An Altima business trip transformed into a magical experience...
Extraordinary Private Châteaux Encounters
I
t’s always fun to add pleasure to business, so when clients decided to schedule meetings in August in Central France, one post on the Le Rosey Alumni Facebook Page just before boarding the flight to Bordeaux, resulted in a magical experience for the Altima Team.
Château Le Port Joulain Our Home away from Home
“Rosey Alumni have very unique and special privileges. I hadn’t seen Irène since 1976, but, that didn’t stop her from welcoming us whole-heartedly to Chateau Le Port Joulain, graciously introducing us to fellow neighbors and taking the time to offer us a magical and memorable experience” says Maribel After a brief stop in St. Emilion where we sampled a dozen Grand Crus before selecting wines to offer our hostess, we drove a few hours to Angers, turned in our car and surrendered ourselves to our resident guide, Irène de Labouchère. We were welcomed with her gracious and noble hospitality … and her home became our home. Thus begins our magical experience
Château Le Port-Joulain St. Emilion
www.leportjoulain.com
Everyone should tour the Loire Valley through the eyes of a ‘resident connoisseur’, understanding their legacy and culture, their fabulous food, exquisite wines, but most importantly their gracious hospitality and inherent class with no need for pretentions and airs… We would like to share with you a few of the châteaux and manoirs we were privileged to be invited to…
DAY ONE IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
O
ur hostess started our day with freshly baked breads and seasonal salads from her ‘kitchen garden’.
Then off we were to visit her neighbors. Our first stop, an impromptu visit to Florence de Saint Genis and Roberto Davico at their home Château de la Lorie. Built in the 1650’s, this aesthetic marvel was expanded throughout the 18th century. The Marquis of la Lorie added a chapel and the marble lounge, magnificently furnished under its graceful cupola. The gracious hosts opened their kitchen door and proceeded to give us a tour of their grand residence.
In true French fashion, our tour culminated with a farewell gathering in the most important room of a French Home -THE KITCHEN