Marvellous

My girlfriend and I recently returned from our first major vacation to Paris, France where we have spent 10 beautiful days. We’ve been together for five years and I wanted to propose but I wanted to do something very special for her. Since she was from France and couldn’t stop talking about the place I figured there’s no better place than the city of love.
Being together that long, I needed to pull out all the stops. I knew clearly how I wanted to pop the question but I just needed the perfect setting to pull it off...... I wanted to blow her mind so I started to do some research on castles situated in France since she’s into fairy tales. While surfing the web, I came across Chateau-de-Challain. After reading several reviews and numerous visits to the web site, I realized it could have made the perfect setting and would blend well with my ideas so I decided to contact the owner by the name of Cynthia. With very limited knowledge in French language, I was delighted to know she was from North America and spoke English, what a relief! After explaining my ideas to her, we started working on the proposal almost one year in advance... being a perfectionist; I wanted everything to be done perfectly for the special day.
When planning the trip, I told my girlfriend I needed at least one day out of our schedule to visit the country side of France as I’ve seen it on television and it looked so beautiful. She knew I liked nature so she agreed for one day only. For months prior to the grand trip, she kept asking “where in the country side are we going”? I would respond “I don’t know, I will decide eventually, just give me a map of France”. Up to the day before we left she had no idea, she kept asking over and over where are you taking me and I would not budge. Eventually I told her we will be heading off to Angers since its spelt like the word anger, she took it personal and became furious. hahahhaha
I wanted to drive from Paris to the Chateau but we agreed to take the TGV to Angers as she wanted me to experience the train ride (fast train as she put it) in France. Upon arrival to Angers, we rented a car and drove to the Chateau which was only about 20-30 minutes away from the station.
NOTE: On some web sites the direction states “onto the D963 direction Candé’, at Candé’s third roundabout onto D6 direction, but I found that a bit confusing. I figured once you get on the D963 towards Candé it’s about 10-12 roundabout to D6 which is on the right, after entering D6 drive for about 3-5 min you will see the castle on the right.

