COULD THIS BE THE PRETTIEST FRENCH CITY?

We discover the medieval heart of Le Mans, a stunningly beautiful French city, from its huge historic cathedral to ancient cobbled streets lined with 15th century half-timbered houses and charming boutiques...
Escape to the chateau with ’The Chateau Diaries’ 🏰
In 'Sundays at the Chateau' Stephanie shares French chateau life and culture with you ❤️
A very special thank you to all of you who have become Patrons of the Chateau de Lalande. You have made The Chateau Diaries one of the top 400 Patreon accounts in the world, and have transformed not only our lives here, but the future of this beautiful chateau! I’m overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. On behalf of this beautiful chateau that will continue to survive and flourish because of you, thank you!!!
If you're interested in becoming a Patron of The Chateau Diaries, click here: / thechateaudiaries

[@alexandreintouch1847]

I'm French and I have to say Stephanie is the best advertisement / ambassador for France , and unlike other volgers living in France her videos have never been about French bashing . . . congrats and merci infiniment !

[@shangrila9745]

She is too: don't forget that Maman is from the South of France!

[@yseultm5656]

I agree. It makes a nice change !

[@jmk1962]

Stephanie is half french herself so has a respect and love for her mother's country.

[@anna_m59]

She knows the history not just talking in the air…

[@CC-fm1hu]

Alexandreintouch How old is she?

[@aurireba6469]

As a French person, it is so heartwarming to see someone so passionate about France! More often than not, when you live somewhere, you don't even realize the beauty of what surrounds you. I feel lucky that my country has so much to offer! Thanks a lot for your content!

[@Ida-fz3ir]

not only France, but Europe... just behind the border to Germany the most impressive buildings, like the Dom of Aachen, Köln or the cathedrales of Strassburg or Freiburg...

[@SivaJivamukti]

As an American, this is just mind blowing. I think if I were ever lucky enough to see it in person I would melt into a puddle of tears. Just seeing it through this recording is so moving. The closest thing I can liken it to is when I see the masters paintings at the MET. To be consistently surrounded by such beauty must be transcendental. Thank you for sharing it.

[@katiesfarmhouse]

Well said!

[@Peggyanns]

I love, love, love the MET!

[@nativetexan6628]

Lucky you. We don't have a Met in Deep East Texas. As a matter of fact, I don't believe there are any art galleries there.

[@khaleefax9553]

*That's over killing it. Too much drama and hyperbole.*

[@olaf9957]

I'm swiss, married to an american, and when we have guests from the us, they do often end up crying ahah.

[@janetg1691]

The singing you played whilst showing us the inside of the church was perfect and beautiful! Thank you again for letting us vicariously travel to France and tour around with you.

[@seanreynolds516]

The voice sounded to me like Stefanie, she is after all classically trained.

[@ShipCreek]

I replayed the cathedral again because I hear absolutely nothing.

[@seanreynolds516]

@@ShipCreek 10:52 - 11:35

[@candicespencer2021]

I was wishing we could have heard Stephanie sing!

[@Tracy_R]

I believe it certainly could be Stephanie but this may not be her? STEPHANIE is that you singing darling?

[@cwatson1975]

Stephanie, you make the MOST entertaining travel videos. The cathedral at Le Mans was stunning no wonder you spent so much time there. I was scrolling through walking tours of Paris and not one came close to the quality of filming and clarity of information that you provide to us. Thank you.

[@Taraclellandjones]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@claredouglas5969]

Many years ago, when I was in Youth Orchestra, we joined forces with the Youth Orchestras of Le Mans and Paderborn (Germany). We came to Le Mans and played in the Mairie, on a hot Summer's evening. The programme included Ravel's Pictures at an Exhibition, and the experience was divine! Later, I went on a tour of the Citie at midnight, guided by the rather lovely son of my host family. I totally fell for France during that trip, and we have been romancing ever since!

[@susanbrown2909]

“It’s a wonderful life,” channel need some support..lovely couple in France.

[@carolstevens1903]

I follow them and they are a lovely couple 🤗

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

yes they are and so sad they lost their chateau too

[@louettahuddleson7194]

I love them.

