Exploring The Treasure Of French Travel With The Bicycle Gourmet

The Treasures of French Travel are not just the obvious Scenic and Historic ones. There are the Human, Cultural, and, of course, Culinary varieties.

Near the village of Treigny, South of Auxerre, is a "treasure" that is simultaneously Contemporary and Historic. The reason is that Guedleon is a castle being built by volunteers,using only 13th Century tools and methods. The use of these "Historically accurate" implements and techniques, gives Guedeleon a palpable sense of the medieval era.

One treasure that over qualifies is Guedeleon. Because it is a rare combination of the Contemporary and the Historic. Owing to the fact that it's a castle being built exclusively with the tools and techniques of the 13th Century.Even more unusual - the builders are all volunteers.To walk through this "work in progress" is to be subtly, but definitely immersed in the atmosphere of 13th Century Life.

While Chateaus are found everywhere in France - There are few that radiate a genuine charm and accessible familial ambience. One such treasure is the Chateau le Verriere. Located near the village of Aubigny-sur-nere, le Verriere is not the biggest, oldest or most Historic of France's Chateaus.But, for me, it's one of the most attractive. In every sense of the word. Nestled in woodland and surrounded by it's own lake, The Chateau le Verriere radiates an authentic sense of calm and welcome.Due in no small part to it's enthusiastic owner, Count Beraud (pronounced "bear-o") Devogue (pronounced "duh-vogue-wee"), the fifth Devogue to be born within it's walls.

His definition of luxury says it all : "if luxury is to be measured by the thickness of the carpet or the weight of the silver, then I think there are many places much more luxurious than ours. But I think we offer a real luxury - which is to visit a place that was built by the people who are still living in it."

Like wine, it's not hard to find Chateau's in France. Around virtually every country corner. Some ruined. Some restored. Some perfectly preserved. What is challenging is to find a Chateau that combines History, elegance, and a genuine familial ambiance.

These are the three great qualities of the Chateau le Verriere.This imposing, yet welcoming Chateau, located just outside the town of Aubigny-sur-Nere, is the ancestral home of the Devogue (pronounced -"Duh-vogue-wee") family. I'ts current owner, Count Beraud(pronounced -"bear-oh") Devogue, is the current "link in the chain."

Although the majority of it's buildings are in different stages of ruin, they're slowly being restored. Mostly by rich Parisiens, Belgians and Germans.Oppede's tiny chapel has incredible frescos that rival those of much larger churches.All in all, Oppede le Vieux is a classic example of the unexpected treasures of French Travel.(And aren't they the best kind?)