On the way to the Chateau she kept asking “where we are going to stay as I don’t see any hotels around”. There were only farms along the way. Eventually we got to the little town called Challain-la-Potherie. As we entered the grounds thru the big gates which lead to the castle, she was speechless, her mouth was wide open, she didn’t know what to say and that’s hard for her to do. (hahaha). At that point, she didn’t know that she will be spending the night in the castle. She was mesmerized just by the beauty of the place.
We walked up the steps to the castle’s entrance and pushed open two colossal doors where we were greeted by the charming Cynthia and her protector Zeus. As you step over the threshold you immediately feel as if you are in a different world. The grandness of the place is unbelievable; you can’t help but feel like royalty. After a brief chat with Cynthia we headed up to our room to put our luggage down and freshen up a bit.
As we walked up the staircase admiring the beautiful arthicheture we kept looking at each other smiling and wondering what’s was in store for us next...... I had requested the Tower suite as I have been referred by several reviewers. As I opened the door to our room and entered with my girlfriend in tow who kept saying “wow this is beautiful probably for the millionth time” we saw a fireplace nicely decorated. In the bathroom area there was a glass wash bowl and a massage stand up shower. We walked slowly into the room gleaming with excitement, thru the door way into a lovely sitting room with a small but elegant table decorated with roses Cynthia had selected. You could sit and have wine or tea while admiring the breath taking view of the lake but my mission was to know where the bed was. This place is so big I couldn’t wait to see the bed... Wink. We continued in further and there it was this humongous king size canopy bed with curtains and four pillars for post; even the Greek gods would have been jealous.
It was made up with silk sheets and pillows. There was a fireplace to keep you warm and candles that set the mood for a very romantic evening. Not that we needed a fireplace, there was enough heat between us to make the wildfires in California look like a spark.
My girlfriend jumped on the bed laughing and giggling and yes as on queue kept saying “wow this is beautiful thanks Hun this is really a fairly tale”. She ran over to each set of windows looking out at the well manicured grounds and beautiful garden. She was like a kid in a candy store. After all the excitement with our room, we decided to go down and visit the rest of the castle.
We headed out back which is actually the front of the castle as I was told.....while sitting on the Terrace to un-wine for a bit still in awe of this beautiful place, Cynthia brought over tea, coffee and biscuits. After a few sips we decided to go for a long walk in the garden accompanied by Zeus. The gardens and surrounding grounds bring a sense of peace and tranquillity to you, after a few shots taken in the garden and lake area, we headed back inside for a grand tour of the Chateau.
We toured the castle admiring the beauty of each room slowly and meticulously; taking pictures as we go. The rooms were designed to bring love and warmth to your heart, the stair case is incredible, the web site does a very good representation but seeing it in person was even more than unbelievable.
You don’t see too many people walking around because of the size of the castle but we did meet a lovely couple from the USA who was there for their wedding that very weekend.
As it was getting late, dinner was about to be served so we sat down in the dining area decorated for kings and queens. The chairs were designed with royalty in mind, the male chair was larger, something a king would sit on and the female chair was a bit smaller but perfectly made for a queen. The room was lit with candles which contributed to the romantic setting and excellent ambiance; in the background you could hear the sound of soft classical music being played. There were only three tables set for the three couples staying that night; Cynthia decorated the rooms with love, romance and relaxation in mind. This is a place to get away from it all, pure un-adulterated romance in the air.
The food was the best we’ve had; we had duck succulently prepared to perfection...... it just melted in your mouth. Each table had a bottle of wine which Rebekha, Cynthia’s niece made sure our glasses were always filled. During dinner we kept looking around admiring the ceiling, table, chairs and every aspect of the room. We couldn’t believe we were sitting in the same room and chairs that once housed royalty little US dinning like kings and queen, it’s truly remarkable. We spoke very softly to each other too afraid to raise our voices (hahahah). After our mouth watering duck, we had a lovely dessert to finish off dinner. The talented chef on hand did an excellent job in preparing the food. This is true French cuisine at its best.
After dinner we headed up to our room for some well deserved rest and relaxation, yeah right who are we kidding…, we all know there was neither rest nor relaxation. The castle has a unique wakeup call, there is a church close by where the bell would ring once for one o’clock, twice for 2 o’clock and so on; at 12 and 6 it would ring several times in succession, that’s how you tell what time it was. Not to worry, you won’t even notice the bells.
The next morning we awoke to find the breakfast table prepared with a wide assortments of dishes, from eggs, croissants, tea, coffee, fruits and freshly squeezed orange juice. The breakfast area is actually located in the basement where you will find a wood burning fire place; the sound of crackling wood burning while you have breakfast is charming. There were pots and pans hanging from the ceiling as you can picture in the movies.
After breakfast, we decided to head to the vineyard to check out the wineries which are not far from the castle. However, my girlfriend preferred to do some shopping instead so we headed into the small but wonderful town of Angers. This is a true small town, being from North America with our big streets and skyscrapers, it was exciting walking thru these tiny streets. Angers is a nice place to shop and the price was comparable maybe even better than in the city of Paris itself. After several hours of excruciating shopping ...... hahahhahah, we headed back to the castle.
We needed to be back for 4.00pm because Cynthia and I had setup a massage for my girlfriend, we needed her to be out of the castle so we can work on the final touches for this wonderful evening ahead. As we entered, we met Cynthia who suggested unwinding with a drink on the terrace. She brought over a bottle of red wine and announced to my girlfriend she needed to be ready in fifteen minutes as your lovely fella (that’s me) planned a massage for you. My girlfriend was stunned to find out she was going for a massage. Cynthia and Rebekha accompanied her but Rebekha stayed back and waited for her while she was enjoying her body massage. I was thinking I hope it’s not one of these sweet talking French guys who will be giving her a massage (hehehehe). Our goal was to keep her away as long as possible so we can set the scene.
While they were away I was still debating whether or not to have the proposal taken place on the terrace or in the front gardens. I sat down on the front steps chatting with Rebekha’s mom who was visiting for a few days; she explained that at night the back is actually better in terms of lighting so I headed out to the back again taking mental pictures of the area over and over, trying to visualize how it would look at night.
Finally I decided the back of the castle would be the ideal setting for this long awaited evening. By then Cynthia had returned and we immediately started to work on setting the scene. I was amazed as to how quickly she transformed the terrace and promenade into a wonderful setting decorated with flowers, wine, even the rug and candles were made out of my girlfriend favourite colour.
While we were setting up, the horse arrived..... Yes a horse!!!! Smile ladies..... I had requested a white horse for the occasion. I knew Cynthia went through a lot to find a white horse. We had talked several times about a carriage and a cream horse instead because she couldn’t find a true white horse but I wouldn’t budge. I wanted a pure white horse..... It needed to be white no other colour would suffice and she came thru despite all the obstacles. The horse was a beautiful snow white named “never mind”. How ironic! Every time my girlfriend would get mad at me she would always say “never mind”. (hahahahhhaa)
