Le Moulin Bregeon-Part 1 of the Loire Valley Chronicles

September 21, 2011

During my recent project in Geneva Switzerland, we had the great good fortune to take a 4 day side trip to Linières-Bouton, Pays De La Loire, in France. I wanted to visit my friend Jonathan, whom I initially met on FB and then in person in California. He told me about his small town and the historic water mill that he was restoring and I was intrigued…so, we went to see for ourselves…Words cannot begin to describe the magic…

Nestled deep in the Loire is an old 19th Century Water Mill (called a Moulin in French) that has been restored and renovated into a fabulous bed and breakfast. Owned by artist Jonathan Robinson, and run with his partners Pascal and Bernard, it is called Moulin Bregeon, and is one of the most tranquil, rejuvenating and uplifting places on earth.

It is a sensual retreat for the spirit; and an ultimate treat for the senses at the same time, at one with the land around it and the part it plays in the local history. It feels like you are literally transported to another time and place. A place where you naturally slow down, breath and begin to live more consciously, with your Self and your environment.

We slept in the ultimate lap of luxury-cozy, comfy beds, covered  in 19th century embroidered French sheets, sun-dried, and so fresh and crisp, the smell divine! There were hand made soaps by a local nunnery; fresh flowers everywhere; creamy butter on warm croissants with preserves from their trees; ducks, goats, dogs (Mona & Figaro), cows and cats flowing naturally through the grounds; old china, silver and glass; hand embroidered antique fabrics and lamps made out of old artifacts with shades made out of old letters.

Fresh and bountiful local food was prepared daily by Pascal and paired with divine local wines. Breakfast was provided with our reservation. Dinner, available by request (I highly suggest that you request)! Everywhere you look is truly a little bit of beauty™ to delight and rest your eye and uplift your soul.

Moulin Bregeon has hosted celebrities from Barbara Streisand and the Simpson’s gang, to yoga retreats, honeymooners and private parties…and now, we are preparing to bring designers, retailers and individual clients to shop the area for wonderful finds like you see in all the pictures. (more to come on that soon!)

But without a doubt, as great as Le Moulin Bregeon is, it’s the people that make you feel like you are returning home. First off…thanks to my clients, for braving the roads in the midst of great stress and personal upheaval plus torrential downpours on our drive back to Switzerland!

To Etsuko, Bernard, Pascal, Zachary and Katrina for their friendship, great service, and for making us feel completely at home…and big hugs and kisses to Jonathan, for his artistic vision, his passionate heart, his personal commitment to welcoming all and his generosity in showing us around his little bit of heaven. Namaste.

I can only hope that my words and pictures have captured even just a bit of the magic I experienced at this wonderful place. For a trip through my eye, enjoy the video below.

When was the last time you took such a relaxing trip? Where did you go?

Would you like to join us on a trip to the Loire Valley with this as your home base? Leave me a comment below, and I will add you to our growing list…À Votre Santé!