In summer, Provence offers brilliant blue skies and Mediterranean beaches
where pines and oaks give way to palm trees
vibrant purple bougainvillaea and citrus orchards
Provence’s southernmost tip, around Bandol and La Londe, is on roughly the same latitude as Bolgheri in southern Tuscany
The region is famous for its Grenache-based rosés and beautiful beachside living
stunning scented lavender fields (in bloom June into August) and hilltop villages have attracted artists and tourists to the area for more than a century
expect to find a range of traditional Syrah-dominant reds and Rolle-dominant whites that aren’t typically found outside of the region
Much of Provence’s modern viticultural history can be traced back to the introduction of the railway
The Permian depression – a low-lying area whose geology dates back to the Permian Period (299-251 million years ago) – that runs from Toulon eastwards to around Fréjus
has been a communications and transport corridor since Roman times and in the 1850s
the railway from Marseille was built through it
Many of the Côtes de Provence appellation’s vineyards lie within a few kilometres of this line
with easy access to export markets a key consideration
This historic heartland is the easiest region to visit by bicycle
The hills of Coteaux Varois and the lavender fields of the Luberon are mostly out of reach without a car
A secondary railway line was opened by the last decade of the 19th century
linking Nice with the Durance valley via Grasse and the grape growing heartlands of northern Provence: Callas
The line was discontinued after World War II
part of a railway that passes through the Côtes de Provence appellation
The reintroduced sleeper trains from Paris to the south of France mirror the former Le Train Bleu – the iconic train that swept tourists to the riviera between 1886 and 2003
Departing from Paris Gare d’Austerlitz every evening (usually between 8.50pm and 9.30pm; check timetables)
Les Arcs/Draguignan and St-Raphael/Fréjus – all of which offer easy connections to vineyards
and most trains to Les Arcs take a little over an hour
leaving roughly hourly from the airport station
Les Arcs is also a good spot for bicycle lovers. The station is the junction with the former line to Draguignan, now a cycle path. Château Sainte Roseline and Château Font du Broc are both a short distance from this cycle path and worth a visit – especially if you can arrange to see the former’s private 11th-century chapel
notable for its artworks by Chagall and Giacometti (from €12 per person)
stop for lunch at La Table de Martine (+33 [0]4 94 68 00 09)
an exceptional family-run bistro serving local and seasonal food
There’s even a growing natural wine scene here
with new arrivals like Pulpe and Foudre offering a range of wines (not all local) and small plates
For the more adventurous cyclists, continue on the EuroVelo 8 cycle highway
On sometimes busy roads (especially in summer) from Draguignan
the route continues up through central Provence and towards the Luberon
the route mostly follows the old railway line and traffic is very quiet
The pine trees give way almost entirely to oak forests
The cobbled streets of the medieval village of Les Arcs
Credit: Kumar Sriskandan / Alamy Stock Photo
A short walk from the centre of town: ‘an essential service provider in Draguignan for the rental of mountain bikes
according to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Tariffs from €18 to €45 per day and up to €100-€245 for seven days
Reasonably priced holiday accommodation
Conveniently positioned in the centre of town
‘five minutes’ easy walking’ from Les Arcs-Draguignan station
with an informative website that includes plenty of things to do in the local area
Mondovélo Pertuis: 36 rue François Gernelle
Mountain bike hire from €24 a day
with a wide range of choice and advice from an expert and passionate team
From April to October, the mairie (town hall) in Les Arcs offers organised tours on electric bikes
booking fee €35 per person (minimum age 14) plus additional tariffs according to how many estates are visited across one
For more options, the Var Tourisme website has an interactive map with bike rental providers from across the region
as well as information about cycling tours and routes
They also offer e-bike rental and charging
and it is particularly good at catering for vegetarians and special dietary requirements
a gorgeous old château surrounded by plane tree-lined avenues
where the film adaptation of Marcel Pagnol’s Le Château de Ma Mère was filmed
These roads are fairly quiet and cyclist-friendly
If you can face the steep uphill climb around Taradeau
Taradeau and Vidauban are both also accessible by a short
Plage Notre-Dame on the island of Porquerolles
which pioneered the Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon red blend in Provence in the 1970s – but keep in mind that this area is relatively empty
of both vineyards and noteworthy restaurants
you’ve reached the outskirts of the lavender fields of the Luberon
which hosts picnics and concerts in the gardens of the château throughout the summer
Both are excellent and serve food at small pop-up restaurants throughout the summer (note that reservations are essential)
Bicycles are widely available to rent here, but the island is small enough to stroll around on foot. While you are there, check out Villa Carmignac’s extensive modern art collection (open to the public until early November; tickets up to €16)
Bicycles are permitted on local trains free of charge outside peak hours
