FRENCH SUMMER DAYS | Painting, Renovating, and Exploring the Idyllic Countryside

Welcome back to Chateau de Puy Vidal!
Here at the Château, the team continues to dive into projects left and right- both long-term and short-term. Robert continues his battle against the ivy on the estate, Maruca starts to see beautiful results from her restoration of the main Château door, and Julia and Carolina dive into the next leg of bedroom renovations- redecorating the corner Pavillion Suite in time for this year's September Painting Workshop "Retreat to the Chateau".
They also look back behind the scenes at guest instructor Peter Keegan's visit to Puy Vidal in May- an inside look at the process of planning and envisioning next year's May Painting Workshop "Chasing the Light- An Impressionist Workshop".
The entire family joins in a beloved local event- a 13-kilometer nighttime hike through the French countryside, and they bring some of their Chateau Life guests along with them!
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For more information about the Chateau and the Lady of the Chateau offerings:
ladyofthechate...
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These are the adventures of Julia, her partner Carolina, her sister Penelope and her parents Maruca and Robert, an American family taking a leap of faith and living out a long-awaited dream of moving to the French countryside.
Château de Puy Vidal is a medieval fortress turned renaissance Castle and is located in the Charente region of Nouvelle Aquitaine, France. This channel is dedicated to our love of chateaux, old stones, magic, family and history. We share with you our life at Puy Vidal. What happens when your dreams come true?
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Music on this episode provided and licensed via Artlist.io
Morning sunshine by tom goldstein
Patricks day by Tom Goldstein Artlist
Yoav Ilan - Sky Blue
Risian - Winter
Simon Beggren - Periwig
Lance Conrad - Sprightly Steps
Away by Ian post
le-petit-cafe-albert-behar-guitar-stem

[@susiekay1950]

I know you are working so hard to get the chateau the way you want it, and yet, I cannot help but think you are living your best lives right now! Working hard and surrounded by such splendid beauty, the bounty of the French countryside, family altogether-it does not get much better. ❤❤

[@S.L.S-407]

@susiekay1950- Perfection would be for Penelope to find a love partner. : )

[@maryfitzpatrick1480]

Thanks

[@EmilyBoltz]

Sorry I just have to say the doors look incredible! Love the idea of embracing the orange tile and pulling the colors through to the bedroom.

[@NoOneHere2Day]

Why are apologizing?

[@irenebrown3144]

The land at the Chateau is absolutely beautiful 😊❤

[@nadiakennedy2069]

Your orange tile in the bathroom actually looks nice, you can put an antique gold accessories to jazz it up. Just my humble input☺

[@edwardulrich1515]

I do believe that this is one of my favorite episodes of yours. It encompasses some reno, some beautiful scenery, some art, some wonderful food, some family time, and some interaction with the locals. In essence, your French life.

[@vivalila123]

Agreed! It just keeps getting better and better :)

[@Randy8923]

Great video. The gardens are beautiful .Your Mother has restored the doors so beautifully. I enjoyed all. You all are doing an amazing job. Blessings.

[@christineh5790]

Puy Vidal is so beautiful that there is not a corner that you could film that doesn’t bring out the emotions of pure peacefulness, serenity and tranquility. You are living in a wonderful place and each video is such a joy to watch. It’s so lovely to see all the everyday mix of work and leisure, the painting of the roses was exquisite and Maruca you made those doors come to life again. 👏👌🥰

[@EmilyBoltz]

Someday I will visit you - Lotto willing! ❤

[@bellafiore3283]

Great job on the ivy Robert. Excited for your May 2024 Plein Air retreat. Going to be spectacular. Wow the doors are exquisite love the color. The sunflower field looks like a painting. Love your gardener.That walking event is special. What a treat to have Robert’s US friends over for a visit. Spectacular sunset.

[@ROSEMARY1925]

Hello !!!! What a great walk, the views are beautiful clean and wide, thank you so much for taking us along with you. It was just lovely. By for now Rosemary 🌹

[@gwendolynvaliente3539]

As soon as I saw the wonky closet I thought, such a great place for an armoire ! I adore those draperies. What about a very soft gold paint to pull from the draperies and reflect the beautiful tile? I can't get over how beautiful this Chateau is.

[@margiemckinzie7695]

The found draperies will be beautiful in that room. With the wonky closet gone there may be space for both a bureau and a wardrobe. And thank you you for removing the roofline greenery. It can’t be good for drainage or tiles.

