Week 2.7: Chateau Dumas

The beautiful 18th century Chateau Getaway is in the heart of Midi-Pyrenees just an hour north of Toulouse.   We had a week filled with visiting flea markets, brocante’s, Master Art Classes, small villages and local artisans, In-house 4 star chef with three meals a day.  Alise and I were on the third floor and most nights we slept with our shutters open so we could get the fresh country air and cool breezes.  One of my favorite things was waking up each morning to the faint sound of church bells, chiming from a distance, a rooster crowing and the chickens clucking but one the most important things…. the smell of fresh COFFEE and croissants just tantalizing our senses. And wouldn’t you know…. just when we were getting used to all of this wonderful life of luxury…it was time to leave.  

I hope this post can offer a small glimpse of what it was like to stay in this lovely old Chateau along with all of its charm and character as well as some of the  beautiful country side setting. 
 
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Auty France
If you take a stroll down this walk way and make a right you will see….
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these beautiful sunflower fields. They surround the back and side entrance of the Chateau.
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Here’s a little glimpse of the the interior.
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When we first arrived, this sweet little note from Kaari Meng, along with chocolates and other lovely French goodies, were awaiting us in our room.
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Denise Lambert taught us how to WOAD (European Blue).  Woad is a plant, native to Europe.  It produces several different shades of beautiful French blue.
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We also learned how to Cyanotype.  (Invented by Sir. John Hershel 1842. 
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Charlotte, our chef, taught us how to make foie gras (duck pate) and a spicy moutarde a l’anciene.  (We brought some back home with us).
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We also made this beautiful souvenir bracelet.
 
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This is Laurent, a sommelier from the local town Caussade.  He is introducing Violette liquor along with sparkling wine.  We had a wine and cheese tasting along with wonderful homemade breads.
Since everything was so tasty it made it difficult to choose a favorite.
Alise and I did managed to bring some Violette home with us. I think it’s going to be perfect when my daughter and her friends come to visit.
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We visited Corde’s farmers market.
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This gentlemen asked if we were Americans.  He said he would like to thank us for saving them during the war!  That was amazing!
I didn’t ask what he was cooking but I would have eaten it regardless …it smelled sooo divine.
Auty France
Here’s a sample of some of the things we saw at Corde’s market.
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There were rows and rows of different olives which also just happens to be one of my favorite’s.  No wonder I’ve gained weight!
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We visited an old hat factory that had been closed for 12 years. Lizzie, from the Chateau, brings groups here to search for old treasures.
  Alise and I found several old treasures for ourselves!   (I will show you later.)
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Well guys, I could go on and on but this blog post would be waaay too long so….. I’ll have to break it up and save some for later.
Take care and I hope you enjoy the rest of your week. 
I just heard that it’s going to be in 80’s tomorrow and possibly low 60’s tomorrow night!  I’m happy!
Until next time…..xxoo’s
 
Please join me at A Southern Day Dreamer for many more beautiful outdoor spaces.
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12 comments:

Light and Voices said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Honestly, I can't believe I am the first person today to post a comment. Here it is: "Do you need someone to carry your luggage? tee hee What a place!
Joyce M

LindyLouMac said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I have been enjoying your holiday, France looks to be a lot more peaceful than Roma it just looked so busy:)

Gypsy Heart said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Mary, these photos are just beautiful! I would weigh 400 lbs if I were around all that good stuff. :-) I'm so glad you were able to experience so many different things...the bracelet is amazing.

Thanks so much for sharing!
xo
Pat

Gypsy Heart said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Mary, these photos are just beautiful! I would weigh 400 lbs if I were around all that good stuff. :-) I'm so glad you were able to experience so many different things...the bracelet is amazing.

Thanks so much for sharing!
xo
Pat

Sonny G said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

oh my, its almost like going on this trip with you, Mary.. Thank you for letting us join you on this tour through your wonderful photos and descriptions.
Sonny

Mary @ Framed and Tagged said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh my gosh!! Did you feel like you had died and gone to Heaven? That is amazing! I would have loved to have been stuffed in your luggage on that trip...

I'm your newest follower and would love for you to follow me.
Have a wonderful day!!

bj said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

How blessed you are to take a trip such as this. Wonderful photos..so glad you had such a good time.
I would so love to go to France..never will, I'm sure. But, then, I never thought we'd go on an Alaskan cruise...and we did.!! :))
xoxo bj

Terri said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

That's a goal of mine to visit France, enjoyed your travelogue thanks for sharing!!

Red Rose Alley said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What a lovely place! The sunflower fields were so green, groomed, and perfect. I love the sound of church bells ringing and roosters crowing...what beautiful sounds. And of course, the smell of coffee always makes me smile. Thank you for sharing this wonderful place with us.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Tina@WhatWeKeep said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hi Mary,

What a fantastic trip this has been!

Thanks for sharing all your wonderful adventures. : )

Tina

Dianne said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Oh! I feel like I'm in La belle France - your pics are gorgeous with that lovely ambiance!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I love my visits here!

Congratulations!
You have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award!

http://fleur-de-li.blogspot.com/

I didn't see an email address to send this privately.

Thank's for your comment!

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