"We Love Normandy" and the best chateaux in the region

Mont St Michel is an island again thanks to a new causeway (wikipedia)

NORMANDY, FRANCE --What could be better than combining classic French cuisine with superb wine while relaxing in an elegant chateau? Add in a love of France and a marriage between a professional chef de cuisine and an award winning wine travel writer and it's a union made in heaven.

Chateau de Canisy is the quintessential French castle
(en.wikipedia)

Nicky and Patrick Hilyer have been living and working in Normandy, France since 2002. Nicky is the food expert, Patrick handles the wine. With nearly fifty years in the hospitality/tourism industry the couple has now created a first-rate website that is a must for any visitor to the Normandy region of France.

The Old Mill in Bayeux is
timeless (taylor)

"We Love Normandy" is a fantastic one-shop guide to one of the best known and most historic destinations in France. Nicky and Patrick offer everything from expert guide services to tips and information about what to see and where to go in Normandy.

American Cemetery at Omaha
Beach  (taylor)

In their inaugural issue of "We Love Normandy" the Hilyers have introduced readers to the top ten Chateaux of Normandy which we now proudly pass along to you.

Chateau des Ravelet was once the home of Alexis de Toqueville
(wikipedia)

Château des Ravalet: Jean de Ravalet purchased this former royal castle belonging to the French King, Francois I in the 16th century and built a Renaissance chateau on its medieval foundations. The history of Chateau de Ravalet is filled with murder, incest, bankruptcy and beheadings,  which make its secrets all the more intriguing.

By the 18th century, the castle became the property of the family of French diplomat, historian and aristocrat Alexis de Toqueville, author of "Democracy in America."

Now owned by the town of Cherbourg, the grounds are manicured by celebrated botanist Gilles Clement whose Mandala Garden and Island Meadow have won many prestigious awards.

The house is only occasionally open to visitors, but the park and gardens are open year-round.

Château des Ravalet, 50110 Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

Chateau de Canon is famous for its symmetry
(fr.wikipedia)

Château de Canon: This 18th century manor house was remodeled by noted Parisian lawyer and friend of Voltaire, Jean-Baptiste Elie de Beaumont. Along with his wife, Anne-Louise, the couple instituted the annual Fete des Bonns Gens -- the Good Folk Fayre -- a two-day festival of virtue that was held in the stables.

The French-style garden’s geometrical flower beds, elegant statuary and "mirror of water" lake reflect the perfect symmetry of the house. The remainder of the park, bisected by the River Laizon, was created in the English style at the turn of the 19th century. A guided tour of the house is available in July and August; the park is open from April to September.

Château de Canon, 14270 Mézidon-Canon

Chateau de Pirou features a replica of the Bayeux Tapestry
(wikipedia)

Château de Pirou: Viewing the pastoral serenity of Normandy today, it is difficult to imagine the turmoil of war that has ravaged so much of its history for the past thousand years. Chateau de Pirou, which dates to the 12th century, was built as a medieval fortress to protect the village of Coutances from invasions from the sea.

In the barn is an embroidered cloth, created in the 1970s in the style of the Bayeux tapestry, depicting the history of the Normans from Viking colonization to the conquest of Sicily. As with many ancient castles, Pirou has its legend: during a long siege, the Lord and his family escaped by transforming themselves into Geese.

Open every day except Tuesdays from April to September.

Château de Pirou, 50770 Pirou

www.chateau-pirou.org

The gates at Chateau de Brecy are its hallmark
(commons.wikimedia.org)

Château de Brécy: Built by a judge from the city of Caen, this 17th century property is noted for its exquisite gardens and ornamental gates designed by architect Francois Mansart.

The fabulous wrought-iron gates open to a series of terraces, a statue-adorned Renaissance knot garden with sculpted flowers, dogs and fountains and a medieval walled garden to which French author Jean de la Varende wrote, “opens to the sky."

Owners Didier and Barbara Wirth have been restoring the gardens since 1992. They open the gates to visitors from Easter until the end of May, then form July 1st to October 31st.