[@deirdrecerasa3932]

The chateau is more beautiful with each new video. The rooms you are working on, the gardens, the beautiful doors and more. Thank you for bringing us along. ❤

[@ladyofthechateau]

Thank you so much for following along :)

[@kathyeyesopen4078]

Just beautiful video. The landscape is almost unbelievable. I love the curtains for that bedroom because it brightens it up so much. The doors are amazing. Your mother is such a beautiful woman.

[@TheKyncita]

I absolutely love wtaching your vlogs, I could go on for hours. You live my dream. Such a joy to see your beautiful mother and dad dancing.

[@annelang1910]

Of all the chateau-channels, yours is by far the one, I enjoy and admire the most. I am looking forward to every new episode! Thank you! I have no doubt, you will turn this into the most beautiful and successful place.

[@maryannaarnold3817]

Dear Maruca, I want to highly commend you on all of your work, paintings, flower decorations, and help with your expertise on decision makings at the "Lady of the Chateau Productions"! Please believe in yourself! Your positive input has been made known throughout the vlogs and your renovations are always lovely. You are a pillar of your family community! Stand up for yourself and many blessings upon you!!!💗💗💗💗💗

[@marucaleach8754]

You are so kind thank you for uplifting thoughts they brightened my day !

[@lqqkitslory]

Watching your videos is like a mini break, so beautiful! One thing that enthralls me, is how the archway, instead of being in dark shadow, the light bounces up, illuminating the whole thing! Absolutely stunning!

[@deniereynolds6119]

I love seeing your Dad feeling happy and connected to a guy friend. He had such a great smile on his face. He seems like a very smart, confident man of few words, but lots of wisdom. 🎉❤

[@greenb5716]

The gardens look INCREDIBLE.. All of your hard work is paying off. Well done all of you!! ❤❤

[@amellenthin1]

The curtain fabric is stunning! I'm staying with you. in 2 weeks. Can't wait to meet you all!

[@ladyofthechateau]

We are so looking forward to having you here!!!❤️

[@JanBee1122]

A beautiful antique armoire in the orange bathroom would fit very well into the space where the closet is that you are planning to tear out. I think the height of an armoire would offset a dresser with mirror (same effect vertically) but you may find a very good assortment of armoires in many of the antique flea markets. There are a plethora of them available and most homeowners have no space for them, so the selection and price should be very agreeable.

[@The_Travelling_Jonoberries]

Well our fine Young Ladies, the journey with you all has been so wonderful, your energy, your visions, your eagerness to develop the new business is purely amazing and we are so proud of the achievements that have been made to date. Certainly the arrival of you family to the area is a bonus to countries economy, god bless you all 🏰🇫🇷🙏😇👍PS- You mother is the most beautiful person that is reflected by you beautiful ladies, what a mum, Dad is also so admirable and ever so supportive 🦋👍

[@conniebaldino1081]

Ook at that LADY..she can cook and paint( refinish) also! Good job Mama! I love when you girls call her Mama, that's what we called our Mom.♥️♥️♥️♥️😘

[@allysonsears]

Your videos show so many wonderful things. Great job everyone!! ❤

[@mikecorby9561]

J'apprécie beaucoup votre passion, enthousiasme ainsi que votre esprit de famille. Magnifique château et jardins.

[@joannecollis1543]

What you are all doing is absolutely wonderful. You live in a beautiful part of France. Thank you for sharing your ideas and your life with us. So wonderful to see and imagine being there with you all.😊

[@paulacorreal1675]

Loved this video. The conversation with Peter Keegan was delightful. I could feel his enthusiasm and hear his excitement…I felt like I was actually there myself … and I’m not a painter. Your workshop sounds like a real exciting endeavor. I also am enjoying the various projects you seem to be forever undertaking. The endless bathroom and bedroom make overs together with inner play among the “family” members, the dietary delights and evening explorations make your channel my favorite. Watching from PA, USA.

[@janetlelham2816]

Omg fig tree on your roof!! The doors are beautiful 👏 Very nice video Wish you all very good luck

[@charmees6637]

I love the fact that you do a lot of work around the Chateau and you take these beautiful breaks. That walk was awesome and the Dance at the end Priceless. Your life in France is wonderful

[@rhondadean5455]

Love see you all living your dream and father Bob right in middle of it all absolutely beautiful Such a spectacular life. So happy for you. Enjoy. Celebrate and embrace. My heart to yours hugs.

