“Every time I'm really surprised that on arrival, people after one night say, ‘Oh, it was so quiet. I slept until 10 o'clock in the morning. There was nothing around.’ And it is nature all around. Even if you open the window, you can listen only to the birds, and that is it.”
We’re in great company with Stéphanie Gombert, the soul of Château de la Treyne, a luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel and Michelin Star restaurant that stands high above the Dordogne River in France. Here, Stéphanie and her husband, Philippe, welcome guests from around the world to savor the "art-de-vivre" with a touch of happiness in this medieval gem they call home.
Over the past 40 years, the Gombert family has delicately refined this crown jewel, inspired to keep the castle alive through seasonal cultural events and timeless heritage pieces - sharing its beauty and local bounty with their guests and visitors.
In this episode, Stéphanie paints a picture that is a modern-day masterpiece showcasing the best of hospitality and the freshest of gastronomy, set in the charming context of the Dordogne.
Top Takeaways
[1:35] Born in Germany, Stephanie's life took a romantic turn when she fell in love in Paris, later embarking on a remarkable restoration journey transforming Château de la Treyne from a modest bed & breakfast into the five-star luxury hotel and historic monument that it is today.
[4:10] Stéphanie takes us back in time to the 14th century when the earliest written records mention what was then the fortress of La Treyne, and how the château has evolved over generations since.
[10:00] Beyond its medieval castles, the Dordogne Valley is known for its terroir making it a desired destination for those who enjoy French delicacies such as foie gras, truffles, goat cheese and lamb – paired with some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Bordeaux wines straight from the source.
[12:20] With Philippe’s esteemed role as the former International President for Relais & Châteaux, Stéphanie is proud to steward this passion for craft, commitment to the guest experience, and promotion of the diversity of culinary and hospitality traditions that is shared with the association’s 580 independent hotels and restaurants around the world.
[15:40] There is a world to discover outside the château’s walls – from formal gardens with centuries-old trees to vegetable gardens with chickens and pigs, from canoeing and fly fishing to hiking and biking – just be sure to pack a picnic.
[26:10] The future for Château de la Treyne is as bright as the night sky above the Dordogne Valley and full of seasonal swallows and buzzing bees, thanks to Stéphanie and her team’s commitment to the nature that surrounds them.
Notable Mentions
Dordogne Valley Prehistoric Caves
Bernardaud Porcelain in Limoges
Christstollen, a German Christmas Fruit Bread
Linzer Torte, a German Austrian Lattice Pastry