Château de Brécy, 14480 Saint-Gabriel-Brécy

Visiting Chateau de Canisy is like being at home in another
country  (taylor)

Château de Canisy: If ever a castle had the hallmarks of a French chateau, Canisy is the one. What makes this place extraordinary is its human story, however.

Canisy’s history began in the 11th century when one of William the Conqueror’s knights, Hugues de Carbonnel, constructed a Norman fortress near Saint-Lo. A dynasty was born that would last a thousand years: the present chatelain, Count Denis de Kergorlay, is De Carbonnel’s direct descendent.

During WW2 Canisy was sequestered by the Wehrmacht and used as an army hospital; after the liberation General Omar Bradley established his HQ at the château.

The castle sits in approximately 400 hundred acres of forest, pasture and landscaped parkland. The grounds are open year- round to visitors, the house by appointment. Eighteen guest bedrooms.

Château de Canisy, 50750 Canisy

www.canisy.com

Even Malcolm Forbes enjoys castle life at Chateau de Balleroy
(wikipedia)

Château de Balleroy: Built between 1626 and 1636, this château was the family seat of the Marquises of Balleroy for three centuries. In 1970, the property was purchased by Malcolm Forbes, and remains in the ownership of the Forbes family.

Arriving at the elegant gates, the imposing facade presents itself: a four-storied, cupola-topped edifice in grey granite and red pudding stone, flanked by two wings and a pair of pavillon lodges.

Surrounded by a landscaped romantic-style parkland and French knot gardens, Forbes, a ballooning enthusiast, also but a Hot Air Ballon museum that is well worth a visit, as is the parish church. Balleroy is open to visits from April to September.

Château de Balleroy, 14490 Balleroy

 www.chateau-balleroy.fr

The moat is the focus of attention at Chateau de Carrouges
(commons.wikimedia.org)

Château de Carrouges: An elegant twin-turreted gatehouse and decorative wrought-iron gates greet visitors to Château de Carrouges, a sombre moated castle built at the end of the 16th century. Other buildings were constructed as early as the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside you will find an interesting collection of furniture from the Renaissance to the Restoration, the kitchens with their copper pots, the bedchamber of Louis XI, fine fireplaces, ancient paneling and portraits and a fabulous brick staircase. The castle, park and gardens are open to visitors from April to September.

Château de Carrouges, 61320 Carrouges

www.chateau-carrouges.fr

You can call your bluff at Chateau de Falaise (wikipedia)

Château de Falaise: Named for the bluff that rises above the little town, Falaise was an important military site long before William, Duke of Normandy was born here in 1027. William spent his childhood at Falaise before going on to earn his moniker – William the Conqueror – following the battle of Hastings and the conquest of England in 1066.

Although the remains of the current castle (much restored between 1986 and 1996) date from a little after William’s time, the chateau’s military importance and historic significance are unsurpassed in the region being the birthplace of the first Norman King of England.

The town was devastated during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, but the castle is open every day except the month of January.

Château de Falaise, 14700 Falaise

www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr

Chateau de Fontaine=Henry is one of the best examples of Norman Renaissance Architecture (wikipedia)

Château de Fontaine-Henry: This dynastic castle was reconstructed in the 15th and 16th centuries in the decorative style. The facade is topped by steep, tiled roofs. Described by the French novelist Jacques de Lacretelle as “a Loire château in Normandy," Fontaine-Henry is one of the finest examples of Norman Renaissance architecture. 

Today the Marquis Pierre-Apollinaire d'Oilliamson welcomes visitors to his family seat. In the landscaped parc à l’anglaise is the 12th-century chapel, numerous outdoor games and, in summer, a sculpture exhibition. Open daily (except Tuesdays) from mid June to mid September, and on weekends and holidays in the shoulder periods.

Château de Fontaine-Henry, 14610 Fontaine-Henry

www.chateaudefontainehenry.com

We take poetic license with Mont St Michel because it is the most visited attraction in France  (fr.wikipedia)

Mont Saint Michel: We take poetic license with this one. Though not strictly a castle, this iconic marvel of medieval architecture has defended itself against invaders and tides since its foundation in the year 708. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint Michel attracts over 2 million visitors and pilgrims every year.  