[@michaelw.8614]

Everything looks great and that walk looks so enjoyable. What a beautiful life you all have. Cheers!!

[@deebowker768]

Your Chateau and grounds are stunning. One of the most beautiful Chateaux I have seen. Your painting workshop will be wonderful!

[@eileencronk7520]

Hi Maruca! It is wonderful to see you and all you contribute!

[@marucaleach8754]

HI ! I am happy you like the videos, we enjoy sharing the highlights of our lives.

[@intep-sl5om]

Southern France is God’s gift on earth.. what a canvass Hopefully can you guys not in 2024 but in 2025/26 Another lovely update of the chateau

[@healinggardens-terribowlby3129]

Your mama did an awesome job on those beautiful doors! Makes me think of a fairy tale castle, or a mediaeval mansion… Beautiful! I love your family! You all work, so hard and work together and have fun together! And the workshops coming up look absolutely fantastic! Wonderful wonderful keep up the fantastic work! Love from Nova Scotia, Canada

[@Rebecca-dm5ul]

I'm loving that painting behind the door those curtains are covering. Great colors. A pale green would be amazing, if that painting stays there

[@isabelaugusto4189]

Love how your filming pairs wonderful music with breathtaking views, and how your documenting of the renovations and creative process is honest and down to earth: effortless and never contrived. Family is at the center. From there, anything is possible!

[@americansinitaly1119]

Best part of the video...your Dad dancing! LOVE IT!

[@PattyAppleArt]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy you all. You are becoming one of my favorite chateau vlogs. Enjoying every single minute. Great Job! XO, MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE ❤

[@clarefoskett9959]

Your mum and dad are so sweet. I loved their dancing😊

[@BettyKempling]

Love the orange tiles in that bathroom 💗

[@liddyphillips8423]

Wonderful! Love the family atmosphere.

[@nataliechongtai6430]

Great update! Those doors look fantastic! FYI It is captioned July 2024 in the video.

[@wendy-moore]

Those doors turned out amazing! Well done.

[@AnastasiaKonstantinova]

Класс👍 отдельное спасибо за помидор на прекрасном вечернем небе и за танцы ❤💃

[@onedandylion]

The chateau is looking fabulous... the doors are really gorgeous and I'm looking forward to seeing the temporary bathroom redecoration. I love seeing you all integrating into the community - and chatting with the locals. You are a shining example of how to successfully relocate to another country. Great video.

[@kellyhawes9293]

Everyone and everything at Puy Vidal is so beautiful! I think you need me to come for Chateau Experience, I'll bring my 25 year massage skills!!😊 ❤

[@svg7335]

How WONDERFUL that you get to make all these memories with your family!! I'm so envious!

[@ladyofthechateau]

It really is! We know how lucky we are 🤗

[@LilyViolette8]

I LOVED this entire video. I was so drawn in I forgot for a minute I was sitting here in North Carolina…. 😂. Thank you! ❤

[@hillsideurbangarden1380]

Wow! Love the doors! What a great add to the Château, well done. 😍

[@marilynwade9448]

Gosh! He has great perspective ❤❤❤❤❤. The light is magic there

[@janegendreau6595]

What a wonderful video!! Felt as though I were watching a feature film!! The talent, love and respect in your family is a blessing to behold!! Thank you!! 🇺🇸

[@cynthiahudson7528]

Wonderful video and great demo by Carolina. Your Mom has great dedication to her family and home. All the best.

[@kathrynriggs2489]

Thank you for sharing your château and gorgeous scenery !

[@robbiemoriarty7499]

Your Chateau Events are on my Bucket List! Doors/color perfection. Your ideas for the suite are exactly right. Feeling a part of your community a year later is priceless. Always enjoyable!

[@deniseblackman5229]

I would love to do that walk! I walked along the Via Francigena (Canterbury to Rome but I only did Lucca to Sienna) and it was one of the best times of my life!

[@christinebrown2765]

After hearing the words 'Impressionist art', I am recommending a visit to Musee d'Orsay in Paris, which has an amazing display of impressionist art on one of the upper floors of the museum. The whole museum is wonderful to visit too. Julia, perhaps it would be a good idea to raise the decorative wrought iron arch on the gates higher and replace the side bars with longer ones, to hang the gates. This would allow larger vehicles to pass through the gates more easily. The photography is stunning on your vlogs as usual but my favourite part of this vlog, was the filming of the artist painting the courtyard buildings. The light was wonderful and the flowers were gorgeous within the light.