and most of the rest of Bandol’s wine estates are easily reachable by bike along the sleepy country roads – although these can get quite steep in places
Lorgues Terre de Vins is a new association of 12 winemakers united by their common passion for wine
vines and the cultural treasures of their terroir
This beautiful meeting between friends was born from the initiative of HRH the Prince Felix of Luxembourg
lover of Provence and passionate winegrower
one of the jewels of the Provençal terroir
by a tasting of the precious nectars produced on the domains of the association
The new Lorgues Terre de Vins association brings together 12 prestigious domains
renowned beyond our borders for the quality of their wines: Château l’Arnaude
Château Sainte Foy and Domaine des Aumèdes
These twelve vineyards have invested to make the picturesque village of Lorgues a must-see destination of oenological tourism in the heart of Dracénie
these dynamic domains have developed the attractiveness of their vineyards by a wide choice of wine tourism
activities are numerous and varied: vine trails
Spas offer well-being and the benefits of nature and the earth with a cosmetology derived from wines
Wine is the ideal pretext for weekends impromptus and hideways of exception with family or friends
farm inns or luxury hotel to immerse yourself in the heart of the vineyards
Vice Présidente de Lorgues Terre de Vins et SAR Le Prince Félix de Luxembourg
Discours de SAR le prince Félix de Luxembourg
Valérie Rousselle présente le “Passeport Lorgues Terre de Vins”
the president of the association Félix de Luxembourg
declared: “Our terroir is fertile and of exceptional quality
which has enabled our renowned wines to be globally recognized
We have high-quality restaurants and exceptional products that we cultivate with love and passion
I invite you to come and discover the beautiful commune of Lorgues to enjoy a moment of relaxation and pleasure
Come taste our wines and our exceptional cuisine in a gorgeous natural setting!”
www.chateau-les-crostes.com
Click on pictures to enlarge – ©Lorgues Terre de Vins – All rights reserved
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value"
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed
La 78e édition du prochain Festival de Cannes
le Festival de Cannes s'empare de la ville et des tabloïds du monde entier
Juliette Binoche présidera le jury du Festival de Cannes 2025
© Copyright 2025. Powered by WordPress
Viewport Theme by ThemeZilla
SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you
Prince Félix is the second child of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and was born 3rd June 1984 in Luxembourg
He is currently third in the line of succession
he boarded at a school in Switzerland before enrolling at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst
The Prince then attended schools in England and Belgium in addition to gaining work experience in several companies
Félix then joined the marketing and public relations department of a Swiss company specialising in sports events – as we will see Prince Félix is a keen sportsman
Prince Félix has an interest in bioethics and in 2009 completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioethics studying in Rome
the Prince has also shone at languages; in addition to Luxembourgish
He has also studied Spanish – the mother tongue of his Cuban-born mother
Following the announcement of an engagement in December 2012
Prince Félix married the German-born Claire Lademacher
The civil wedding took place on 17 September 2013 in Königstein im Taunus
followed by a religious ceremony on 21 September in the Basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
the couple have been living in the south of France looking after one of the Lademacher family vineyards
The couple have been keen to join the French viniculture world
Prince Félix has been chair of the Lorgues Terre de Vins Association
a group of winegrowers of Lorgues promoting their municipality as a region of interest in the Provence
The couple have two children; Princess Amalia was born just after her father’s birthday on 15th June 2014 in Luxembourg and then later christened at the Chapelle Saint-Ferréol in Lorgues
Prince Félix has always been a keen adventurer and sportsman; he regularly plays tennis
golf and basketball where he has been Honourary President of the Luxembourg Basketball Federation for over ten years
he also enjoys winter sports including acrobatic skiing
He also plays polo and enjoys kitesurfing and water-skiing; he is also Honourary President of the parachute arm of the Luxembourg Aeronautical Federation – quite an act for young Prince Liam to follow
Prince Félix and Princess Claire.12/07/2014ShareCélébration religieuse du Baptême de S.A.R
la Princesse Amalia Chapelle de Saint-Ferréol à Lorgues
Photo Guy Wolff/ Luxemburger Wort 12.07.2014 Célébration religieuse du Baptême de S.A.R
Photo Guy Wolff/ Luxemburger Wort 12.07.2014 Luxembourg's Little Princess Amalia was baptised on Saturday afternoon in the chapel of the small town of Saint-Ferréol-de Lorgues in France
the ceremony took place in the presence of Grand Duke Henri
as well as the siblings and relatives of Guillaume and the family of Princess Claire
June 15 in the maternity ward of the Grande-Duchesse Charlotte hospital and carries the full name of Amalia Gabriela Maria Teresa
The little princess was recorded at 50 cm tall and weighed 2.950 kg
The Godmother is Prince Félix's sister
and the Godfather is the mother's brother
Don't miss the news – sign up to receive the wort.lu newsletter in English delivered to your inbox six days a week.
