Vacation the French way: La Vie de Château
As our summer vacation newsletter had a great success last year, Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read decided to write a similar one for the month of September.
She offers some ideas for an original tour of several castles not far from Paris that can all be visited in just one day, followed by an escape to the English Channel to learn more about the battles that took place on the landing beaches. Then back to Versailles for an end in a blaze of glory.
Dr. Read’s French Vacation Recommendations
I would encourage you to stay for two nights at the Château de Maudétour, two hours from Paris, located in the Natural Park of Vexin.
Dr. Read’s brother Didier Fradin actually owns the chateau and has a passion for old stones!
The castle has undergone major restoration work. It now offers very high-quality reception and comfort services. This restoration was carried out with the aim of preserving the authentic and exceptional character of the place.
The space reserved for guests occupies the entire 17th century wing of the castle. Each room has been furnished differently but all offer the same quality of decoration (wall hangings, oak parquet floors, woodwork, refined French-style furniture, etc.).
Didier and Fabiola will be happy to welcome you if you decide to stay overnight.
Starting from there you can easily visit a few other castles, all located in the Vexin region. This offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the history, architecture and natural beauty of this unique region of France. Here are some of the castles you can visit and suggestions for enjoying your French holiday.
Château de La Roche-Guyon
Situated on the banks of the Seine River, this medieval castle is impressive for its architecture. It offers guided tours as well as a terraced garden with panoramic views of the valley.
Very interestingly, during Worl War II the château served as the headquarters for German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. After D-Day he defended his troops against the Allies from a bunker located here.
Château de Gisors
Although slightly outside the Vexin, this castle is well worth a visit with its rich history and imposing ruins, it is a fascinating site to explore.
Domaine of Villarceaux
The Domaine of Villarceaux includes a magnificent 18th-century castle surrounded by formal and English gardens. The gardens are located on the site of a medieval castle from the 11th century, built to protect France from the British, who at that time occupied the neighboring provinces. Many vestiges of the medieval fortifications remain in the park. A manor house and French water garden were built there in the 17th century. In the 18th century the château in the style of Louis XV was built on a rocky hill overlooking the water garden. It is often open to the public for tours and cultural events.
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You might then want a bit of romantic escape and Giverny is ready to unveil his secrets about the impressionist painter Claude Monet’s home. You will discover the beautiful gardens that inspired Monet Nymphae’s paintings at the various seasons of the year.
En route for the English Channel you can stay a few nights in Deauville-Trouville, the French upper-class seaside often referred to as the Parisian riviera.
Dr. Read will encourage you to benefit from the thalassotherapy treatment at the spa where she herself goes regularly for a few days each year. At the same time, you can enjoy all the activities available in this beautiful region. Major attractions include its harbors, a walk on “les Planches”( a promenade along the beach where many actors have their name on cabins), horse racing, Grand Casino, the American Film Festival in September. shops from fancy French designers and a fantastic open market with unique products from the region including the apple liquor Calvados and several delicious sorts of cheese.
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Driving a bit further West along the coast you will discover the Landing Beaches. This will be an emotional visit for sure! And we prefer to let you remember on site these intense moments when the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces liberated France from Nazi Germany
Château de Versailles
Back to the Paris region and before getting back on a plane, do not miss the last stop in Versailles.
Since 1979, the Palace of Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art.
A place of all superlatives, Versailles embodies the quintessence of the history of royalty in France. From the Hall of Mirrors to the Grand Canal, the castle and its domain bear the imprint of one man: Louis XIV known as “Le Roi Soleil”.
Do not forget to visit the Queens Hamlet where Marie Antoinette found refuge to escape her royal responsibilities and preferred of courtesan life in her private estate.
Finish the tour with a visit to the numerous fountains and the gorgeous gardens surrounding the Palace. When she was in her first years of medical school Dr. Read used to come and study seating in the small amphitheaters in the peaceful environment of these fountains. This certainly inspired her and contributed to her success at school.
And if you are lucky, you might be there for a night when Versailles organizes “Les Fetes De Nuit” The Great Water Shows and Musical Gardens
Dr. Read wishes you a wonderful trip!