A Morning Exploring the Chateau du Pont-Rilly

Day 5 started out with a lovely breakfast served by our gracious hosts, Annick and Jean-Jacque at the Chateau du Pont-Rilly. Annick is a master-chef who uses foods from the grounds for her guests. Fresh eggs, apricot preserves, homemade croissants. It was absolutely delicious!

Photo by Eric Sanders

After breakfast, they showed us a DVD that highlighted the importance of the Chateau during World War II. On June 19, 1944, Lt. Col. Edward Dunn and Troops A & C of the 4th Calvary Recon Squadron arrived at the Chateau and set up a critical communications and logistics coordination base which operated for two months at the location. There were numerous video clips and still pictures of our troops all around the Chateau. They even set up a stage at the front entry so they could entertain each other. Quite a different scene from this castle’s 400+ year history! They weren’t the first soldiers there, though! Jean-Jacque told us of the knights who battled on these very grounds as well!

After the DVD, we were given a tour of the entire Chateau. 4 stories high, and too many rooms to count, Annick and Jean-Jacque have restored everything here to it’s 17th century roots. In the 40 years they’ve owned it, they have studied architectural and decor guides from the 1600-1700’s. They’ve combined that study with their experience as custom furniture designers and Jean-Jacque’s incredible artistic ability to produce a place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a world of Lords and Ladies!

We feel so very fortunate that Susan Boehnstedt at Critics Choice Vacations formed a relationship with Annick and Jean-Jacque, so that her clients can stay at this magnificent Castle!! Thank you Susan for sending us here! We all agree, it is the most unique and lovely place we’ve ever stayed!!

In addition to the 7-bedroom Chateau, the 20 hectare (approximately 50 acres) property has its own Chapel, a greenhouse, horse stables (fit for a King’s horse!), Carriage House, mill, bakery and a formal garden. It was truly unbelievable!!

To see some breathtaking photos of the Chateau taken by Eric Sanders, follow this link.