Hello Dear Reader! Today, I want to share a story with you, a story that unfolded under the skies of Saint Hilaire de Loulay. It’s a tale of heritage, friendship, and a day filled with unexpected adventures at Château de la Preuille. This picturesque château, which I’ve been photographing since my arrival in Saint Hilaire in 2001, holds a special place in my heart. This year, it unveiled a new chapter in its history, one that I had the privilege to document.

The Château and Its New Custodians

As the warm September sun bathed the château’s iconic towers, I couldn’t help but wonder at how time had woven our lives together. What began as a photographer’s fascination with this beautiful place morphosed into something deeper when I had the chance to meet Sandra and Paul, the château’s new owners from the Netherlands. Our paths crossed through my frequent visits to the castle with my camera, our mutual following on Instagram. Little did I know that this connection would lead to an extraordinary invitation — to document the Journées de Patrimoine 2023.

Journées de Patrimoine: A Glimpse Behind Closed Doors

The Journées de Patrimoine, or Heritage Days, are an important tradition in France, and a tradition that I embrace wholeheartedly. It’s the time when historic sites and monuments, normally closed to the public, throw open their doors and reveal their secrets to curious visitors. And Château de la Preuille was no exception. On Sunday, the 17th of September, 2023, the château took part in this tradition offering a rare glimpse into its storied past.

The Old Kitchens and a Giant Rubber Duckie

Inside the château, the only area accessible to the public was the old kitchens, overlooking the moat. It is someones home after all. From here, you have a captivating view of the moat itself, one of the majestic towers, and a rather amusing resident – a giant yellow rubber duckie! The water level in the moat was a lot lower than it should be. It is leaking water and needs repairing, but it still allows those lovely reflection photographs that everybdy seems to like.

Inside the kitchens, I discovered Louis Georges my old neighbour, who was exhibiting his wooden models of monuments and buildings, including meticulous replicas of the château itself. The intricacy and attention to detail were nothing short of remarkable, making it easy to recognize these iconic structures. He used to make them out of matches, and still referred to himself the whole day as Monsieur Alumette!

An Array of Delights in the Grounds

The rest of the day’s festivities took place in the château’s picturesque grounds, where an eclectic array of stalls and activities awaited. From jewelry crafted from delicate petals and leaves in resin to a herbologist sharing the secrets of plants, there was something to grab everyone’s interests.

As I wandered through this tapestry, I encountered a sophrologist promoting relaxation techniques, a candlemaker, an artist who used vegetables and fruits in her art workshops, a plant vendor, Vinnochio, a local wine merchant, a model boat club “navigat”sailing” their vessels in the swimming pool, fire eaters, magicians, two mad scientists in trees (or as my wife called them, les deux zozos en blouse blanche) telling us how trees breathe, eat and drink, and so much more.

Reunions and Rediscoveries:

During the day, I was pleasantly surprised to see a large number of familiar faces and old friends whom I hadn’t seen for such a long time. The château, with its rich history and vibrant present, became a meeting point for cherished reunions and heartwarming rediscoveries.

These encounters were like snapshots of the past (which is very useful because my memory seems to be slowly going on strike, and I can hear the comedy duo Al and Heimer at the door, rekindling old connections and fostering a sense of community. The smiles and embraces were a testament to the power of such events in bringing people together. It was a reminder that in this world, where the pace of life often feels relentless, its good to be good to people and maintaining meaningful connections truly matters.

The simple act of reaching out, whether through shared interests, mutual acquaintances, or the universal language of photography, allowed for these meaningful reunions. It underscored the importance of nurturing friendships and how small seemingly ordinary gestures can lead to extraordinary moments.

As the day unfolded, and amidst the laughter, music, it became clear that the Journées de Patrimoine at Château de la Preuille extended beyond heritage and history; it was about celebrating the warmth of personal connections. In a world that sometimes feels divided, this day served as a poignant reminder that kindness, friendship, and the willingness to engage in the beauty of heritage and community are treasures that bring out the best in us all.

A Day of Discovery

Food trucks catered to the gastronomic cravings of the large crowd. The French may be the French, but their food is excellent! And a bar run by the Comité de fêtes (yes, we have a party committee!) kept spirits high as well as raising money for repairing the moat. A DJ from “Angleterre” provided the soundtrack, vintage car enthusiasts proudly displayed their cars, and a specialist showcased games crafted from wood.

As the day unfolded, live music filled the air, and I, yours truly, had the incredible privilege of documenting every moment. But it didn’t end there. The château played host to a cycling outing, with participants in cycling helmets and lycra looking sportier than ever. The château, now in Dutch hands, even offered a dedicated parking area for bikes. How very Dutch!

Conclusion: A Day of Heritage, Friendship, and New Beginnings

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Château de la Preuille, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. This day was not just about documenting history; it was about forging new connections, celebrating friendship, and cherishing the adventure that life brings.

So, Dear Reader, remember that life has a way of intertwining our passions and paths, leading us to places and people we never could have imagined. Château de la Preuille, with its rich history, artistic wonders, warm-hearted owners, and the embrace of old friends, showed me that heritage is not just about the past but also the vibrant present and the promising future.

Now, if you like the photographs in this article, I would suggest that you book a stay in the Castle. You can contact Sandra and Paul through their website, and Instagram. They can cater for range of events and the venue is popular for weddings. Can you imagine getting married and then staying in the very Castle where you had the reception. Yes you, you romantic little Reader, treat your spouse like the King or Queen that they are, and appreciate the magic. There may be a supplement for the massive rubber duckie. I’ll let you check with them….