August 2, 2014
Over the last few days we have just enjoyed a relaxed schedule. Yesterday we went to visit the Chateau de Montmelas. This chateau is in the heart of the Beaujolais country and they are very proud of their wines.
At the Chateau we were greeted by a member of the family who lives there. He did not speak English, so GG listened and tried to give Grandpa a quick recap of the tour presentation at each stop.
The family that lives in this chateau today has lived here for 500 years. The first part of the chateau was built in the 10th century and there have been additions and renovations over the centuries until we have the chateau as it stands today. Ownership has changed several times through the years and for the last 500 years it has been owned by the Arod family and the Harcourt family through marriage.
After telling about the early history of the chateau our guide took us up the stairs and in through the impressive front entrance into the foyer. The entrance walls sported huge boar's heads with tongues lolling out of their mouths, and a suit of armor, portraits of early owners and family members. We toured through the rooms on the main floor including receiving rooms, game room, and the library. The interior offered an impressive collection of ancient books, period portraits of some of the owners through the centuries, and period furniture. It is clear that the current owners take pride in their family history and heritage. From the exterior we enjoyed a grand view out over the vineyards owned by the estate.
The chateau was spared during the French Revolution because the Marquis and his family were very friendly with the villagers. In WWII the Marquise saved the chateau by convincing the Nazis that the roof was zinc, not copper, and so it was not robbed of it's copper roof.
The guide, an older fellow, really enjoyed telling anecdotes about life in the chateau, including stories about the family cat, funny things that happened in his childhood and interesting historical anecdotes. He often had a wry smile on his face as he neared the punchline of the stories. I wish I could have heard more, but being inside the stone walls, with a crowd of about 30, many restless young children, and with his back to me often, I could only catch about 50% of what he said, and I probably only understood half of that.
The real objective of the visit was to sell wine, so we finished up in the tasting room, but we took the kids and escaped back home for an afternoon swim.
Over the last few days we have just enjoyed a relaxed schedule. Yesterday we went to visit the Chateau de Montmelas. This chateau is in the heart of the Beaujolais country and they are very proud of their wines.
At the Chateau we were greeted by a member of the family who lives there. He did not speak English, so GG listened and tried to give Grandpa a quick recap of the tour presentation at each stop.
The family that lives in this chateau today has lived here for 500 years. The first part of the chateau was built in the 10th century and there have been additions and renovations over the centuries until we have the chateau as it stands today. Ownership has changed several times through the years and for the last 500 years it has been owned by the Arod family and the Harcourt family through marriage.
The chateau was spared during the French Revolution because the Marquis and his family were very friendly with the villagers. In WWII the Marquise saved the chateau by convincing the Nazis that the roof was zinc, not copper, and so it was not robbed of it's copper roof.
The guide, an older fellow, really enjoyed telling anecdotes about life in the chateau, including stories about the family cat, funny things that happened in his childhood and interesting historical anecdotes. He often had a wry smile on his face as he neared the punchline of the stories. I wish I could have heard more, but being inside the stone walls, with a crowd of about 30, many restless young children, and with his back to me often, I could only catch about 50% of what he said, and I probably only understood half of that.
The real objective of the visit was to sell wine, so we finished up in the tasting room, but we took the kids and escaped back home for an afternoon swim.
Are the kids in awe of these huge chateau's? I know I'm wishing I was with you. Thanks for doing such a great blog so I can share your adventures.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment Cheryl yes of course you can share this with your friends.
DeleteThe blog is great, thanks for the updates. What is the status of calls, I have not heard from the boys in a while.
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