February 25, 2011 by Maggie Battista
Entrance to Chateau Raissac, Beziers, France
It’s still cold in New England and we’ve managed to get another light coating of snow this week. When it’s this cold, there’s really nothing else to do but daydream of warmer times… in France. Remember when I did that last month? I shared my little trip to Mont Saint Michel, where I was amazed by the towering abbey on the ocean.
This time around, my thoughts are drifting further south, way south, down to a tiny town near the coastline. This time, I didn’t just SEE the towering almost-other-worldly structure in the distance. This time, I got to LIVE there. Erica, the founder of this very blog and my very favorite company (where I also work), whisked her team away to the Chateau de Raissac in the small city of Beziers, just a short drive to the Mediterranean, to unwind, do a bit of brainstorming and meet the fabulous couple who own the chateau and run a local vineyard of the same name.
What do I remember?
I remember getting to know the friendliest little dogs who stood watch over their enormous home. The structure was astounding and unlike anything I had ever seen. I’m typically not a chateau sort of lady, but as I kept whispering all week to my colleagues, “I could adjust to this.”
Entrance to Chateau Raissac
The tower that was home to my blue bedroom at Chateau Raissac
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July 3, 2009 by Tory Hoen
All photos courtesy of O-chateau.com
It’s no secret that wine is a fundamental part of life in France, and it’s no wonder that wine lovers throughout the world hold French wine in particularly high esteem. From production to consumption, the rituals and processes associated with French wine reflect the essence of what life in this country is all about: quality, tradition, and of course, joie de vivre.
But for many visitors to France—wine novices and aficionados alike—the world of French wine can be as intimidating as it is enticing. The seemingly simple act of navigating a wine list is, in fact, anything but simple when you consider the many factors involved—region, grape variety, vintage, and the ever-elusive concept of terroir. Luckily, sommelier Olivier Magny and his dynamic team at Ô Chateau have set out to demystify the world of French wine and to remind us why we love it: it’s fun.
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May 20, 2009 by Sarah Raymond
Text Sarah Raymond & Kim Matland
We at Haven in Paris have had a busy few months. With bookings picking up in the first half of 2009, we have added several new properties to our website – three in Paris and one in Tuscany. Recently, the first group came to stay at our new Haybarn villa in Monteriggioni, Italy – located just minutes from our Poggio 5 Bedroom property and a short drive from Siena. Kim Matland, one of the guests, gave us a lovely commentary about the home and their stay, and has been so kind as to allow us to share it here. Grazie, Kim! Continue Reading »
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