PoliticsLuxembourg lawmakers divided over Israel-EU relationsAttempt to find unified position on extension of EU-Israel trade agreement failed during divisive committee meeting
World of workJob market last year grew at slowest pace since financial crisisLuxembourg created fewer new jobs in 2024 than any year since the 2008-9 banking crisis
Public administrationGovernment to create administration overseeing housing aidNew office aims to improve access to housing support and reduce delays
AustraliaAustralians mark election day with 'democracy sausages' and in 'budgy smugglers'Australians fired up barbecues and wore tight-fit swim trunks called "budgy smugglers" to voting centers as they welcomed election day on Saturday (3 May) with some unique and quirky traditions.
GrantsEU to propose €500m package to attract researchersPlan to double grant amount by 2025 and continue support in 2026 and 2027
Costs of six million eurosPremiumBus drivers unable to drive cost Luxembourg firm €6m annually Some given odd jobs or are idle, but could soon be employed by municipal councils
World of workSpain to move ahead with plan to cut work week to 37.5 hoursThe bill is set to face a lengthy approval process in Parliament, where it’s uncertain to have enough backing from lawmakers
Innovation and educationLuxembourg opens drone school to boost safetyEducation ministry has launched a civilian drone school, where pilots can hone their skills and share ideas
Advertiser contentTreat yourself to a stress-free holidayDreaming of a worry-free trip
What if the secret to a smooth getaway was simply good preparation and the right protection
Advertiser contentReal estate: Why should you take advantage of the start of 2025 to begin your real estate project?The main things we remember about the housing sector over the past 12 months are the rise in interest rates and the fall in property prices
Advertiser contentProperty: I've decided to invest!The various forms of government support for investment
Advertiser contentThe Luxembourg Times BusinessRun is happening again on 18th September!On Thursday 18th September
with the starting gun of the 11th Luxembourg Times BusinessRun fired at the Coque at 7 pm
Share this with instagramShare this with facebookShare this with linkedinSections
Nicknamed the “black diamond of Provence”
truffles are reputed for their inimitable fragrance and bewitching taste
Provence dons its finest shades of black for the winter season
Our truffle route unveils its secrets… all the better to eat you with
Une publication partagée par Flavio Xapuri (@flavioxapuri) le 23 Nov. 2019 à 1 :52 PST
Une publication partagée par Alain Pegouret (@alain_pegouret)
Without a doubt Europe’s largest truffle market, Richerenches market is an absolute must-do
Held every Saturday from mid-November to mid-March
this magnificent market showcases stalls piled high with “black diamonds” (the local nickname for black truffles)
its official opening is heralded with the Ban des Truffes inauguration ceremony and procession of the very-select Confrérie du Diamant Noir guild
bringing together representatives from various sectors of the truffle world
Richerenches market sells over 700 kilos of black truffles every week
The wholesale market is held on Cours du Mistral
but if you just want to buy one or two truffles
or are keen to pick up some regional and artisan produce
And we highly recommend sampling a delicious traditional truffle omelette while you’re there – you’ll find them on offer on Saturday lunchtimes
Une publication partagée par Maison De La Truffe Et Du Vin (@maisondelatruffeetduvinluberon) le 29 Mai 2019 à 9 :20 PDT
Une publication partagée par Benjamin Bruno (@restaurant_bruno_officiel) le 28 Nov
One of the best things about November is truffle season
Truffles are one of those love them or hate them foods
but I love them enough to make up for about 10 haters
Their deep musty odor is the most direct way to experience a real umami taste
Umami is best described as a meaty or brothy-rich taste
Other foods that fall into the umami category are parmesan cheese
Real truffles have an odor that penetrates your nostrils and makes your mouth water immediately
Late fall is truffle season in Italy and many of the Italian restaurants in Naples are offering special truffle dishes or you can add truffles to anything on the regular menu
But you want to make sure to choose a dish with mild flavors so the truffles can really shine
Adding shaved truffles to any dish ups the price by an average of $45 or so
aromatic and expensive and are best micro-shaved over dishes
Black truffles are better for cooking in dishes like risotto where the heat brings out their flavor