Cynthia had scheduled a few lessons for me since I was a novice at horseback riding. I was very nervous at first, I kept thinking what if this horse throws me off and I hurt myself that would really spoil everything, but the owner with his limited English made me feel comfortable and at ease. He took never mind around the castle at first to assimilate him with the surrounding as I contemplated in silence, my heart pounding as if I had just ran a marathon. Now it was my turn, the owner held never mind while I jumped on the saddle, my eyes wide open and frightened to death.
We started off with a slow walk in and around the area with the owner holding onto the rein as we walked. After a few trips of this, I was ready to go alone, oh yeah! Your boy was ready to ride like they do in the movies. I continued walking and practising to see how close I could get to the Terrace, checking for any obstacles in the way. Never mind was so pleasant and calm it made the exercise an enjoyable and fun one, after about 10-15 minutes I was confident I was able to pull this off. I got off never mind and return him to his owner who quickly took him out of sight just in case my girlfriend shows up.......while I headed to our Suite to get dressed for the big show.
By then, Cynthia had finished setting the scene. When Rebekha brought my girlfriend back from her massage, she saw a lot of commotion and movements in the hall and in the back yard. She came up to the room and said “Hun there is something happening in the back Cynthia is very busy and I saw a lot of people out there”. It must be huge; they are all working feverishly out back.”
I told her it was probably for the wedding that weekend maybe they were getting prepared. She bought it (whoosh). While she was getting dress for dinner I told her I will go down so we are not seen as being late and she can also make an entrance ......She liked the idea. (smooth don’t you think ladies. Wink!)
I ran downstairs and out the back where I saw all the work Cynthia had done, it was beautiful she had the table set with roses, candles, wine …. She did an amazing job in designing everything. Her attention to detail made it all worthwhile. She truly went all out.
As I looked around I saw someone in the garden behind the plants waving, it was Rebekha holding a video camera and hiding behind the bushes. I started laughing.
I told Cynthia she will be down in 10 minutes so bring her out the back when she arrives. Cynthia grabbed me a rose (all part of the plan) and I headed off to meet never mind. We had brought never mind closer to the castle, we were actually standing right under our suite all along and my girlfriend had no clue.
Rebekha and I had a signal system where as soon as my girlfriend enters the terrace she would give me a wave to get ready. I kept waiting and waiting, 10 minutes nothing, 15 minutes nothing… I kept popping my head out and around the castle to look for her, still nothing. I found out later she had some problem with her dress and Cynthia had to help her. (ooh la la)
Eventually she came down and as promised Rebekha gave me the signal, I got onto never mind and we started to walk towards the terrace. By then the sun was starting to set and the lights were on which made the atmosphere even better. (I did a lot of research on the date, time, weather report, sunrise and sunset it all had to be perfect). At first never mind wasn’t following my command to turn left, the flood lights were on and I think he got a little spooked. I was like........ “Oh no, come on, be a good horse turn left, turn left” but he wasn’t following my lead. The owner had said if he’s not responding to your command take control and let him know you’re the boss so I did. I pulled on the rein and turned him around pointed straight towards the terrace. I told you I could ride like they do in the movies.
We walked slowly up to the terrace where she was waiting; I held out the rose and placed it into her hand asking her to join me down for dinner. She was in shock she couldn’t even walk down the steps to join me; Cynthia had to help. As she got closer to me I got off never mind and handed the rein over to Cynthia, took her hand and led her over to the dinner table. I said I have something for you; I took the wedding pillow that was on the table with the glass slipper tied to it and the ring place strategically in the centre of the slipper. (I had the slipper custom made with the words “My soul wondered aimlessly until my heart found you” inscribed). I got down on one knee and said “Will you marry me”.
She started to cry and got down on her knees, hugged and kissed me, oh yeah and she said YES!!!!
As we kissed there was a pop of the champagne. She couldn’t believe what was happening she had to sit down. We held each other and toasted the special occasion to our new lives together.
After the initial shock we took some pictures with the beautiful never mind and everyone there who included Cynthia’s husband, sister in law and several others who had gathered for the event.
We sat down for dinner, started out with oysters at first... she couldn’t eat she kept looking at her ring, smiling and saying this is beautiful, this is beautiful as usual. (hahaha)
The dinner was once again just perfect, we had steak that’s so tender and juicy it was as if heaven came to Earth. There was a constant flow of wine as usual, I can’t say enough about the food. We sat at our magnificently decorated table under the stars talking and her asking why it took me so long to propose….enjoying each other’s company and the beautiful weather. It was very romantic, the spot lights shining on the castle, the reflection of the castle in the lake...... the smell of fresh roses, candles, food, music and not forgetting the most beautiful person, “my fiancé’. Everything put together was just magical. I couldn’t believe it myself even the shining stars were out that night, no one could ever plan that; god was definitely looking down at us with a big smile.
During dinner she saw someone drove up to the garden close to the lake area and I could see how perplexed she was but I didn’t say a word. As it was getting darker it was difficult to see him after sometime, eventually she forgot about him being there. After all the wonderful food we were relaxing when Cynthia came over and asked me if we were ready, I gave her the go ahead and she radioed the gentleman in the garden to start. On queue it started to shine in the sky with fireworks; she loves fireworks so I requested fireworks to cap off the evening. We stood there in each other’s arm amazed at how beautiful they were. I couldn’t help but noticed the tears running down her lovely cheeks. It seemed like it was never ending. I think we woke up the other guests and the nearby villagers. It was the finishing touches to a wonderful and MARVELLOUS evening of September 19th 2008 at Chateau-de-Challain. Wink! Wink!
This was one, if not the best experience in both of our lives and I have to thank Cynthia and everyone at Chateau-de-Challain. Cynthia and I spoke and emailed so many times I felt as if I knew her for a very long time. I am very particular and she didn’t make me feel uncomfortable in any way. She went above and beyond what I had hoped for. Cynthia you are magnificent and truly amazing at what you do. Even her family helped me with this proposal, for instance I was unable to get the glass slipper delivered to me on time before our departure to France, the slipper was an instrumental part of the proposal, after all my research I was able to find one and have it inscribed however I was a bit disappointed when they told me they couldn’t guarantee delivery on time for our trip. I spoke to Cynthia about finding me one in Paris that’s when she suggested sending it to her brother-in-law in the United States. He will then bring it to France for me. Her sister-in-law was also present that evening taking pictures, her husband helped with the setup, and her niece Rebekha, I can’t say enough about her I think she was more excited than me, hahahhahha. She did so much for us we will never forget her. The staffs were excellent, and I cannot forget never mind, his owner and the castles protector Zeus just a lovely companion to have around this great place.
For anyone wishing to visit a castle in their lifetime or even better stay in one, you must go to Chateau-de-Challain in France. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. You will be amazed by this majestic place and Cynthia and her staff will make every waking moment a moment you will never forget. Tell her I sent you....Thank you Cynthia and everyone at Chateau-de-Challain for these wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime. “Je vous remercie de tout Coeur”
This was an evening planned for a very long time with specific details and Chateau-de-Challain made it a reality where fairytales do come true!!!!!

