CTD @ LE MANS // CHATEAU BEZONNAIS - OUR FRENCH OFFICE

We arrived at Chateau Bezonnais, just out side of Le Mans, late yesterday afternoon. The drive from Paris took roughly two hours however we spent the better part of the afternoon drinking coffee and enjoying the last bit of sunshine at Le Bal Bullier in Montparnasse. The sun was getting ready to set as we unpacked the car and took our room in the Chateau. Built sometime in the 12th century, Chateau Bezonnais is a stunning bit of architecture in the middle of the French countryside... [read more]

We took a double room, filled nearly floor to ceiling with French literature and art. The small room to the left faces directly East and captures the rising sun. My room, with a large set of glass windows, looks out over the moat and into the garden that surrounds the property.

This was the first thing I heard this morning. The property is alive with roosters, horses, frogs, swans and small birds, and the moat while seemingly tranquil, will suddenly come alive with the sounds of jumping fish and resting bullfrogs.

The center section of the Chateau is believed to have been built some time in the 12th century, while the outer sections were added on as late as the 17th century. Surrounded by what appear to be former horse stables and servants quarters, the owners of Chateau Bezonnais, a quaint and rather friendly couple, can date the earliest sale of the property to 1423. Just minutes from the Le Mans circuit, Chateau Bezonnais is certainly a recommended destination for anyone traveling to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The view from my room out across the moat taken during sunset yesterday evening. The tranquility and calm that comes with the French countryside is a potent mix and can consume even the most urban and outgoing, leaving you somewhat sedated and certainly relaxed.

How is it that the internet service at a medieval chateau in the French countryside is better then that of the Best Western in downtown Paris?! Whatever the case, I was just glad to have access to the interwebs and must apologize yet again for the delay in posting.

Stay tuned for more from our trip to France and the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Photo/Editorial: Justin Coffey