The End of an Era at Chateau Valcreuse

These people came to Chateau Valcreuse as a bride, a chauffeur, a waiter, a chef and a mechanic.

 

On Wednesday we went to a party at Chateau Valcreuse. Our friends Caroline and Alexander have somewhat reluctantly sold their 19th century chateau bed and breakfast overlooking the River Creuse near La Roche Posay. The new owners are an American couple who we have yet to meet.

The very nice and hardworking waiter at the party.

The party was so Caroline and Alexander could say goodbye to all their friends and those who've supported them over the past 15 years. They live in Belgium, but every year they came to France for the summer, and ran Chateau Valcreuse as an upmarket B&B. And therein lies their problem.

Alexander made a speech in French, a language he is not comfortable in. Everyone was very impressed.

Their children have reached the age when they do not want to be uprooted every summer and taken away from their friends. Covid really highlighted this, as so they took the decision to sell. The B&B took up so much of their time that they weren't spending the holidays with the kids really, just sleeping in the same house.

Caroline made a speech and thanked absolutely everyone in the most charming and heartfelt way.

 

I've no doubt they will be back, and the B&B is going to continue under the new owners. We will miss Alexander's enthusiasm and Caroline's attention to detail. They were always a joy to work with and the only people we ever did picnics or weddings for with Célestine or Claudette. They were fabulous hosts and two of the kindest and most generous people we know. They staged the best parties! We have been so lucky to have been part of their circle of friends at Chateau Valcreuse. To be honest, I think the change will be sadder for their friends than for them. They have a new project to go to back in Belgium.