Bastille celebrations with Erns Grundling at Château de La Creuzette

Limited spaces still available

Overview

Author, journalist, and TV presenter, Erns Grundling, will host the group as we visit beautiful places of interest and experience invigorating walks through breathtaking natural landscapes.

It’s the week of Bastille celebrations, and summer’s splendor is in full bloom. Days are spent exploring enchanting places of interest in the countryside, as well as an invigorating hike through rolling hills and breathtaking natural landscapes, while evenings come alive with festive dinners. Bastille Day itself will be marked with a private jazz concert and an elegant dinner celebration in the shimmering park, where champagne sparkles, music enchants, and the magic of summer fills the air. Come join us for an unforgettable celebration.

Cost Breakdown

La Creuzette special interest programmes are carefully compiled to ensure that you have the ultimate, hassle-free luxury holiday experience. Our all-inclusive land arrangement means that everything aside from flights, train tickets, Schengen visas and personal expenses are taken care of as follows:

€3 550 per person sharing

• Collection from Châteauroux train station on the 8^th July and transfer to La Creuzette
• Luxurious accommodation at La Creuzette for the 6 nights / 7 days
• Full board accommodation (i.e. all meals with drinks, also at restaurants we visit)
• All excursions including entrance fees and gratuities
• Guided walking routes as per the itinerary
• All cooking demonstrations and guest chefs
• All musical concerts and Bastille festivities
• Transfer back to Châteauroux train station at the end of the week at La Creuzette

A non-refundable deposit of €1 000 secures your booking with the balance due on or before your arrival at la Creuzette. A single supplement of €650 for the week applies for single occupation.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Wednesday, 8 July)

Collection from Châteauroux train station where the group will arrive between 14:00 and 15:00. From here we have an hour’s drive to La Creuzette, your château residence for the week. We arrive at La Creuzette and are welcomed in the formal lounge for tea/coffee and macarons. Take some time to settle in and explore the grounds. We meet at 19h30 for a glass of champagne in the formal lounge, followed by a four-course dinner in the château’s dining room.

Day 2 (Thursday, 9 July)

Today is market day in the village of Boussac. After a leisurely breakfast, we stroll through the vibrant market, where stalls overflow with fresh, seasonal produce and regional artisanal goods. Take your time to browse the local offerings, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and explore the charming village boutiques at your own pace. We reconvene at La Creuzette for a delightful harvest table lunch, served al fresco at the long stone table in front of the summer kitchen. This afternoon, we visit the Priory garden at Notre Dame d’Orsan. This magnificent property was the inspiration for the garden design at Babylonstoren in South Africa and now also The Newt in Somerset, UK. This establishment was founded in the 12th century and was a place of pilgrimage. The garden structures are still designed in a very calming and meditating layout. We spend the afternoon in this magical creation of pure delight. There will also be some time to shop in their beautiful garden boutique, where they have the most beautiful garden accessories and gifts. This evening, we meet for drinks in the garden at La Creuzette, followed by dinner in the summerhouse dining room.

Day 3 (Friday, 10 July)

Breakfast will be served at 08:00 in the dining room of the château. After breakfast, we set off for Lac de Sidiailles, a scenic 90-hectare lake nestled in the heart of the countryside, known for its crystal-clear waters, forested shores, and dramatic rock formations. This natural gem also serves as a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, water sports, and climbing. Today’s adventure is a 14 km loop hike around the lake, with an elevation gain of approximately 480 meters. Possibility to shorten the route by 2 to 3 kms for those who wish. The trail is more technical in places, featuring uneven terrain and occasional steep sections, but rewards us with breathtaking views over the water and surrounding woodlands. We’ll pause midway for a light picnic lunch, thoughtfully packed and enjoyed at a peaceful viewpoint overlooking the lake, a perfect moment to rest and take in the beauty of this pristine setting. After completing the hike, we head back to La Creuzette. This evening we meet for cocktails and dinner in the orchard at a magical table set under the fruit trees.

Day 4 (Saturday, 11 July)

After breakfast, we drive to Oradour-sur-Glane, one of France’s most significant Second World War memorial sites. With a guide, we will first visit the Centre de la Mémoire to understand the historical background and the tragic events of 10 June 1944, before walking through the preserved ruins of the original village, left exactly as they were after the massacre. We will see the former church, tram tracks, homes, shops, and everyday objects left in place, providing a clear picture of village life before the war and how the site has been maintained as a place of remembrance and education. After the visit, we return to the modern village for lunch at a local restaurant. We head back to La Creuzette, where you will have a moment’s repose. This evening, we meet in the garden under the pergola for champagne, followed by a special dining experience in the La Creuzette cellar.

Day 5 (Sunday, 12 July)

After breakfast, we take a short drive through the beautiful countryside to spend the morning at a Brocante (antique fair). We participate in the French pastime of finding treasures amongst the Bric-a-Brac and antiques on offer. If we are lucky we can find some antique silver, embroidered linen serviettes, porcelain from Limoges, etc. After a morning of bargain hunting we enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro. We return to La Creuzette, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish, relax in the garden, unwind with a book, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings of La Creuzette. Later, we meet in the summerhouse kitchen for a hands-on cooking session. Dinner follows in the summerhouse dining room.

Day 6 (Monday, 13 July)

Today we journey to the charming village of Aubusson, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of tapestry and carpet weaving. Our visit begins at the Manufacture Four, where you'll discover the fascinating history of tapestry making and witness the intricate weaving process firsthand. We then enjoy lunch at one of the delightful restaurants in town. In the afternoon, we explore the newly renovated Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie, home to an exceptional collection of both historical and contemporary tapestries. After our visit, there will be time to wander through the village's picturesque streets before we return to La Creuzette. You will have some relaxing time and time to pack. Later, we meet in the garden for champagne and canapés with a wonderful jazz band playing in the background. A dinner feast in the garden follows, and a pre-Bastille day surprise is on the program this evening.

Day 7 (Tuesday, 14 July)

This morning you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we depart for Châteauroux train station from where the train back to Paris departs.

Please note that this itinerary may be amended to accommodate suppliers, service providers and the weather.

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