We have never seen a last-minute rush for reservations as we have this year!  We are actually receiving requests for rooms for this weekend or next week!

If you've found yourself unable to find accommodations because so many fine properties are solidly booked through the summer, perhaps you will find this opportunity the perfect solution!

Château Coulon Laurensac, located in the beautiful Bordeaux countryside, has one available gîte:  Margaux is still available for 2 weeks from July 19 to August 2 due to a cancellation.  This gîte will not last long, and it can be rented for one or both of the two weeks.

This elegantchâteau is owned and operated by wine experts Ronald and Margaret Rens, so wine aficionados will find themselves immersed in conversations and tastings and can take guided tours of some of Bordeaux's most renowned vineyards.  Near St-Emilion, the city of Bordeaux and all the château wineries on the Médoc peninsula, Coulon Laurensac couldn't be more centrally located.  And, there is a marvelous swimming pool to enjoy at the end of a busy day!

The Margaux Suite provides two or three guests with all amenities including a spacious bedroom and bath, a kitchen with all conveniences, a dining area, comfortable salon and their own private entrance and terrace.  Heavy beamed ceilings, golden limestone walls and fine old tiled floors add to its authentic charm and coziness.  The deluxe bathroom has a Jacuzzi and separate shower, along with double washbasins and WC. 

Contact the château directly at coulonlaurensac@wanadoo.fr to take advantage of this hard-to-find accommodation during France's high season!

(1)  When sending an email to a property owner for a reservation, you should always begin with 'Bonjour Monsieur et Madame' and never by the owner's first name which you may have seen on their web pages.

(2)  If dining in a French home with your host and hostess, it is acceptable to refill your own wine glass.

(3)  It is polite to assist your hostess in clearing the table after each course or at the end of the meal.

(4)  When arriving at a property after 4 PM, you should phone the château to let them know you are going to be late.

(5)  If you have a well-behaved small pet, it is fine to bring it along with you without notifying the owners in advance.

(6)  Leaving a tip at a château bed and breakfast for the chambermaid is not expected nor encouraged.

(7)  Because the châteaus are historic and very interesting properties, you might want to have a tour.  Always ask your host to escort you if tours are permitted, and never go wandering around on your own.

(8)  Only address your hosts by their first names  if  that is how they introduce themselves to you.  In return, you should ask them to use your first name as well.

In keeping with the brevity of this newsletter, we are providing a quick and easy recipe taken from a wonderful new book (just published) entitled, The Paris Neighborhood Cookbook:  Danyel Couet's Guide to the City's Ethnic Cuisines.  A complete review of the book will be found in the upcoming August issue of the FREE newsletter, FRANCE On Your Own.

This truly beautiful book with amazing illustrations and exquisite photography provides recipes found in Paris' ethnic neighborhoods.  But, in keeping with our French theme, we've drawn this recipe from the chapter Markets and Street Food ~ a recipe for marinated green olives.

You will need 7 ounces of large green olives, 1/2 roasted and peeled red pepper, 1 tablespoon of dried chili flakes, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.

Mix the pepper, chili flakes, sugar, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor.  Place the olives in the marinade.  Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.

Bon appétit!

The answers are: 
Quiz 87 - 1 True, 2 False: never pour your own wine! 3 False:  never unless you are asked, which is very unlikely! 4 False: call if you will arrive after 6 PM,  5 False: you must have permission in advance, 6 False:  a tip is proper and should be based on number of guests and days in the room, 7 True:  Your host must escort you!, 8 True: First names are not to be used unless you are asked to do so.  Always err on the side of formality.

From the May / June issue :  Quiz 86 - The Panthéon in Paris

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