This post has taken quite awhile to dig into. There are almost 1700 images from the trip and I found it hard to figure out where to begin, but the first day is a pretty good spot.
I had never traveled to France or used any of the language I studied for more than 14 years. At one point I could read and write in French, but apparently that was a million years ago and of course, it took almost the whole trip for any of that to return. There were minor adventures before we reached the chateau (having Javier, Penelope and Leo on our flight, losing our luggage in Toulouse, collecting our group which almost included a bewildered traveler near tears), but this post has to be about reaching the chateau itself. I'd seen so many photos of the building, had studied them closely so that I could draw it for our sampler stitching project, but I couldn't have imagined the complete picture. The gardens, the views, the history, the luxury, the grace and charm of every little thing. Most of all, the welcoming staff and the awesomeness of Kaari and her French General crew.
Just incredible.
Exhausted and relieved to be there at last, we trundled up the path, each of us so delighted that this fantasy was finally a reality.
We waited for everyone to arrive and thankfully, our luggage turned up too. On the terrace, we enjoyed the first of many extraordinary meals and met each lovely guest.
Sleep came easily.
In the early morning we woke up to find homemade croissants, french-pressed coffee, breakfast and the excitement of our first adventure as a group.
Off to the Sunday market in Saint Antonin Noble Val!
(That cat in the window is among my favorite images from the whole trip - all of them taken with my iPhone4.)
On the way home from St. Antonin, we stopped in Caussade for a Vide-Grenier, which is something like a village wide tag sale. If you're tooling around France and see one of those signs, be sure to stop.
My treasures from Caussade. Inside the Sucre tin? Buttons!
Could be the best way to make new friends is over a pile of vintage French linens. Some for you, some for me!
Home for lunch. The day is only half over!
One more VG outing and then back home again to start stitching.
Add some wine and a beautiful evening with food, new friends and a special birthday.
Whatever Julie wished for as she blew out the candles, surely it all came true!
Day Three up next: the farmer's market with the chateau chef, a brocante or two and cooking class.
I am so excited to add the first comment!! Must have timed this perfectly. This is so so wonderful to see. Thought about you all and couldn't imagine anything as lovely as what you've depicted. Thank you and I can wait for more!
Posted by: Nicki | July 08, 2012 at 06:09 PM
This is a lovely post... makes you feel you are there... and you are right, that's a sweet photo of the kitty and lace curtain. It's the little things...
Glad you had safe travels.
Posted by: Monica Fullerton | July 08, 2012 at 07:32 PM
Wow! This looks amazing!!! I also love your cat photo!
-Amy
Posted by: Amy | July 08, 2012 at 10:23 PM
I love the cat looking out the window and the photo of the embroidery packets. Your treasures from the brocante are gorgeous!
Posted by: Jeannie | July 08, 2012 at 11:10 PM
Thanks for letting us travel vicariously!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 08, 2012 at 11:43 PM
wish the discussion over vintage french linens was: "one for her, one for you AND one for me!"
Posted by: deb with linens lace and lattes | July 09, 2012 at 06:24 AM
tried to comment a minute ago - no luck
love the cat - a LOT!
So happy for you that you were there...so happy...
xo
Posted by: jone | July 09, 2012 at 01:46 PM
I saw the peek of the chateau embroidery...I gotta get me one of those! Love the close up of the embroidery flosses all bundled so nicely as a little kit...so inspiring. Delighted to hear that your trip was grand, and am looking forward to more pictures.
Posted by: karen on bainbridge island | July 09, 2012 at 02:04 PM
How fun to travel along with you as the docent. Your adventure must have been wonderful!! More stories and pictures, please. Xox
Posted by: Penelope | July 09, 2012 at 02:25 PM
What a fantastic trip you had. Love the little packages of threads for the stitching project. Actually, love it all - the chateau, the vide-greniers, everything! I'm a francophile!
Posted by: Lorrie | July 09, 2012 at 03:44 PM
The birthday girl in question absolutely, without a doubt, had all her wishes come true. Thanks for including me in your post, Charlotte. It was the best birthday - EVER!
Posted by: Julie | July 11, 2012 at 10:12 PM
such sweet posts, charlotte, it's so wonderful you could be there!
Posted by: molly meng | July 14, 2012 at 08:13 PM