[@JoeDurobot]

*I don't think they are a couple though.Unless by couple you mean a group of two people not in a relationship.*

[@minastirith997]

@@JoeDurobot I thought they were a couple. kissed in some videos

[@WhatSarahLikes1]

When looking at those ancient towns I am amazed they survived the wars.

[@cartier0069]

Enjoyed the history of the cathedral, et al. kudos

[@pacoco8420]

My home City!!!! With the Cathedrale St Julien built by Kings of England Whenever I can go back to my birth city, I have to pop in the cathedral (it was the longest in France as the holly "painted" chapel is longer than the other chapels, cutting the through the medieval fortfications) and through the old city. I am loving the video (K)

[@rolo4945]

I have Plantagenets in my ancestry ❤️

[@barbibutton9619]

Would love to have coffee with you to learn more about this beautiful, historical town. I love that they don't know these old buildings down (and replace them with cheap clapboard buildings) but are kept, restored and lived in. You are fortunate to have grown up in such an amazing place. 💐

[@008moneypenny]

You are so lucky to have this beautiful city as your home town? I would love ❤️ to visit

[@oliviergendrin7636]

Henry II PLANTAGENET was a french king!!!

[@oliviergendrin7636]

I mean, from a french dynasty who married Eleanor d'AQUITAINE who was herself a french duchess who divorced the King of France to marry Henri II

[@hilltopgirl2665]

Honestly, you make me want to cry. Such a gorgeous day in such a breath taking place I could never imagine visiting. Thank you for sharing yr travel with us. Not only do I get to see what you do but you tell me what I am looking at and explain it clearly. There are no words for what I feel when I follow you and I cant wait to see yr next one. Exquisite history AND shopping? Hugh sigh....

[@anjezashahinifanclub]

Your comment is very touching. I hope you'll be able to travel someday, too.

[@barbibutton9619]

Stephanie, you are a wealth of information and a true historian. TY. While I LOVE Lalande "at home" videos, some of these away trips are informative, interesting and also appreciated. 🌺🌷💐, and the music fitting and beautiful. 🎶🎶

[@wcmaughan]

Amazing-Kudo’s to St. Anthony, coming to aid again.

[@harenda6852]

Did you know that every year there's a festival where they open all closed doors of the gardens in the old city and that you can actually visit them ? It's called "Entre cours et jardin" and it's completely free!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

That would be fun.

[@barbibutton9619]

Oh, if Steph could go and film...I would enjoy it and suspect, many others would as well

[@harenda6852]

I really love going each year!

[@alex0589]

I'm laughing just imagining tourists seeing Stephanie at 1:55 just seemingly giving a guided tour to absolutely NO ONE, not knowing she's wearing a wireless mic. This reminds me how much i liked your travel videos, I've seen many travel shows that got boring fast because of the host. This, on the other hand is very watchable and it's just you, Phil and an iphone visiting random spots. Nicely done.

[@harenda6852]

Oh it's my town, I am so glad you like it, I am really proud of living there!

[@rosalindhambleton9012]

The Le Mans Cathédrale is so grand, so many interesting details ; one would need an entire day to visit. Lovely town to be in and spend time.

[@CarolChillsCasually]

Do you just have this knowledge in your head or do you do a bit of research before each trip?! I always learn so much. Blows my mind that you can know so much about history and art. Can’t wait till next Sunday video.

[@barbibutton9619]

She must have a memory like an elephant and I was seriously wondering the same thing.

[@CarolChillsCasually]

@@itsmyparty4637 more like how can you spit out this knowledge so effortlessly. Is it stored or recently obtained. That was my bad.

[@Tracy_R]

@@barbibutton9619 Stephanie seems to have a FABULOUS memory. She'll recall names & what someone had sent to her as gift. I'm always in awe of STEPHANIE when she does that. It shows me that she genuinely cares about her viewers & generous gifts. I wonder what her IQ is? Stephanie is BRILLIANT.

[@qmanh72]

I think Stephanie might have mentioned that she studied history at university.

