Posted by Malana

One day we met a nice guy at the gas station as we were trying to clean our car (unsuccessfully because the machine was not working). Gael was American and he and his wife had moved here from Connecticut about 3 years ago. He was very friendly and offered to help us with any questions we might have on taxes, visas etc. He said “I live just down the road at Chateau Mirabel – stop by later today if you wish.”

As we can always use information on how to navigate the French system – we decided to stop by. As we were driving down the road – Roland pointed to a large Chateau on the hill “Hey that must be it”. I said “no way that’s too large” but as we followed the road up the hill – we arrived at this very house. We parked and I said “I’m not getting out – this place is enormous – this can’t be Gael’s place.” Out he walked from the front door and greeted us.

The house was as magnificent on the inside as the outside. Gael and his wife invited us in and we proceed to talk for several hours. They also invited their friend Bruno a real estate agent to stop by if he had time. Bruno de Saint-Exupery joined us as well.   We talked about what type of property we were looking for and general topics about living in France.

Everyone was very nice but I wasn’t exactly comfortable hanging out with Nobility (Bruno’s family owns several Chateaus in the area including Chateau des Milandes – Josephine Baker’s former home). I wanted to move to France to befriend French farmers and bakers – not an international jet-setting, chateau owning set!!

Well – today after spending some time with Bruno and his parents I sure learned my lesson about pre-judging people and their family.

Bruno showed us a home that was for sale – then afterwards he asked if we wanted to see the chateau his parents own and which they rent out part of it in the summer. We said “sure”. Well we pulled up to another jaw dropping place and out walked his friendly father and mother. They took us on a tour of the portion of the property that they rent out. It was very tasteful with beautiful furniture and views to match. It had been in the family for 600 years. His parents the Count and Countess were down to earth lovely people who enjoyed sharing the history of the property including a 400-year-old Cedar tree.

Bruno also happened to mention that he was distantly related to Gael and that Gael’s father was a hero in the resistance. I did a little research and found out that Gael’s father created an organization called “Amitiés chrétiennes” or Christain Friendship and under this organization he was able to save 100s of refugees including Jewish children and liberal politicians (getting them safely into Switzerland, Spain or sent to families in France who hide them.) He was arrested but jumped from the train and escaped. Incredible story.