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Chateau de
la Bourdaisiere with its fairy-tale tower and a Renaissance stone staircase, is 55 minutes from
Paris by TGV and within easy reach of the famous Loire Valley chateaux, the troglodyte
caves and the Tourraine vineyards. It is surrounded by 135 acres of woodland park,
including a walled “potager” ablaze with giant sunflowers, red and blue pumpkins, and
yellow “teardrop” tomatoes. Chateau de la Bourdaisiere was built by Francois
I, for his
royal mistress, Marie Gaudin, in the XVIth century; he built it on the foundations of a
14th century citadel. It was also birthplace of another, Gabrielle d’Estrees, favorite
of Henry IV, just a century later. The present owners are the princes of
Broglie. Two
young bachelor princes from Normandy who after living in Paris, decided to buy it,
refurbish it, and open it as a private chateau. It turned out very well, Prince Philippe
Maurice is in charge of the administration and his younger brother Louis Albert looks
after the gardens. He has developed a gardening collection now sold in New York’s 5th
avenue. This two Princes contrary to what anyone could think, are the simplest guys you
can imagine. Do not be surprised if anyone of them helps you with the luggage without your
knowing is one the Broglies.  |
