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July 14, 2016 · 22 Comments

France 2016 – The Chateau (Part One)

Travel· Workshop

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I want to share with you my trip to France and the beautiful Chateau de Mondesir.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau - So Much Better With Age

I’m finally sharing with you today photos of my trip to France. I took 2500 photos in the two weeks I was there! So I’ll apologize now that you are going to be getting many photos and many posts but I will spread them out between new house photos as well.

The reason I went to the French countryside was for Heather Bullard’s The Academy and this is where is we stayed. In a 13th century Chateau called Chateau de Mondesir.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / statue in front - So Much Better With Age

I’m going to share with you all the little villages that we went to, about the Academy itself,  Bordeaux and Paris but today it’s all about the chateau!

Chateau Mondesir is located in the tiny town of Villefranche-de-Lonchat in the Dordogne region of France, close to Bordeaux (wine country!).

The Chateau was built between 13th and 16th centuries. The oldest part of the house built in the 13th century was the turret which you’ll see below then the rest was added on over the next three centuries. It was thought that the house was built for the Mayor of Villefranche-de-Lonchat’s daughter. I may have got that wrong so don’t quote me!

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / picturesque countryside - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / balcony - So Much Better With Age

That little brown cabinet is actually a BBQ, I kid you not.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / desk on patio - So Much Better With Age

This part of the chateau is called a gite. The dictionary defines a gite as a specific type of holiday accommodation usually fully furnished and equipped for self-catering.  So this gite has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a little kitchen that Heather kept stocked for us that we could use to store and make food any time (although I never used it because I never ate so much in my life on this trip!)

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / shrubbery - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / greenery - So Much Better With Age

This is where we ate breakfast every morning of croissants, jam and yogurt.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / dining table - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / antique dishes - So Much Better With Age

If you go up one level you’ll enter into our living room. The owners live in the chateau and have their own living room but this one was for us. The doorway shows you how thick the walls are. Yes, thickness of the walls!

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / antique French door - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / door frame - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / armoire - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / window details - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / mantel - So Much Better With Age

This was a bedroom that reminded me a Claude Monet painting. I love this worn blue plastered wall.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / wall paint details - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / desk in room - So Much Better With Age

The Chateau was really dark inside so these photos were hard to get but I wanted to show the old rustic staircase. Man, the creaks in that thing! But the plank hardwood floors were just the best.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / wooden staircase - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / my image in mirror - So Much Better With Age

This is the entrance to my bedroom. I felt so lucky. It had the most beautiful wallpaper.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / my room - So Much Better With Age

Heather gave each attendee a gift each day and upon arrival we had many gifts waiting for us. #sospoiled

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / gift on bed - So Much Better With Age

Most attendees came with a friend/mother/roomie except four of us. So I had my own room but I shared a bathroom with Stacie (we became fast friends so I was lucky to have her has my bathroom roomie). It was nice that I had my own sink in my room so I could shower and come back to my room and let Stacie use the bathroom to have a shower. It worked out perfectly.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / dresser in room - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / sink in room - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / chair in room - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / gifts on chair - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / flowers on vanity - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / pink and yellow flowers - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / soap and towels - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / tag on soap - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / canvas tote - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / roll desk - So Much Better With Age

So when you go up another level you’ll reach the turret where two girls, Lori and Michelle from New York, stayed.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / wooden beams - So Much Better With Age

The top part of the turret was covered with plexiglass for protection as birds were always flying in and out of the Chateau and I think the birds thought the turret would make a lovely spot to build a nest. Lori eventually left this room because of a bird and she moved into the Claude Monet room. There was one that lived in Stacie’s room for two days too.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / wooden beams in room - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / tiny window - So Much Better With Age

These ‘windows’ now covered with glass were where men defended the Chateau with bow and arrow. Just tiny enough to put the arrow through.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / stone window - So Much Better With AgeI absolutely LOVE these portholes. You’ll see the little farmhouse across the front yard and the swimming pool is beyond that large tree. Off in the far distance is the town church which I’ll show you in another post.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / French countryside - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / tree through window - So Much Better With Age

So here is the gite that I mentioned above. Aren’t those trailing roses just beautiful?