[@marucaleach8754]

We love the Dorsey’s museum. We actually took our art workshop guest to it last year.

[@catherinewestover8224]

Your videos get richer and deeper each time. I am so happy for you all. It really is the stuff of dreams in this changing world. Long may it last. Thank you and good luck.

[@evelynlobos1354]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ yay! Another new video of my favourite chateau❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I forgot to say that I loved Marucas job on those doors! As for the beautiful paintings done by the resident artist were fab.. it was so good to see the new projects about to happen in those rooms. Your hard work will pay off once you see the end results🤟🏼❤️ That salmon pastry dish looked so yummy, my mouth was watering❤️

[@borge2014]

I love how everyone gets a chance to share their touches on renovating and maintaining the beautiful chateau. Can't wait to watch the next chapter filled with more beauty, adventures, life...🌈

[@moxielouise]

Love your channel. You have no pretense and it's fabulous

[@normasaldivar8645]

It’s remarkable to see the amazing details and list of items to change. How fun.

[@angelaprovencher7150]

You can always paint over the orange bathroom tiles.

[@jillfoster6369]

Fabulous - love the door and loved your walk ❤

[@ralphjones9903]

Your Chatueau is Beautiful ever time of the year ❤️ Those sunsets 🌇 are incredible 😍 ❤️ your vlogs so much ❤️

[@ellend9739]

You girls are so lucky that you get to experience this beautiful life with your parents ! It is so nice that you as a family can live in your gorgeous château ! And have the room to not be in each others way ! It is hard warming to see everyone has a project ! Please don’t let us wait too long till the next video ! We , I am sure for many , love to be with you this way !! Good luck with the new suite ! I am sure you got the right floors ! And mummy did a good job on the exterior door !😅 Beautiful colour !

[@deirdrecerasa3932]

Beautiful video! The orange tile is beautiful and will be perfect with the drapes. Cannot wait to see it finished. I would love to take that long walk. Your Mom’s video of the sunset is breathtaking and the doors are perfect. ❤

[@florencecampana1515]

Bonjour, you enjoy French life style. Sharing time with friends, neighbours and new friends. In same time your French is better and better 👍👍🥰

[@janicekrech8052]

I reviewed all your online videos and they're just superb. The style, grace and inter design of all your work is heads and shoulders into the stratus sphere. Thank you for your family and your honesty with design, family dynamics and work ethics. Someday I will confirm a 3 night stay. Wishing you all the accomplishments you will earn in the future because you plan, take action and succeed inAll your endeavor.😮

[@marucaleach8754]

We await your arrival 🎉

[@margielewis7493]

Just loving your videos! Keep them coming! You have something very special going on. Wonderful.

[@randamcfadden2020]

I enjoyed the video. I always look forward to a new one. Next year would you please tell us what you are eating along the way? Can’t wait to see what you do in the bathroom and bedroom that you were working. The front doors look awesome.

[@NancyDore-cq3pe]

You keep saying your moms room. Does your dad have his own room? With 20 bedrooms you could sleep in a different room every night! You guys are doing a wonderful job. Love this channel.♥️

[@pattystoner9620]

The doors look gorgeous 😍

[@dorisbuckner]

WOW!! Loved everything shown!! Beautiful sky and landscape… the doors r beautiful.. I love the orange bathroom tiles with and without designs in them.. putting a green paint with the orange would be lovely with the curtains.. kudos to all. Thx for sharing.. 🌹♥️

[@francinevincent4785]

Les paysages qui entourent votre château et plus spécialement les champs de tournesols auraient inspiré Van Gogh. Merci de prendre soin de rénover les pièces de votre château dans un style qui prend en compte son histoire. Bon tour de France à votre père et bon courage à toute votre sympathique famille pour la suite des travaux. Meilleur souvenir de Versailles.

