal destination for your family or a group of friends. The owner is now offering substantial discounts for those interested in shorter stays at the château. The following dates may still be available:
Weeklong and short stays: 20-25, August 20-22, September 6-8, 12-16 and 26-30. Weeklong or shorter stays are available after September 30 for the normal rates. Contact inquiry@au-chateau.com for more information or reservations.
Château
Robert, in southwest France's
forested Landes region, has some last minute summer availability:
The last week of
July and the first two weeks of
August can be booked at a 15% discount from the regular price
of 11,000 per week. You pay only €9350
for this magnificent 8-bedroom (all en suite) château
that will comfortably sleep up to 15 guests. Don't wait too long
as these high-season weeks will soon be gone! Contact inquiry@au-chateau.com for
more information or reservations.
The
beautiful Château de la Ballue, whose gardens were
shown in our last issue, has been awarded the Trophée du
Tourisme 2016 by the Comité
Départemental du Tourism Haute Bretagne Ille-et-Vilaine
in the category Chambres
d'Hôtes. This was awarded in cooperation with the Offices de Tourisme, Pays Touristique,
Chambres des Commerce et d'Industrie, Syndicats professionals
(Hôtellerie restauration, Hôtellerie de plein air et de
loisirs) and l’Association
des Gîtes de France du département. Château
de la Ballue, which has been a valued member of au Château
since November of 2000 ~ one of our original members ~ has already
been recognized for the following distinctions:
Don't miss the opportunity to stay at this elegant and amazing château. And, remember that they regularly present classical musical programs, spa visits, and group tours of their gardens. Visit the château soon on our site.
Monument Historique
Don't miss the opportunity to stay at this elegant and amazing château. And, remember that they regularly present classical musical programs, spa visits, and group tours of their gardens. Visit the château soon on our site.
Did
you know? A recent survey of the French was taken to find
out where the happiest people
lived. The top five regions, based upon employment opportunities,
income, research and development, GDP, education, infrastructure, crime
rate and life span were (1) Ile de France, (2) Rhone-Alpes,
(3) Pays de la Loire , (4) Alsace and (5) Midi-Pyrénées.
Be sure
to visit our Special
Offers page
often to see
what properties are discounting their rates or
offering guests a special bonus for booking with them.
what properties are discounting their rates or
offering guests a special bonus for booking with them.
Rememberau Château gives every inquiry personal, prompt attention ~
and we are here to answer your questions,
unlike the automated online booking services.
[Contact us at inquiry@au-chateau.com for availability or reservations
at any property on our site or mentioned in this issue.
Please be sure to put the property name in the subject line.]
Easy Recipe:
Aïoli
Garlic-infused mayonnaise is a great accompaniment to broiled
or grilled fish or spooned into fish soup. It can be flavored
with various ingredients such as nuts, mint, basil, chopped red bell
pepper, etc., if you so choose.
You will need 1 tablespoon of finely minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of coarse salt (we prefer French sea salt), 2 egg yolks at room temperature, a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (or more to taste), 2 cups of
mild-flavored olive oil and freshly ground pepper.
Grind the garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle until you have a fine purée. Set aside. Place the egg yolks and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse once to combine. With the food processor on, gradually add the olive oil a few drops at a time until the sauce becomes like mayonnaise. Once it is thicker, a steady stream of olive oil can be added. If it should become too thick, add a few drops of cold water.
Finally, beat in the garlic purée and season to taste with salt and pepper. It can be made up to 6 hours before serving if covered and put in the refrigerator. Yield: about 2 cups of aïoli.
Bon appétit!
You will need 1 tablespoon of finely minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of coarse salt (we prefer French sea salt), 2 egg yolks at room temperature, a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (or more to taste), 2 cups of
mild-flavored olive oil and freshly ground pepper.Grind the garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle until you have a fine purée. Set aside. Place the egg yolks and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse once to combine. With the food processor on, gradually add the olive oil a few drops at a time until the sauce becomes like mayonnaise. Once it is thicker, a steady stream of olive oil can be added. If it should become too thick, add a few drops of cold water.
Finally, beat in the garlic purée and season to taste with salt and pepper. It can be made up to 6 hours before serving if covered and put in the refrigerator. Yield: about 2 cups of aïoli.
Bon appétit!
**
Health
note: With regard to the consumption of duck and goose fat and
low coronary artery disease: Duck and goose
fat are low in saturated fats and very high in unsaturated fats.
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and can clog up arteries
while unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and go through
the system much easier.
We hope you have enjoyed au Château News.
If you have, please forward it to friends and
encourage them to subscribe by email to
newsletter@au-chateau.com. It's FREE!
Answer to Quiz 126 - Where are we? from our Spring 2016 issue
We were in lovely Saint-Jean de Luz in France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
The first correct response was received from a reader Denver, Colorado ~
and we sent our congratulations along with the Château Note Cards.
Our thanks to everyone who participated.
Département maps courtesy of Wikipédia, FranceDisclaimer: Cold Spring Press, au Château© and/or any persons associated with either organization do not take any responsibility for errors and/or omissions in any edition of au Château News© and no guarantees are given or implied with regard to the contents of any au Château News©. The disclaimer on the au Château© web site at http://www.au-chateau.com, applies in its entirety to all au Château News© editions. Cold Spring Press and au Château© take no responsibility for the contents of any web sites to which links are provided on our site or in any editions of au Château News. Subscribers receive this newsletter because they have requested to be on our Opt-In mailing list. To have your email address removed, simply send an email with 'Unsubscribe' in the Subject line to newsletter@au-chateau.com.
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