[@thierrymilan2039]

@@CarolChillsCasually Stephanie is a former Opera singer, so she is trained to memorize quickly a text.

[@Britbabe53]

The chording in that musical piece you played in the church was very innovative and beautiful!

[@wilmabrock6257]

As a Canadian I was struck by the way Stephanie pronounced “in OV a tive! We say in-oh-VA- tive!

[@dianaashton3317]

There are no words to describe this cathedral.

[@seanreynolds516]

A pleasure, a pleasure to see Le Mans through the eyes of Stefanie & Philip. Watching you speak about France is a reminder of the benefit you have being raised by a French mother & a British father - you are schooled in both nations, adding to your sophistication. Oh yes, too bad about the stranded teddy.

[@cindypratt6633]

Thank you for taking us with you on your tours. I so enjoy your historical information about the places you take us to. It is such a joy listening to you. Again thank you. I can’t wait to see were you take us next. These are places I may never see, I really enjoy seeing them through your eyes.

[@diamondhair11]

I believe this is so much splendor that I'm about to cry......... I'm so enthralled...

[@debras9020]

Stephanie, You are the most wonderful tour guide. I so enjoy your trips away from LaLande. It is just a joy to be able to see the architecture and hear the background of the places you visit. I wish I were with you.

[@gisellenorbury2369]

Stephanie thank you for the history of that beautiful church. Can’t wait for next week .

[@markclemens3409]

Stephanie's enthusiasm for French history is infectious. Thanks for the introduction to Le Mans. I'm sure someone has commented about this already, but just in case the point hasn't yet been made, the Ascension applies to Christ. The Assumption applies to the Roman Catholic doctrine that the Virgin Mary was carried miraculously transported, "assumed," into heaven after the Dormition. France's mad king was Charles VI not Charles VII.

[@dalewest4967]

Well waking up on a Monday morning in Melbourne Australia, in our fifth lockdown, this was a lovely way to start the week, I just love gothic church’s they are my favourite, thanks for the tour, excited about what might be found at the antique fair.

[@FemaleVillageElder]

So very happy to have discovered your channel. Due to a continuously aching back I don’t think I could walk around the town as you do so you are my surrogate. I can see beautiful little French towns, gorgeous antiques, and lovely homey châteaux owned by very convivial people, and feel as if I am going myself. The next thing I need to do when I watch another of your travel videos is to have my own plate of food ready because your eating out videos make me very hungry!

[@seanmcgcostumes]

Geoffrey Plantagenet and his wife Empress Matilda are my 29th great-grandparents! I'm descended from them through their grandson King John "Lackland" Plantagenet, aka the Prince John of Robin Hood fame. I cannot tell you how much seeing where they were married means to me! I've never seen it before, and it's incredibly touching. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@myramays9277]

Hello my family are 26th generation from Geoffrey Plantagenet and Empress Matilda. We find this fascinating.

[@eileeng2492]

That's cool!

[@deeoh3708]

Oh wow! What amazing heritage you have Sean. Really interesting. :)

[@carissassirac1000]

They are also my 29th great grandparents! So special to be able to see this location. :)

[@barbibutton9619]

My goodness, there are a few viewers who are descendents of the royalty mentioned. So interesting. Makes them real.

[@jillfoster6369]

Stephanie your knowledge is amazing. Thank you for taking us on this tour with you both. 🌞🍷. Let’s not forget to say Well done to St. Anthony👏

[@carolweaver3269]

Thank you so much for this tour. My husband is a descendent of the Plantagenets and Tudors. He knows from Genealogy done. So exciting, as we may not ever get to France and we live in the U.S. Danny's family is first traced *that we have found anyway* with King Henry the 2nd and 3rd and down to his mom. This meant so much to us to see and it was all so fantastic to have this opportunity and the history and the guiding you do is fabulous.

[@barbibutton9619]

Now that's awesomeness!

[@hannayoung9657]

Medieval churches was way more colourful then we see them today and it was bright colours, blue, green, red, orange and yellow was common colours. Bright colours are more visible in candle light. I been a guide in a church that was never painted over, I seen the colours and also gotten to see the true colours and not the faded we see today.

