UK-born Chris Walker and Lithuanian-born Irma Lazickiene are the house owners of Chateau Masburel, in Dordogne close to Bergerac. It’s been a wine area since 1740 when Jean de Sambellie, Consul of Sainte-Foy to King Louis XV planted vines right here and the couple are restoring the vineyards. With essentially the most attractive B&B rooms within the chateau, plus a shocking gite within the coronary heart of the vineyards Chris and Irma are bringing new life to the citadel by means of its wines, tourism and occasions. We requested Chris to share what he loves most about France and causes to fall in love with Dordogne.
The Dordogne Mild
There’s something particular in regards to the gentle within the Dordogne. Whether or not it’s an early morning mist rising from the vineyards or the golden glow of sundown throughout the rolling hills, the panorama appears to alter character all through the day. It is likely one of the causes Château Masburel feels such a magical place to name dwelling.
French Markets
A French market isn’t merely a spot to buy. It’s a social event, a celebration of native produce and a reminder that meals stays on the coronary heart of French life. I really like wandering by means of markets stuffed with seasonal fruit, native cheeses, contemporary bread and conversations that appear to last more than the buying itself.
Bergerac
Bergerac is certainly one of my favorite cities in France. Its half-timbered buildings, charming squares and riverside setting make it endlessly gratifying to go to. It has all of the character and historical past folks hope to seek out in France, but stays splendidly genuine and welcoming.
French Wine Tradition
What I love most about French wine is that it’s handled as a part of on a regular basis life somewhat than a luxurious. Each area has its personal traditions, tales and kinds. At Château Masburel, we’re proud to supply natural wines that replicate the character of our nook of the Dordogne, from elegant Montravel Blanc to wealthy and expressive crimson wines.
Castles and Châteaux
France’s castles and châteaux join you immediately with historical past. Some are grand and well-known, just like the monumental Chateau de Chambord within the Loire Valley. Others are hidden amongst vineyards and countryside lanes. Dwelling at Château Masburel, a property with a historical past stretching again centuries, is a continuing reminder that we’re merely custodians of a for much longer story.
The French Language
The French language has a rhythm and class that I by no means tire of listening to. Even easy on a regular basis expressions can sound stunning. There may be additionally one thing satisfying about discovering regional phrases and native accents that reveal the range of the nation.
Walnut Cake
The Dordogne is known for its walnuts, and certainly one of my favorite native treats is gâteau aux noix. Wealthy, easy and deeply rooted within the area’s traditions, it’s the good companion to a day espresso—or maybe a glass of Chateau Masburel Moelleux wine.
Village Life
A few of France’s biggest pleasures are present in its villages. The church bells, the village cafés, the annual fêtes and the sense of group all create a tempo of life that may really feel more and more uncommon within the trendy world.
Historical past Round Each Nook
One of many joys of dwelling in France is that historical past isn’t far-off. Medieval cities, historical church buildings, market squares and centuries-old farmhouses are woven into on a regular basis life. Within the Dordogne, it usually feels as if each highway results in one other fascinating story.
Sharing a Bottle with Mates
Maybe my favorite factor of all is the French appreciation of taking time to get pleasure from good firm. Whether or not it’s a protracted lunch, a household gathering or a summer time night overlooking the vines, sharing a bottle of wine with buddies stays certainly one of life’s easiest and biggest pleasures.
France is well known all over the world for its tradition, meals and wine, however what I admire most is the best way these items come collectively in every day life. For me, nowhere captures that spirit higher than the Dordogne, the place historical past, panorama, gastronomy and wine proceed to create one thing actually particular.
Chris and Irma like to share their chateau dwelling with visitors, in addition they run Chateau Expertise excursions – exhibiting the day-to-day work in getting ready the vines and making wine, plus wine tasting visits: chateau-masburel.com