Kimraj and Sherry

Dear Cynthia and all the lovely people at the Chateau: We have the most treasured memories from our February 2008 wedding and magnificent stay at the Chateau! Impeccable taste, such gracious hosts, there simply could not have been anything more perfect. The amazing food, the flowers, the warmness of your staff...all amazing! We are counting days until we can return to your magical home and once again, we thank you so much! Melissa Ternes & Jim Bonnet

Thank you so much once again for another memorable weekend at the Chateau - it was so relaxing and we were made to feel so much at home.?The dinner at Simon's Saturday night was simply fabulous.? James and Zeus were like long lost friends and they was very content Sunday evening curled up in front of the fire with us in the kitchen, (Zeus and James). I would also like to take the opportunity to say an enormous thankyou for our magnificent wedding at your Chateau.? Our friends just can't stop talking about it,? I guess we'll just have to do the same over again each year! not to mention the weekends in between. No but seriously, it was wonderful to have all the stress of organizing a wedding eliminated - for once,? I only had to concentrate on myself. This, of course,? all taken care of by you personally and we were all made to feel incredibly welcome and as for the buffet it was simply second to none and with those fabulous table settings and decoration everything looked a million dollars. I had to pinch myself that it was all real! and as for the elegant sumptuous bedrooms - wow! In short,? there are no words good enough to describe the whole day, other than to say that you, Cynthia and you fairytale Chateau are the ultimate. It was a dream that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. It would be impossible to better this venue for a wedding, as I am sure all of your couples would no doubt agree.? It really is possible to be a princess for the day. Will be in touch very soon. Take care, Love. Liz and Eric.

