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.