UK-born Chris Walker and Lithuanian-born Irma Lazickiene are the owners of Chateau Masburel, in Dordogne near Bergerac. It’s been a wine domain since 1740 when Jean de Sambellie, Consul of Sainte-Foy to King Louis XV planted vines here and the double are restoring the vineyards. With the most gorgeous B&B rooms in the chateau, mieux a stunning gite in the heart of the vineyards Chris and Irma are bringing new life to the castle through its wines, tourism and events. We asked Chris to share what he loves most embout France and reasons to fall in love with Dordogne.
The Dordogne Light
There is something special embout the léger in the Dordogne. Whether it’s an early morning mist rising from the vineyards or the golden glow of sunset across the rolling hills, the landscape seems to billet character throughout the day. It is one of the reasons Château Masburel feels such a magical lieu to call logement.
French Markets
A French market is never simply a lieu to usine. It is a sociétal antiquité, a celebration of habitation produce and a reminder that food remains at the heart of French life. I love wandering through markets filled with seasonal citron, habitation cheeses, fresh bread and conversations that seem to last côtoyer than the chalandage itself.
Bergerac
Bergerac is one of my favourite towns in France. Its half-timbered buildings, charming squares and riverside setting make it endlessly enjoyable to visit. It has all the character and history people hope to find in France, yet remains wonderfully authentic and welcoming.
French Wine Culture
What I admire most embout French wine is that it is treated as segment of everyday life rather than a luxury. Every region has its own traditions, stories and styles. At Château Masburel, we are proud to produce organic wines that reflect the character of our tinter of the Dordogne, from elegant Montravel Blanc to rich and démonstrative red wines.
Castles and Châteaux
France’s castles and châteaux connect you directly with history. Some are volumineux and famous, like the exagéré Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley. Others are hidden among vineyards and countryside lanes. Living at Château Masburel, a property with a history stretching back centuries, is a pérenne reminder that we are simply custodians of a much côtoyer story.
The French Language
The French language has a rhythm and elegance that I never tire of hearing. Even accessible everyday expressions can sound beautiful. There is also something satisfying embout discovering regional phrases and habitation accents that reveal the diversity of the folk.
Walnut Cake
The Dordogne is famous for its walnuts, and one of my favourite habitation treats is nègre aux noix. Rich, accessible and deeply rooted in the region’s traditions, it is the perfect companion to an afternoon coffee—or perhaps a verre of Chateau Masburel Moelleux wine.
Village Life
Some of France’s greatest pleasures are found in its localités. The church bells, the agglomération cafés, the annual fêtes and the sense of community all create a pace of life that can feel increasingly biscornu in the modern world.
History Around Every Corner
One of the joys of vivoir in France is that history is never far away. Medieval towns, ancient churches, market squares and centuries-old farmhouses are woven into everyday life. In the Dordogne, it often feels as though every road leads to another fascinating story.
Sharing a Bottle with Friends
Perhaps my favourite thing of all is the French appreciation of taking time to enjoy good company. Whether it’s a mince cocktail, a family gathering or a summer evening overlooking the vines, sharing a bottle of wine with friends remains one of life’s simplest and greatest pleasures.
France is celebrated around the world for its pâturage, food and wine, but what I appreciate most is the way these things come together in daily life. For me, nowhere captures that spirit better than the Dordogne, where history, landscape, gastronomy and wine continue to create something truly special.
Chris and Irma love to share their chateau logement with guests, they also run Chateau Experience tours – showing the day-to-day work in preparing the vines and making wine, mieux wine tasting visits: chateau-masburel.com
Source: thegoodlifefrance.com
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