[@rogerlapp6646]

A

[@kaloarepo288]

Ancient Greek and Roman temples were exactly the same -painted in bright colors as were the ancient statues.They now appear white to us today because all the color has worn off and also our artistic tastes have changed and we prefer a milk white bust of an ancient god or ancient politician/monarch etc to a gaudily painted one.

[@hannayoung9657]

@@kaloarepo288 Also that they washed of the paint and white suited with peoples idea of purity. Sad but true. Same thing with black and white houses in English villages, if they are from medieval times, they used to be brightly coloured, just that Victorian preferred white and black. Some houses are national trust and you cant even restore them back to Medieval glory.

[@markn8313]

Stephanie - that would be the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary not the Ascension.

[@jeanthobaben]

Thank You, Stephanie, I'm an art history teacher and this a not a cathedral I am familiar with. You did a great job of sharing your visit. (If I ever visit France again, this is now on my list.)

[@iseejewelz3874]

She is gorgeous, stunning with beautiful energy

[@Tahia213]

The “new edition” in the 1200s lol 😂 It was restored in the 1300s lol 😆 This is so amazing 😉 👌✨

[@mercurialpierrot7073]

Cutting edge technology 🤣

[@mayradell3953]

What an amazing tour you have giving us Stephanie!!!! Thank you very much for your kindness and generosity. Specially now that we cannot go anywhere and visit all those French relics. I loved the tour.

[@mariadange06]

Thank you for the historical tour of the fabulous Cathedral... wow!

[@maryinsky]

I could almost see Diesel waiting patiently at one of the doorways for Selmar. When he went to Le Mans, Diesel was evidently allowed to sit inside-I’m pretty sure that was the location. He might have kept Selmar in sight or there would have been barking. Glad to see more of the town. That cathedral is massive! As usual, your combination of history and frivolity makes for stellar virtual traveling, thanks.

[@lorrainel2314]

Thank you for this excellent tour. Your research makes the tours so much more interesting. The Cathedral is magnificent but the history of it is just amazing.

[@heidicarman9097]

Stephanie, we are so starved for culture in the US! Am so thankful for your visits to Cathedrals and different Chateau's and explaining all of the details of their history!

[@TB-nn6wb]

Speak for yourself.

[@helenwoodcock5140]

Stephanie ,thankyou for showing us and explaining all the history of the town and the breath-taking cathedral ,really enjoyed this vlog cant wait to see the 2nd instalment the food looked delicious xx

[@kathleenclark5877]

Clearly both the exterior and interior stone has been recently and beautifically cleaned and it looks so stunning aside from the beauty of the stained glass and architecture itself. We are so used to seeing buildings covered in the grime of centuries and the exhaust of cars.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Thank you for doing these tours. You are very, very good and it shows that you've done a LOT of research. It's much appreciated.

[@eileenworth7862]

To me, the angel appears to be turning a crank. The instrument may be the forerunner of the hurdy-gurdy, or a music box.

[@bluebird1239]

Yes Eileen, that's what I was thinking too. Almost need binoculars to see more detail of the painting.

[@kristyrash927]

Stephanie I’m so impressed at the work you put into these vlogs. The research and the presentation of the information is so well done plus with humor. Sometimes when another vlogger does a tour of a town I’m always wishing they were like you so it would be more engaging.

[@oosterhuisd]

What fantastic day and dinner you all had!! Can’t wait to the next episode.

[@mariemckeon2626]

Love the content, love the adventures, keep being your fabulous self Stephanie!

[@gayejani350]

Well, you’ve done it again! What a lovely video of such an enchanting town. Gorgeous cathedral, quaint houses in such an historical era.🇨🇦

[@janishopkins4237]

I can't believe the beauty of this historic city. I am amazed of how these structures have survived. Thank you so much Stephanie for giving us this tour!

[@robinmyman]

Stephanie…one of your best. Swansea, Wales.