Dear Cynthia, I'd like to thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful castle. My husband & I have spent the night of October 2nd. We had a marvelous time in your chateau. Everything is absolutely beautiful there, the style, every little touch. We felt like a king & queen staying in a palace. Our children (we have two boys, both married) and all our friends who saw the pictures we took, making a plan to go there sometime. Thank you again for giving us the wonderful opportunity to experience chateau living. Sincerely, Susanna Szemerei

We have not been back long from our short break in the chateau, what a beautiful place, we fell in love with it as soon as we saw it, we were looked after from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The meals were superb and very well presented, nothing was too much trouble. It really felt very homely and very relaxing (we even got used to the church bells ringing). Zeus was always there to greet us when we got back from our day out, usually with a stick in his mouth. The surrounding area was beautiful too. On our wedding aniversary we even managed to get our photo taken in a field of sunflowers, something we have wanted to do since we got married. When we walked into the chapel for are wedding Blessing ceremony, I could have cried it was so beautiful, Fabian had done a lovely job decorating it with flowers and candles, everything went perfectly and it was a day to remember. I even managed to get the bouquet home to put on my fathers grave in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire. I cannot praise the chateau and staff enough. Many thanks for sharing your home with us. Jill and Ala

Dear Cynthia Thank you so much once again for another memorable weekend at the Chateau - it was so relaxing and we were made to feel so much at home. The dinner at Simon's Saturday night was simply fabulous. James and Zeus were like long lost friends and they was very content Sunday evening curled up in front of the fire with us in the kitchen, (Zeus and James). I would also like to take the opportunity to say an enormous thankyou for our magnificent wedding at your Chateau. Our friends just can't stop talking about it, I guess we'll just have to do the same over again each year! not to mention the weekends in between. No but seriously, it was wonderful to have all the stress of organizing a wedding eliminated - for once, I only had to concentrate on myself. This, of course, all taken care of by you personally and we were all made to feel incredibly welcome and as for the buffet it was simply second to none and with those fabulous table settings and decoration everything looked a million dollars. I had to pinch myself that it was all real! and as for the elegant sumptuous bedrooms - wow! In short, there are no words good enough to describe the whole day, other than to say that you, Cynthia and you fairytale Chateau are the ultimate. It was a dream that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. It would be impossible to better this venue for a wedding, as I am sure all of your couples would no doubt agree. It really is possible to be a princess for the day. Will be in touch very soon. Take care, Love. Liz and Eric.

Dear Cynthia, Forgive me for taking so long to write to you since my daughter Nakisha?s wedding on October 1, 2005. I wouldn?t miss the opportunity to thank you for the fabulous wedding you orchestrated for Nakisha and Sebronzik. Every detail was just perfect. In fact the entire weekend, the Rehearsal dinner followed by the play performed by the French troupe, the delicious meals for all our guests, the Spa day and the horseback riding were all wonderful. I also want to be sure to mention that the venues you used were all top notch, starting with Simon?s Restaurant, Le Petit Manoir. The meals we ate at his restaurant and the meals he catered were all wonderfully delicious as well as his beautiful presentation of his food. I can?t fail to mention Simon?s scrumptious chocolates. They were like no other I have ever had. The chocolates were truly a great wedding favor choice. The florist?s flower arrangements were also beautiful beyond belief. I have never seen flowers more beautiful and the vivid colors were incredible. And oh what beautiful decorating they did. The flower arrangements outside were just gorgeous. The young ladies administering the massages, manicures, pedicures, etc. were wonderful as well. I thought I had someone else?s feet after my pedicure (Smile). The hairstylist and makeup artist also did great jobs as well. They were all very talented young ladies. As I mentioned earlier in my letter, I could continue this list of our wonderful experiences, but the bottom line is that you did an incredible job with Nakisha and Sebronzik?s wedding. I sincerely thank you. Please feel free to use me as a reference at any time. Sincerely, Barbara S. Ballen

Dear Cynthia, We can not thank you and your family enough for the wonderful service you provided us for our wedding at Chateau de Challain. Everything was way beyond our expectations. Our guests are still talking about the ?wedding of the century?. I could write a book about all of the things we truly enjoyed at the Chateau It was so easy to work with you and all the vendors you chose for us as well. Every facet of our wedding was handled for us with few queues or need for requests. If something went wrong on our wedding day I have no idea. I think that?s what makes a wedding coordinator the best in the business. I gave very little direction on my flowers, colors, etc. and all of the decorations were incredibly elegant and beautiful. The food was exquisite. I wish we could have brought Simon home with us to cook every day for our family. I think my mother ordered boxes of his homemade chocolates to go. Smile. The pricing was very reasonable compared to having our wedding in the States. Our guests also really enjoyed the acting troupe and chateau tour on the rehearsal dinner night. Thank you again for making our wedding my perfect ?fairytale?. Best wishes, Nakisha and Sebronzik Wright

Cynthia: Joe and I cherish our wedding day memories made possible by your impeccable attention to detail. Chateau Challain's romantic ambiance cannot be duplicated. Our only regret is that we did not schedule more to spend with you and your enchanting chateau. We look forward to our NJ rendezvous! Newlyweds, Nancy and Joe Tuohey