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On my recent trip to France, I explored parts of the country that I did not yet know well. A friend invited me to stay in his wonderful chateau in Normandy for a long weekend. Not only was it a thrill to stay in this beautiful 17th century chateau (designed by Mansart), but our consummate host escorted us on memorable visits in this charming and historic region.

 It has been a long-held desire of mine to see the garden of the Château de Brécy -- and it lived up to every expectation. The second garden we visited was named Castillon, and although not known to me, it was an unanticipated delight.  It was designed in a totally different style (more English, in fact, with garden "rooms" and perennial borders) and yet it was every bit as inspiring as the grand terraces of Brécy. On our way north we had stopped at the amazing L’Haÿ-les-Roses which, is simply put, mind-boggling.  I had not seen this garden in over twenty years, and it is still enchanting.  Although it resides, sadly, in an unattractive section of the Paris suburbs, once inside the rose-clad walls one feels transported into another very special world.

 The final visit of our long weekend was to the beaches of the D-Day landings. After seeing so much man-made beauty, it is hard to fathom how destructive mankind can also be. I cannot recommend strongly enough that my compatriots visit the beautiful and haunting American Cemetery in Normandy. The sad beauty of those endless white crosses brought tears to my eyes as well as a renewed profound appreciation of the great sacrifice these young men made so that we and our allies could be free. If you ever have doubts how fortunate we are, go see this profoundly moving yet very peaceful place.

France at its best! The” broderie” of the boxwood parterre at Brecy, the magnificent salon d’honneur at Balleroy, and the perfect gardens at Castillon are sources for endless inspiration.