The Villa

We first met Wes and Susan on the Mali tour portion of our West Africa trip last fall and became tour buddies during the adventures (and misadventures) that ensued. In March, they sent us a wonderful invitation we could not refuse.

"We would like to invite you to join us this summer in France to celebrate Wes’s 65th Birthday and our 20th Anniversary. Attached you will find a description of the chateau Villa Saint Albergati where we will be staying...We hope that you will all be able to come to Provence to celebrate with us!"

From the villa description...

"Constructed in 1756, this magnificent home is situated in the small hamlet of Althen-des-Paluds, in the heart of Provence, an area famous for its vineyards, its red and ochre rock formations, and its ancient villages perched on the top of steep cliffs. Located adjacent to a ruined monastery and mill with a tall smokestack that is a French National Historic Monument, this seven-bedroom, five-bath home sits amid sweeping lawns and carefully landscaped grounds. Long owned by the same family, the elegant salons of Villa Saint Albergati are filled with family paintings, furnishings, silver and porcelains dating back as far as seven generations.

Villa Saint Albergati is located about eight kilometers from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the pontifical residence of John XXII in the 14th century, and today the point of origin for the most famous of all the Rhone wines. The Medieval market town of Carpentras is equally close by, and draws gourmets from far and wide for its fine truffles. Carpentras’ 14th century synagogue is the oldest in France."

Wes and Susan show Sigrid our room.