[@Kiwi_2001]

Said with cathedral-level reverence, "Whoa... a secondhand clothes store... My Heaven!" 😁

[@patdowney4984]

I could listen to Stephanies history of the cathedral and the beautiful town all day long x x

[@deedeed6853]

Oh MY!!! The music in the CATHEDRAL WAS GLORIOUS! Am so loving your "insta" shopping spree...such fun finds. Hope to see you wearing them soon. Thanks for the tour... also....Stephanie, you have the perfect "pitch/ tone" for a public speaker. A soft but commanding voice...not harsh at all....and that's partly why your videos are so successful. Both "content & delivery" are hugely important.! Thanks again!

[@myracrawford5579]

I'm always amazed by the content, details and information you provide on all your vlogs. Fabulous places I would probably never see or know about but for you. Thank you 🙂👏👏👏

[@phylliscalkins1910]

Thank you so much, Stephanie, for all the glorious things you tell us of. It is so interesting and your enthusiasm makes it that much more enjoyable to learn about!! You are wonderful to watch and learn from.

[@svt2033]

Thank you Steph for showing us this beautiful places !!!😍😍😍

[@dianalyman5950]

Truly stunning! Can't wait for part II.😲

[@So.avant.garde1]

Wow this was marvelous. Thank you for sharing such beauty.

[@allisonhoover6235]

Very fun, educational and interesting, I would watch a video about anything Stephanie wants to show. So entertaining!

[@jf1a8x1]

So funny that Stephanie recently finished that massive clean out and she happily is adding new second hand clothes back to her wardrobe. 😄🤣

[@dianaashton3317]

Words cannot do justice to the awe I feel looking at this structure.

[@nepenthe1446]

My St. Anthony story: I lost my apartment key and searched thoroughly for a solid two days. On the third day I prayed to St. Anthony. The next time I went out lo and behold there was my key lying in the middle of my doormat, where I had looked before.

[@norcal0076]

My ancestors lived in Le Mans and ended up in Quebec…thx for the tour😊

[@kimphilpin1062]

Wow, guys my fave history teachers you have now both become. Thank you for a wonderful tour of this beautiful place. X

[@helenesafajou9116]

Loved it! Thank you for this informative tour! For us Aussies locked in, this is wonderful!

[@hatshepsut8329]

Now that was a cathedral! Loved every bit of what was shown! I was especially interested in the musical instrument ceiling and that fabulous organ. Very much looking forward to next Sunday! 🥰 🌻🇫🇷

[@barbibutton9619]

They say, with the acoustics, the churches of old were also healing centers. You can almost "feel" it healing your soul.

[@hatshepsut8329]

@@barbibutton9619 That is very true. Everything had a purpose. None of it was frivolous display as many would assume. This is especially so in the Templar built ones and is extremely fascinating to study. I know that mummy Isabelle is interested in the Templars as well.

[@arlettedumais5776]

Stephanie, you are truly a unique and special person. You have many talents, but I especially admire your dedication to consistently produce and post videos for your audience. I like the variety, from every day life at Lalande to this beautiful cathedral. While our world was in turmoil we could always rely on you to entertain us with Lalande life and beyond. Thank you! ❤

[@Leebearify]

Really a wonderful day, thank you for taking us along.

[@jazzsounds9076]

Oooh loved that..enjoy the banter between you both..gutted have to wait till next sunday! .n steph you know so much about history..amazing...thanks.jazz uk.x

[@stevethorpe1071]

Great Vlog Steph. Really enjoyed looking round some of the hidden parts of the city. I can personally recommend the Auberg Des 7 Plats having eaten there with friends during the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours. Looking forward to next Sunday's episode.

[@shangrila9745]

Very charming town with its maze of little streets and cobbles. I enjoyed the tour, and could well try to go there one day!

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Really enjoyed this video!

[@trixiegirlism]

Stephanie, your travel vlogs are so fascinating and informative. I will not be visiting France in this lifetime, but hope to in the next!

[@shellydsouza8902]

Stephanie Thankyou! You are an excellent travel guide.!

[@johncunningham1098]

Thank you. I love history. One of my favorite books is called “The last of the Plantagenets”. I believed this was Richard Iii who died on Bosworth Field. This gave birth to the Tudor Dynasty. Richards remains were recently found under a car park and have since been interred at the Cathedral in The town of Leicester.