In my experience the taste has more to do with the freshness of the truffle
My most vivid truffle meals have been at a truffle restaurant called Chez Bruno in Lorgues
At Bruno’s your only choice is white truffle or black truffle
but each course is smothered in shaved fresh truffles
it is a bucket-list visit for a true truffle-lover
When a restaurant lists its helicopter coordinates on its website
you know something special is going on here
But if you can’t helicopter into Chez Bruno in southern France
here are some places in Naples where you can get the next best truffle experience this month:
• Campiello is featuring white truffles and porcini mushrooms - also fresh in the Italian markets in the autumn
The special Piedmontese beef tartar has white truffles direct from Alba
• Osteria Tulia is celebrating Truffletopia throughout November with white truffles from Alba and black truffles from Abbruzzo in special truffle-inspired dishes or added to anything you love on the regular menu
• Barbatella is featuring Tortelli di Zucca
little pasta pockets filled with roasted butternut squash
brown butter and sage and topped with shaved white truffle or add them to any dish at Barbatella or their sister restaurant Sea Salt just down the street
Sharon Kenny is the author of “Where Should We Eat? A Foodlover’s Recommended Places to Eat and Drink in the Naples Area.” Follow her on twitter at Sharonfoodlover or visit www.whereshouldweeatnaples.com
www.restaurantbruno.com
As Prince Charles of Luxembourg is set to be christened today
we are taking a look at the godparents chosen for his paternal cousins: Princes Gabriel
Each of the royal children has two godparents – a norm in the Roman Catholic Church
a sibling of the parent is one of the godparents
Prince Gabriel Michael Louis Ronny of Nassau:
The eldest grandchild of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg was christened into the Roman Catholic Church in the Gilsdorf’s Roman Catholic parish church on 22 April 2006
Ronny Antony (pictured above beside Prince Louis) and his paternal aunt
Prince Noah Etienne Guillaume Gabriel Matthias Xavier of Nassau:
Prince Noah’s godparents are his paternal uncle
He was christened in Gilsdorf’s Roman Catholic parish church
Princess Amalia Gabriela Maria Teresa of Nassau:
Amalia was the future Grand Duchess of Luxembourg
She was christened on 12 July 2014 at the Chapelle de Saint-Ferréol in Lorgues
Prince Liam’s godparents are his paternal uncle
Prince Sébastian and his mother’s friend
He was christened on 22 April 2017 at the Vatican in St
Peter’s Basilica in the Chapel of the Choir
is being christened on September 19th with his closest family around him
The first child of Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie celebrates this special moment at a time of ongoing coronavirus restrictions
his family have tended to opt for intimate
family based baptisms in recent years as Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa have welcomed their four other grandchildren
Royal Central looks back at the christenings of the cousins of Prince Charles
Gabriel Michael Louis Ronny was baptised on April 22nd 2006 at the church of Gilsdorf
Gabriel was the first child of Prince Louis and Tessy Antony who married later that year in the same church
Although his arrival had attracted much debate
the christening of the first grandchild of Henri and Maria Teresa was a family celebration with his maternal uncle
Noah Etienne Guillaume Gabriel Matthias Xavier
was born on September 21st 2007 and christened on October 27th that year at Gilsdorf parish church
His godparents are Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume
granddaughter of Grand Duke Henri was born on June 15th 2014
Amalia Gabriela Maria Teresa was baptised on July 12th that year at the tiny Saint Ferreol Chapel in Lorgues in France
She was the first child of Prince Felix and Princess Claire
was her godmother and her godfather was her mother’s brother
The last royal christening for Luxembourg’s royals
took place at the Vatican on April 22nd 2017
Peter’s during a Mass celebrated by the Reverend Dr
has two godparents – Prince Sebastien
who was also a witness at Felix and Claire’s marriage in 2013
the daughter of Prince Felix and Princess Claire
will be baptised at the weekend in the French town of Saint-Ferréol-de Lorgues.08/07/2014Share(ADW) Princess Amalia
will be baptised at the weekend in the French town of Saint-Ferréol-de Lorgues
This was announced by Luxembourg's Grand Ducal court on Monday
In the presence of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
Grand Duke Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie
little Princess Amalia will be baptised on Saturday in the small town's chapel
Turn autoplay off
Turn autoplay on
Please activate cookies in order to turn autoplay off
Provence spans several very different winemaking regions, and this wine route starts in Toulon
heads down to Saint-Tropez across the vineyards that cling to the edge of the Mediterranean
through classic Provençal landscapes of lavender fields and olive groves into the wild countryside of the Massif des Maures
this are now also makes some exciting red wines
with many young vignerons moving towards organic production
so don't be surprised to see horses ploughing through the vineyards or a herd of grazing sheep replacing weed killers
Village bistros serve hearty portions of traditional Provençal cuisine
and although the grand châteaux tempt travellers with luxury accommodation
many winemakers are also beginning to offer more affordable B&Bs
You have to go off the beaten track to discover the small estate of artisan vigneron Régis Scarone
hidden away in the wild Vallée des Borrels
a 20-minute drive inland from the Côte d'Azur
Cultivating vines that are over 50 years old
with the white and rosé aged in old-fashioned cement vats
and a mix of old and new barrels used for the red
Although he has virtually eliminated chemical treatments in the vineyards
Regis steers clear of the official organic certification
because 'there is just too much bureaucracy'
You'll be hard put to find better value than his crisp Trois Chênes rosé at €6.40
barrel-aged for 14 months.• 45-19 3emes Borrels
Doubles from €65 including breakfast; table d'hôte dinner including aperitif
Further information: Tourist board: visitvar.fr; wine information: routedesvinsdeprovence.com; car hire: carrentals.co.uk
John Brunton blogs on thewinetattoo.com
Our series of top 10 guides to global wine regions
17 Jun 2015: California’s Paso Robles wine route: top 10 guide
7 Aug 2014: Piedmont wine route: top 10 guide
21 Feb 2014: Languedoc wine route: top 10 guide
Worldwide wine routes index
My partner and I recently made our first trip to Paris and stayed Hotel Residence Des Arts for three nights
The hotel is located on the left bank one…
The 'forgotten' area of France and yet possibly one of the most stunningly beautiful
Velo Vercors is a cycling company run by an ex professional British cyclist Roger Dunne and his wife Teresa Harte in the beautiful Vercors region of south…
one of the first destinations many will think of is France
have managed the vineyard Château les Crostes in Lorgues
The couple currently lives in Germany with their two children
The second son of Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa, Félix lives in the south of France where he runs winery “Château les Crostes Lorgues” with his wife, Claire.
The two married in September 2013 after meeting during their studies. Félix is a devoted father to his only daughter, Princess Amalia, was born in 2014.
Amalia is the only grand-daughter of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa.
During his schooling in Luxembourg, Prince Félix was educated at the American School of Luxembourg, today known as the International School Luxembourg.
In 2003, he also joined the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in England.
Claire's father, Hartmut Lademacher comes from Windeck-Mittel in North Rhine Westphalia and made his millions with software company LHS, founded in 1990, which provides accounting software for telecommunications companies.
His fortune is estimated at 600 million euros.
He co-owns the winery Les Crostes in Lorgues in the south of France. The luxury retreat Château les Crostes is surrounded by forests and includes a helipad, a swimming pool, sauna, gym and a huge terrace. Little else is known of Lademacher's private life.
Lademacher made some headlines when he bought the Villa Andreae in Königstein, Germany, in 1997. Built in 1891, the villa used to belong to Jürgen Schneider, a German real estate mogul who was sentenced to eight years in prison for fraud.
Lademacher's asset management company SMM moved into the villa, but he later transferred the business to Bad Homburg and the villa was sold.
Claire's mother Gabriela Maria comes from Morsbach, also in North Rhine Westphalia. She studied social sciences, law and art history in Cologne, Mainz and London.
She was active in community and refugee work for many years, as well as working in museum and art education, and acting as a consultant for museums in Germany and the US. She was also managing director of the bookstore Forum in Usingen, which closed in 2006.
She remains involved in the cultural sector and charitable work.