[@A222Z]

Thx for sharing .. i so look forward to your videos. I wish they could be daily, but i understand the work that would involve. But i do Enjoy ea one.🥰

[@rankinstudios5342]

Chateau De Puy Vidal is a remarkable home. Opening it up for the French experience is hard work but ingenious. I love the filming of each individual family member, as well as, guests. It adds a personal layer and invites the viewers into your welcoming home. Your videos are beautifully artistic, inspiring, and imaginative. They draw the viewer in. 😊 Hosting an "Impressionism" Retreat is going to be amazing! I hope you document the Plein Air Retreat and the paintings created of your home, gardens, and countryside. It would be nice to interview some of the attendees. I am disabled and unable to travel. If I was able I to travel I would be there in a heartbeat. Chateau De Puy Vidal is the perfect respite from turmoil in this world. It offers a peaceful, creative, friendly, and unique experience that one will never forget. I thank you for sharing inspiration, hope, joy, love, and creativity. You all need to know the difference Chateau De Puy Vidal is making in the world. I 🙏 you all are fulfilled and successful in your endeavors.

[@angelagalloway5486]

Omg that rose painting amazing beautiful 😮😊aww be lovely to see them all finished

[@susanhernandez7290]

Doors are beautiful!

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

Enjoying your ongoing story of the chateau's transformation. Loved sering your mom dancing! I think she & I are the same generation! 🥰

[@jamiebriggs1249]

The doors are beautiful

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

What a great summer y’all are having! ❤

[@juliacobb4355]

Loved this episode. The bathroom floor please no spots on the floor. The door your mom did is absolutely gorgeous, the paintings’ fabulous and the satellite dishes gone-thank goodness!! You know Stephanie put a shower and sink in one closet and the commode in the other. I’m not sure you have enough room tho. I loved that walk-how refreshing to know there’s somewhere in the world where you can feel safe walking a long way in the dark and not be afraid of what might happen. The way it was when I was a child. Loved this as usual!

[@dianejamison6444]

La mama your beautiful 😊

[@caluchacampbell3073]

You all look so healthy and relaxed...

[@mjh9456]

Great video! I loved every second of it. Looking forward to your next video

[@theenthusiasticgardenerind3490]

Love the orange and green color scheme!

[@jennifercampbell7698]

What a wonderful glimpse of your life in France. Love the renovated entrance doors, the glimpses of painting your beautiful surroundings and your evening walk. I think the curtain changeover works well along with the new flooring in the bathroom. The salmon Wellington looked fantastic and I think that the sunset view of the fields on the walking route is a candidate for your plein air painting group !

[@tombaker6522]

Watching the countryside walk just brought a huge smile to my face. Thank you for sharing this with us!!!!

[@nancydahl8209]

OMG... I LOVE your videos. I would love to come in the summer and volunteer. I am a teacher and have summers off. I have always wanted to live in a Chateau... All my best.......

[@valerialamberti9037]

So nice to see you again! I really like those Orange roles, they are fashionable now

[@seaview9948]

Always a joy to see life at your beautiful château , thank you so much 🌸

[@creativecottage6137]

Lovely vlog and a great mix of your experiences living in a chateau

[@staceyweber7641]

I just love love love this channel it brings me so much joy and hope for the future I have watched each new episode with do not disturb sign posted because I am so excited and then I will go ahead and binge-watch all of them from the beginning again never getting tired of them thank you so much thank you for sharing this with us🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@marucaleach8754]

I know exactly haw that feels like ! Been there done that! We are very flattered and pleased to able to inspire and sooth. Maruca

[@Spiroffd]

Everything is coming along so beautifully. The painting workshop and that lovely walk in the countryside looked stunning!

[@tinacarrol6702]

The Doors Look Fabulous. The Chateau Is Looking Beautiful. Wonderful Sunsets, Have a Lovely Week. Xx 😊😘

[@dianejamison6444]

It’s about time 😊

[@katemccoy8128]

Such a transformation on the doors! Beautiful work! Loved the paintings of the new instructor. I really enjoy how we get the different perspectives of each family member. Your video work continues to improve. Keep going. Thank you!

[@S.L.S-407]

Julia seems to have a real command of the French language, what about the rest of the family. It really is a must to learn the language of the country you are living in. Loved the video, thank you.

[@marucaleach8754]

It’s so sweet that you worry about us. Yes indeed it is a must! We all had already had to learn a second language English or Spanish and for Julia a third with Italian and now we move on to French😂

[@heliedecastanet1882]

@@marucaleach8754 Well, dear Maruca, if you speak either Italian or Spanish (or both), French won't be too difficult, as you know : latin languages. All in all, the most difficult will be the prononciation 🙂 But you seem to be all quite good at languages ! 😉

[@moxielouise]

Love the curtains and highlighting the orange. Always my favorite color, it makes me joyous!