   

Since the construction of a new bridge which replaced the causeway linking the citadel to the mainland, Mont Saint Michel is once again a magical island. Surrounded at high tides by the shimmering waters of the bay, when the tide is out this is a place of pilgrimage for visitors arriving on foot across miles of sand.

Mont Saint Michel is a must-see destination and justly deserves to be nominated the best castle in Normandy. Open every day throughout the year, and in the evenings from 7 pm until midnight during July and August.

Mont Saint-Michel, 50170

www.ot-montsaintmichel.com

Planning a trip to Normandy? Looking for chateau or hotel accommodation? Visit We Love Normandy 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Germany introduces a new commuter train

Germany's ICE competes well with the TGVs of France (wikipedia)

GERMANY — Germany and France have been competitors in rail technology for several decades. Now Germany is introducing innovative train concepts for commuters.

In 1964 when Japan introduced the Shinkansen, better known to Americans as the "Bullet Train", for the Olympic games in Tokyo, the world of transportation changed forever.

Shinkansen "Bullet Trains" 
introduced
high speed rail service
in 1964 in Japan (wikipedia)

Since that time, both France and Germany have been leaders in high speed rail technology which has altered the face of travel throughout Western Europe. Today, with the advent of the European Union, passengers are now able to cross international borders and visit major destinations in other countries with little more than a rail ticket and their passport, all while being whisked from city center to city center through breathtaking panoramas at just under 200 mph.

Frankfurt's main railway station is always busy  (wikipedia)

European rail travel hearkens to the golden age of travel where getting to an exotic locale was as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.

In those days rails represented grand suites, champagne and gourmet cuisine amid the charms of steaming through the countryside in elegant first-class comfort.

Switzerland's Gotthard Base
Tunnel is a masterpiece of
engineering (wikipedia)

Though some of those nostalgic rail journeys still exist, the more contemporary version of riding trains has become a matter of time and convenience with innovations such as the Channel Tunnel and the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland considerably shortening travel times.

Europe is becoming more accessible than ever before.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that Germany introduced its newest incarnation of future train transportation last week with the unveiling of the "Ideezug."]

Ideezug will feature swivel chairs among its innovations
(wikipedia)

Unlike high speed trains, the "Idea Train" will offer state-of-the-art regional services for commuters. The project, which has been in development for years, is still a work in progress, but, as the name suggests, constant alterations and services may well become a permanent feature as German trains consistently adapt to technological advances.

Designed to compete with growing enthusiasm for driverless cars as well as the opening of Germany's A94 highway connecting Munich with Simbach am Inn in 2019, the Idea Train plans to incorporate a series of innovations that will counter the competition.

ICE ready to depart in Leipzig
(wikipedia)

Though the route for the Idea Train is yet to be determined, if it is a success, it will not be long before the entire country will be linked with such regional services.

Among the offerings, which are still under consideration for practicality and feasibility, Idea Trains currently plan to be decked out with "reservable sports cabins" that include spin bikes and digital personal trainers. There will also be big screen TVs,  areas to play video games and "privacy pods" where travelers can rest between stops.

Riders suffering from motion sickness will have access to swivel chairs that face in any direction. This idea has long been a feature of Japanese train services which may have the most diverse collection of train configurations anywhere in the world.

Eurostar high speed train exits the Channel Tunnel  (wikipedia)

The Idea Train will also incorporate "noise canceling" seats, though European trains are typically quiet in their own right.

According to Jörg Sandvoss, the CEO of Deutsche Bahn Regio, “When developing such concepts, it is not about implementing a train with all the creative ideas at once, but rather taking individual approaches into consideration for new trains.”

Germany's high speed ICE races through the countryside
(germany travel)

There seem to be no limit to the innovations available to the visionary creations of luxury rail travel. For example, Japan's new Suite Train Shiki-Shima offers suites with fireplaces and food prepared by Japan's first Michelin-starred chef. Such services have become a daily ritual for Japanese commuters.