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / trailing roses - So Much Better With Age

Here is where we had casual meals together. That one window leads to a bedroom.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / outdoor table - So Much Better With Age

That pasta dish was amazing. It had peaches in it. Yum yum as well as the pot de creme.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / lunch - So Much Better With Age

Here’s the little indoor eating area.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / indoor seating area - So Much Better With Age

And the kitchen area just for us to use.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / kitchen - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / coffee mugs - So Much Better With Age

This room is where Lynda and Gina stayed. Their flight hadn’t arrived yet so I was able to sneak a pic.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / shared bedroom - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / mirrored armoire - So Much Better With Age

The detached farmhouse that you could see from the porthole is where mother/daughter Teresa and Shannon stayed. It was just amazing.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / garden area - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / potted flowers - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / doorway - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / refreshments on table - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / white linen - So Much Better With Age

It had it’s own little sitting area and cute bathroom.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / farmhouse door - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / towels and sink - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / curtains - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / countryside window - So Much Better With Age

That table outside is where we had many meals together. It was really like a dream.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / chateau setup - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / stone structure - So Much Better With Age

Denise, Stacie and I were touring the grounds while we waited for the other girls to arrive and get settled.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / trees - So Much Better With Age

Here’s the turret from the outside.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / the turret - So Much Better With Age

We didn’t expect to see palm trees in the back.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / palm tree - So Much Better With Age

And seeing cala lollies growing in their natural habitat? Priceless!

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / Calla Lilly - So Much Better With Age

Chateau Mondesir has a 90 vineyard and their own wine label which was very good.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / vineyard - So Much Better With Age

(Taking a photo of Denise taking a photo.)

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / taking photos - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / gate - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / rolling hills - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / stone fence - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / benches on grounds - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / door details - So Much Better With Age

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / view from window - So Much Better With Age

It truly was a dream to stay at this Chateau. There will be more posts coming up about my trip to France. I hope you stay around.

My time in France at Chateau Mondesir, 13th century Chateau / topiary - So Much Better With Age

Want to stay here?

Please check out Chateau Mondesir on Trip Advisor. I know they would love for you to stay there!

Click to See All My France Posts:

My Trip to France – Heather Bullard’s The Academy – Creative Styling & Photography Workshop

My Trip to France - Heather Bullard's The Academy - So Much Better With Age

That time I stayed in a 13th century French chateau / So Much Better With Age

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Comments

  1. Anna International says

    July 14, 2016 at 2:56 am

    God, this is simply beautiful. I love France so much. We’re off to Cannes for our honeymoon soon and I can’t wait.
    Loving the gift bags too – what a cute little tote filled with loveliness! Such a welcome.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:12 pm

      You’re going to have an amazing time! Thank you 😉
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  2. Shawnna says

    July 14, 2016 at 4:11 am

    hey girl great pics! I would love to go there! So pretty! Glad you had fun!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:13 pm

      Thanks Shawnna. It was so much fun.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  3. Susan says

    July 14, 2016 at 4:40 am

    What a great start to your adventure A very charming place to stay. I will need to check it out.

    We love staying in France in gites or a house all to ourselves. It is all about the experience and living each moment.

    Looking forward to further photos and more of your activities. A trip to remember and how to bring a little French influence home.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:16 pm

      I didn’t know what a gite was before, so charming! Thanks Susan.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  4. EllieandElizabeth says

    July 14, 2016 at 5:33 am

    WOW. Just wow! I have only been to France once as a teen and I’m sooo drooling over your photos. Absolutely STUNNING!! Can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:18 pm

      Thanks so much! It was such an amazing place to stay.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  5. linda says

    July 14, 2016 at 1:39 pm

    You lucky girl! We have had the priviledge of staying in a few historical places when we lived in Europe; your pictures made me kind of whistful for those days again. The welcome bags…gosh they look divine! Linda

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:19 pm

      It must have been amazing to live in Europe. Thanks so much, Linda.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  6. Denise says

    July 14, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Lovely! 🙂 I felt like I was back there again! You are so sneaky… I had no idea you were getting those photos LOL your perspective of the chateau was just beautiful and captured so well. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:23 pm

      haha I know 😉 I have to send that one to you, I forgot about it.
      Let’s go back!
      Hugs, J.

      Reply
  7. Shal says

    July 15, 2016 at 6:13 am

    Wow Jamie,
    Stunning pictures … Well done!
    What a wonderful experience for you.
    Now, I am left dreaming of my next trip to France 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:27 pm

      Thanks Shal. It was a wonderful experience.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  8. Emily @ My Love for Words says

    July 15, 2016 at 6:26 pm

    Gorgeous! I love that even French BBQs look so elegant and refined! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:27 pm

      I know! So elegant, you’re right. Thanks Emily.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  9. Anita Joyce says

    July 16, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    What beautiful photos Jamie! Seems like the trip of a lifetime. So lovely and I”m excited to see more.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 21, 2016 at 11:28 pm

      Thanks so much, Anita. It truly was.
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply
  10. Jessica says

    September 21, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    It’s a dream!!!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      October 28, 2016 at 6:12 pm

      Thanks Jessica!

      Reply
  11. Our French Oasis says

    October 23, 2016 at 2:24 am

    What stunning photos, I was so happy to find your blog thanks to Little Farmstead this morning. It looks as if you had a fabulous trip, of course living in France I am biased, but every day I am still enthralled by the beauty all around me.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      October 28, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      What a dream to live in France! Thanks so much for stopping by! So glad you’re here 😉
      Hugs, Jamie

      Reply

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