Born Claire Lademacher in Germany in the small town of Filderstadt, just south of Stuttgart, she attended primary school in her native country before leaving with her family to the United States and settling in Atlanta.
In 1999 Claire returned to Germany and continued her studies in Frankfurt and then Switzerland before attending the American University in Paris where she studied International Communication.
She then took the decision to continue her studies in the field of bioethics at Rome University.
Claire married Prince Felix of Luxembourg on September 21, 2013 making her a Luxembourg princess.
The couple have two children: Amalia, born on June 15, 2014 and Liam born November 28, 2016.
"The birth is expected to take place in June," an official statement read.
Prince Félix, 29, second in line to the Luxembourg throne, married long-time love Claire Lademacher in September 2013. The couple celebrated their wedding with two ceremonies - a civil service in the bride's hometown, Königstein im Taunus in Germany, on September 17, followed by a religious ceremony on September 21 in the south of France.
The couple now lives in Lorgues, in the French region of Provence, running a wine estate owned by Claire's family, with Félix attending oenology classes and Claire continuing to pursue her PhD in bio-ethics, in the field of organ donation.
Félix and Claire, 28, met when they were both students at the Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil boarding school in Switzerland. However, the pair has not revealed when their romance actually took off.
The Grand Ducal family, as well as the Lademacher family, are "delighted with the news," the palace statement said.
It will be the fifth great-grandchild for Grand Duke Jean, joining Prince Louis and Princess Tessy's sons Gabriel and Noah, as well as the children of Archduchess Marie-Christine of Austria and Archduke Imre of Austria.
Marie-Christine and Imre are the children or Princess Marie-Astrid, Grand Duke Henri's sister.
Together with her husband Count Rodolphe de Limburg-Stirum Marie-Christine is the mother of two sons - Léopold, born in April 2011, and Constantin, born in October 2013.
Imre meanwhile welcomed his first child together with his wife Kathleen Walker, a US national, in November 2013 - daughter Maria-Stella Elizabeth Christiana Yolande Alberta of Austria.
Daniel Rameau, president of Euro-Toques Luxembourg, four-time restaurant owner Renato Favaro and restaurant manager Peter Körner were visiting the Agecotel Gastro Fair in Nice when they called by the Prince's vineyard, Château Les Crostes in Lorgues, to test his latest creations.
Described by Rameau as a “small piece of Luxembourg on the Côte d' Azur", the visitors were taken on a tour of the site.
Prior to its creation in 1986, the winery site was used for olive cultivation.
Father of Princess Claire, Hartmut Lademacher, purchased the estate in 1998, investing heavily in the modernising the winery equipment.
The winery produces mainly rosé wines from Grenache, Cinsault and also red wines (Syrah and Cabernet) as well as some whites (Semillon and Rolle).
Daniel Rameau said: "There is a harmony on the Prince's estate. Prince Félix showed us the operation with pride. He is a young winemaker who loves his wine."
Don't miss out on the news – sign up to receive the wort.lu newsletter in English delivered to your inbox six days a week.
The couple married in September 2013 after meeting during their studies. Their daughter, Amalia, born in 2014, is the only grand-daughter of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa.
The second son of Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa, Félix lives in the south of France where he runs winery “Château les Crostes Lorgues” with his wife.
The vineyard is located in Lorgues in the southern French region of Provence. Félix and Claire moved into the estate's château when they returned from their honeymoon.
The winery is co-owned by Claire's father, Harmut Lademacher, and it was announced ahead of the wedding that the newlyweds would manage the estate, while Claire will finish her PhD studies in organ donation ethics at the same time.
On Wednesday, the pair presented the winery's products for the first time. These included three red wines – Syrah (or Shiraz), Grenache and Cabernet. Two rosé wines, Cinsault and Grenache, are also on the menu as well as two white wines, Sémillon and Rolle (also known as Vermentino), a rarity in a region that specialises in red wines.
Prince Félix is taking his role managing the estate seriously and has been taking oenology classes to deepen his understanding of wine.
He is not the first royal, however, to try his hand in the world of vino, with Prince Robert of Luxembourg, first cousin of Grand Duke Henri, owner of the "Château Haut-Brion" winery.
Born on March 21 1985, the daughter of an entrepreneur, Claire met Prince Félix during her studies of bioethics, and the two fell in love.
The couple announced their engagement in 2012 and were married in September, 2013.