[@johncunningham1098]

Sorry for spelling and punctuation errors. 😜

[@barbibutton9619]

Oh my gosh.. his remains were found just randomly buried under a car park? That's horrid.

[@ChristineKelly1000]

@@barbibutton9619 there is a documentary about the rediscovery of his remains. I think they were actually looking for them. Obviously when he was buried, it was in a graveyard but over the centuries it changed use. As far as I can remember, they found a number of remains and had to use DNA research, contemporary descriptions and other means to identify him. I’m sure you could find the video here on You Tube.

[@irenebrown3144]

I love listening to you Stephanie the history you know is absolutely amazing.

[@drarcticnorth5380]

This was such a joy to watch!

[@ruthsanchez9724]

What an amazing place!! Wow. Ok on my bucket list!!

[@laurettadimmick6399]

What fun! I could watch you all day and I love getting to know France through you. Your b roll at cathedral was beautiful to watch and hear! I love that you mix in a bit of shopping (good buys!) and I enjoy your interpretation of medieval sculptural reliefs! Golf indeed! Can't wait to see the antiques fair next week!

[@0411danielle]

Thank you so much Stephanie. I really enjoyed this video as I do everything you do.🥰🤗

[@kellybutler5273]

I really enjoy the way you explain the history of the places you visit. I find it very easy to listen to and learn from. Thank you

[@Shannon-xe9bm]

I love your historic videos ... both for the history and the historic beauty! So many truly beautiful things in that city!

[@leslikuyweski4576]

I love touring with you! It's always so interesting. I learn so much!

[@niamhbradyhalmschlag5168]

Honestly this town looks absolutely stunning 😍 on my to visit list now for sure! 🥰

[@Denika1388]

Enjoyed tremendously tour of ancient city! & Cathedral of St. Julien. Thank you for sharing! 💞😊

[@vmayo]

Stephanie's historical knowledge absolutely floors me every time. I actually wonder if you know all of this off the top of your head from your studies and time in France, or if you do a bit of research before you give these tours?

[@skp7577]

It has just been on the news today that a window in Canterbury cathedral is from the early to mid 1100s, so likely older than the one in Le Mans Cathedral, (which is shown at around the 6 minute point) though it’s not by much, and it’s hardly a competition. What I find most interesting about the Le Mans window is the style of the glass and how the figures are depicted. So unusual and so different from most medieval glass I have seen. Fascinating. Thank you for showing us some of Le Mans. I had no idea it was so lovely.

[@josephinewills8647]

Oh My God , Can’t Wait for next Vlog , Just Love Sarah & George 👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@donfredo8013]

I haven't seen any of your videos yet, but the comments of the users here are enough for me to follow you from now on through my favorite European country. I look forward to many beautiful videos from you.

[@felicitasreyes6024]

I enjoyed this video Stephanie. Thank you so much.

[@ksandry1]

What a wonderful tour of such a beautiful cathedral and town , so much history. Thank you.

[@vyvienvp3413]

Le Mans. . .This was such an exciting and surprising revelation! Thank you.

[@lydiaschicklin5978]

So nice! Stunningly beautiful ! Merci et bisous d'Alsace 😁😍😘😉

[@jeanninef2110]

Wonderful, interesting vlog!! Looks like it was a glorious day!

[@sandrajewell5288]

I absolutely LOVE your knowledge Stephanie!! Thank you!

[@Randy8923]

Enjoyed. The cathedral is beautiful! The entire city is beautiful! Can't wait to see what you bought for LaLande. Love to all ❤

[@helenalexander2567]

Beautiful, informative and entertaining as all of your videos are. Thank you for allowing us to travel with you. Can’t wait to see the next one.Take care.

[@svt2033]

From Canada 🇨🇦 …..A Lalander from heart ❤️

[@amandalevy1227]

I'm truly gobsmacked! By the wonders of this town, your knowledge of the period, the art and the architecture. You make it look so easy @Stephanie Jarvis!