In the meantime, Amtrak is attempting to get its trains to arrive and depart on time. One can only hope.

Dancing with the stars at sea in Asia

The production team on Celebrity Millennium is first class in every way  (Cristian Silasi)

SOUTH CHINA SEA — You have to go a long way to top the quality and production values of the entertainment offered by Celebrity Cruises.

Shipboard musicians are first-rate providing varied and superb accompaniment for a highly talented array of outside performers as well as the line's own singers and dancers.

Gymnastics on the dance floor
(Cristian Silasi)

All cruise lines offer shipboard productions but frequently they are a blend of colorful costumes and second tier talent...lots of sizzle without the steak. Not with Celebrity. From the moment Celebrity's exuberant youthful artists step on the stage you know you are in for something unique. This is major league stuff that goes beyond traditional onboard entertainment.

Enthusiasm, talent and first-rate choreography define Millennium's dancers  (Cristian Silasi)

The key is the obvious enthusiasm and joy each performer brings to their shows twice each night. They are dedicated to their craft and they demonstrate it with precision movements, graceful leaps and outstanding showmanship.

For the dance team on Celebrity Millennium, it began in March of this year when they gathered in Florida for two months of intensive rehearsals before heading to sea.

Bob Fosse would be proud of the Millennium dancers
(Cristian Silasi)

Now sailing through Asia the performers have been entertaining passengers ever since leaving cruisers electrified with the rhythms of fast-paced music and intricate choreography that brings audiences to their feet after each performance.

Celebrity features 18 productions which have been exclusively created for their onboard shows. Obviously, all of the presentations are not performed on any single cruise, but depending upon the length of the itinerary, passengers will experience at least three or more of them.

Leaps and bounds
(Cristian Silasi)

Thanks to the popularity of the television reality show "Dancing with the Stars", in one production the dance team swings into a rousing extravaganza of classic ballroom dances ranging from the passionate tango to rhythms of the rhumba in a blitz of the old razzle-dazzle and more than its share of energy.

Each show is less than an hour but each is filled with enough pure entertainment that every evening presents a new adventure.

Another show designed especially for Celebrity  Millennium features Boogie Woogie music adapted from the hit West End musical of the 70s. The story follows disco hits throughout the decade that somehow lost its way in a world of psychedelic fashion.

"Phantom of the Opera" is a highlight of "iBroadway"
(Cristian Silasi)

Watching the "iBroadway" show leaves audiences breathlessly wondering how the performers can keep up the pace twice in a night. Incorporating music from the most popular Broadway shows and presenting them in a fast-paced slick contemporary production pays tribute to the best of the theatrical stages in London and New York.

Duties also include dance instruction for passengers  (Taylor)

Beyond their shows however, the cast also instructs  passengers in ballroom dance classes including Meringue, Swing and other favorites.

Night owls typically head for one of the lounges following dinner and, often, the singers and dancers are on hand again to rev up nocturnal passengers, especially when the next day is at sea and "sleeping in" is on the agenda.

Millennium's singers and band are equally superb
(Cristian Silasi)

Though it may appear glamorous on the surface, shipboard life can be a grind. The hours are long and frequently erratic. The crew from wait staff to housekeeping to lounge musicians to the entertainers always appreciate an acknowledgement of their efforts to offer their passengers the best possible cruise experience.

Stars in every way
(Cristian Silasi)

Currently Millennium's show team is in rehearsal for a new production. When combined with their other regular duties, free time is of the essence as the work load increases.

In the end however, it is the passengers who benefit with yet another first-rate world class show.

Celebrity Millennium in port in Asia  (wikipedia)

After each performance cast members greet passengers for congratulations and pictures, but, for the entertainers the story runs far deeper. For this is about the love of music and dance and the joy of theater.

Cruising is great value for the travel dollar, but with the Celebrity singers, dancers and bands you get unsurpassed bang for your buck.