Together with their daughter Amalia, Claire and Félix live in the south of France where they run their own winery “Château les Crostes”.
was born to an affluent German family on 21 March 1985 in Filderstadt
Her father Hartmut Lademacher is a former IBM executive and founder of LHS Telekommunikation whose fortune has been valued at around €600 million. The software multi-millionaire owns several castles in Croatia and France, as well as the Chateau les Crostes winery in Lorgues, France, which Princess Claire currently runs with her husband Prince Félix
Claire's mother Gabriele Lademacher works as a consultant for organisations in the arts sector and has worked with museums such as the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York
Princess Claire has an older brother called Felix
Claire spent her early childhood in Usingen, a town in the Hochtaunus district of Germany. The town of Usingen was founded more than 1,200 years ago and used to be the royal seat of the House of Usingen-Nassau. The current head of the Nassau dynasty is none other than Princess Claire's father-in-law, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg
Duke of Nassau and Prince of Bourbon-Parma
While her father grew his business in the US
young Claire attended the Atlanta International School
one of the city's foremost private schools
the Lademacher family returned to Claire's native Germany
She attended the Frankfurt International School in Oberursel before moving to the College Beau Soleil boarding school in Switzerland for the last two years of her secondary education
It was here that Claire first met her husband-to-be Prince Félix
completing her English A-Levels and even winning a prize of excellency for her achievements
Claire Lademacher started her academic journey in earnest
She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Communication from the American University of Paris in 2007
Claire gained some professional experience at Condé Nast Publications in New York and in Munich
She also worked for IMG World in Berlin for a while
After this excursion into the professional world
Claire decided it was time for a bit of a occupational reorientation
She continued her academic career - but this time in a completely new field
Claire enrolled at the Regina Apostolorum University in Rome where she studied bioethics alongside her husband-to-be Prince Félix
she was also working for the UNESCO Chair of Bioethics and Human Rights as a researcher and event coordinator
Claire earned her master's degree in bioethics with with the distinction "summa cum laude"
Her academic career went from strength to strength and Claire eventually completed her doctorate on the ethical aspects of consent for organ donation in Rome
She has since worked as a guest researcher at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics at the University of Georgetown in Washington D.C
and as a visiting professor at the Faculty for Bioethics at the Regina Apostolorum University in Rome
Today, Princess Claire attend the Indoor Transplant Marathon organized by Luxembourg Transplant on the occasion of World Organ Donation Day. Prince Félix attended the festivities of “Hunnefeier” earlier today https://t.co/zyi4g28WqJ pic.twitter.com/04A4IdaHhu
Princess Claire took part in the "Ethics in Action" conference on "Modern slavery
human trafficking and access to justice for the poor and vulnerable" at the Pontificia Academia Scientiarum in Vatican City
Due to her specific expertise in the field
Princess Claire is a also patron of the LuxTransplant Organisation
With an impressive career in academia under her belt, Claire Lademacher is a powerhouse in her own right. Her exceptional drive and intelligence might well have been some of the qualities that first attracted Prince Félix to her. As Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa's second eldest son
he is currently second in line to the Luxembourgish throne
The pair met in 2001 at the College Beau Soleil boarding school in Switzerland and soon became fast friends
This strong friendship would later become the basis of their relationship
Almost 12 years after meeting at College Beau Soleil
the happy couple announced their engagement on 13 December 2012
the couple were legally married in the bride's native country
The civil ceremony was held on 17 September 2013 in Königstein im Taunus
close to Claire Lademacher's home town of Usingen
A religious ceremony was held four days later at the Basilica of Sainte Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
The venue was chosen because of the couple's love for the Provence
Prince Félix and Princess Claire had often spent spent their holidays in the south of France
The bride wore a delicate yet heavily embroidered wedding gown designed by Ellie Saab
Her veil was anchored with the Diamond Vine Leaves tiara
perhaps hinting towards the couple's first big endeavour together: Taking over management of the Chateau les Crostes winery in Lorgues
Miss Claire Lademacher wears a ELIESAAB Haute Couture wedding gown for her marriage to HRH Prince Felix of Luxembourg pic.twitter.com/4rUDaN0y9L
Claire Lademacher officially took on the title of HRH Princess Claire of Luxembourg
This not only made her a Princess of her husband's native country
Close to 400 guests were invited to the religious ceremony in the south of France
the happy couple settled down in the Provence region in the south of France
Princess Claire and Prince Félix took over the management of her father's vineyard and the couple is still actively involved in the daily business at the Château Les Crostes winery in Lorgues
Princess Claire gave birth to a healthy baby girl at the Grand Duchess Charlotte maternity ward in Luxembourg City on 15 June 2014
Princess Amalia Gabriela Maria Teresa was named after her two grandmothers: Princess Claire's mother Gabriele and Prince Félix' mother Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
Prince Félix' and Princess Claire's son Prince Liam Henri Hartmut was born in Geneva
He too was named for his grandparents: Grand Duke Henri and Princess Claire's father Hartmut Lademacher
Prince Liam was baptised in the Vatican, close to where his parents studied during their university days. The baptism was very much a family affair: Prince Liam's uncle, Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume
even showed off his guitar skills during the service
the picture-perfect family lives in Germany
Sarah Cames is a twentysomething freelance journalist with a keen interest in anything to do with politics
Australian rugby player Craig Wing tied the knot with his fiancé, Johanna Chow Chen, in a lavish destination wedding in Lorgues
who played for the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs before moving to Japan to play rugby union
hasn’t posted any photos of the day on his social media pages
have shared a number of photos of the couple on their wedding day
Chow wore a stunning embellished dress with a tulle tail and a sweetheart neckline
Here are all the photos of the couple’s big day
and became engaged on Valentine's Day in 2014
the couple posted some photos online from their pre-wedding party
which was at Restaurant Du Chene in France
Chen was working as a hospital administrator for the World Health Organisation
the couple have gone on a honeymoon in Europe
and have shared many photos of them by the beach
sipping on cocktails and enjoying the sunsets
Cruising the #streets w ma Cherie. #greece
A post shared by Craig Wing クレイグ ウィング (@craigwing) on Jul 20
Great times in #Santorini with my #love #sunset ????????????
A post shared by Craig Wing クレイグ ウィング (@craigwing) on Jul 19
What a way to start the day! #breakfast #santorini #greece #view ????????
A post shared by Craig Wing クレイグ ウィング (@craigwing) on Jul 16
Wing is known for being a more private person
and has remained relatively out of the spotlight since quitting NRL to play rugby union for Japan in 2009
He previously dated Zoe Foster Blake for 10 years
“There are no rules or laws that oblige the princesses to give birth in the country,” a palace spokesperson said. For example, Princess Tessy and Prince Louis welcomed their first son, Prince Gabriel, in Geneva.
It is not yet known where Claire will have the baby. However, there is a possibility that the new addition to the Grand Ducal family will be born in France, where the royal couple currently lives, managing the “Château les Crostes” estate in Lorgues.
Another option is Claire's native Germany.
What is known, however, is that the young prince or princess will hold only Luxembourg nationality and no dual Luxembourg-German citizenship.
Until Crown Prince Guillaume and Princess Stéphanie have a child, Félix and Claire's baby will be third in line to the throne.
La Rédac'
Modifier articleOKLa Maison Elyse et Bruno de Lorgues propose pour Noël une bûche d’exception réalisé à 4 mains par Serge Billet (Meilleur ouvrier de France et champion du monde de pâtisserie) et Damien Goelen
Afin de clore l’année 2017, les deux soeurs fondatrices d’Elyse souhaitaient un dessert alliant raffinement et excellence, une bûche de caractère, hors des normes, hors des codes, surprenante. Un dessein accomplit à quatre mains avec Bruno « empereur de la Truffe » dont la table étoilée
séduit depuis deux générations les plus fins amateurs d’or noir et d’authenticité
c’est ainsi la truffe qui pointera la sienne… Serge Billet et Damien Goelen - Chef Pâtissier de Chez Bruno - ont imaginé une recette croquante et fondante
mariant sablé breton à la noisette
crème légère à la truffe Brumale
pommes caramélisées à la vanille et glaçage en chocolat
la bûche trompe délicieusement l’oeil et prend l’allure d’une truffe d’1,2 kg, de quoi en mettre plein la vue sur la table de Noël
Maison Elyse : 63 avenue du 24 avril 1915 à MarseillePrix : 110 € la bûche de 1 200 grammes (10 personnes)
Crab’s : le paradis de la Seafood où on ose manger avec les mains à Marseille
La Bonne Mère cache un restaurant à la vue imprenable sur tout Marseille
Alerte magie : une escapade gourmande et hivernale avec vue sur les étoiles près de Marseille