A PERFECT ITALIAN HOLIDAY
I go on a whistle-stop tour of Italy, driving from Lalande to Turin, Cortona and Florence - and back again - in only 6 days!..
The Chateau Diaries Episode 245 ✨🏰✨
To see Curtis' vlogs and documentaries, check out his channel @CurtisRyanWoodside
If you'd also like to stay at any of the stunning places we slept in during our stay, the details are below. I am not being sponsored by any of them :)
Turin in the Hotel Victoria:
www.hotelvictoria-torino.com/en/
Cortona (at the apartment owned by Vivienne's delightful Italian relatives) :
www.airbnb.me/5sWD6ndOvhb
Florence in the Granduomo Apartments:
www.granduomo.com/en/
Escape to the chateau with ’The Chateau Diaries’ 🏰
This channel follows the adventures of chatelaine Stephanie in her French 16th century home, the Chateau de Lalande, in the heart of rural France ❤️
We share our life in this ancient chateau in the heart of the French countryside, and show you the diy, renovations, crafts, cooking and gardening that are needed to bring a home like this to life!
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
This is maybe kind of a weird compliment, but Stephanie's openness about buying things on sale and at a discount is so refreshing! It makes me feel safe, knowing that even living in a literal castle surrounded by artists and musicians and the social circles that she moves in, she isn't pressured to spend more than she needs to on lifestyle items. It helps me feel good about being thrifty myself. In the US, sometimes people will try to make you feel ashamed for saving money, as though it's a virtue to spend full price on something that's being offered for less, and I just don't get it.
Sandra Westley from the UK I think those sort of people are the Emperor’s clothes, everyone admired them but truthfully he had nothing on, so total false
They aren't living life like no one else so they can live life like no one else. Just give them a pitying look and do you.
@@tinamagnuson2 Indeed and she's basically public property now, but it's us who watch and us who pay for the upkeep of her lifestyle, patrons, and sending gifts I'm sure half the time it's fake smiling as probably half get send straight to the thrift store and all the worries are less with glasses of champagne. But we all have a choice we can switch it off.
Only the pretentious don’t appreciate the value of each dollar it is just reasonable and sensible to be a bit thrifty.
@@tinamagnuson2 free gifts are gifts. patreon money is going straight to chateau restoration it is set up as a fund and is not taxed but can’t be spent on anything but the chateau building and surrounding structures. money she spends is coming from bed and breakfast which she obviously was doing before her vlogs and from channel ad revenue. gift channels revenue goes to charities ever time the payment is received from google adsence. plus she owns a flat in london and rents it out so yeah. she spends what she earns and good for her.
I loved this vlog. The white dress was particularly flattering, sometimes wearing something plain, well cut and in a plain color, best shows off the beauty of the wearer, rather than being drowned by color and pattern, you can shine. Beautiful!
not saying you wouldn't agree, but that girl shines no matter what, she exudes beauty in everything
That dress and the background immediately reminded me of the movie Under the Tuscan Sun!! So beautiful
I so love it when we get to see the very dashing Michael Potts. BTW...........the picture of all of you is Excellent. Stephanie ...........thanks for always keeping your videos fresh and DIVERSE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Everything Stephanie touches is gold dust ! Look at the people she is surrounded by.
Its a network. They all have money...
Judy Gillespie and your point is??
Dana is the ultimate chef and dinner hostess. Creates and brings such a nice vibe and the food looks superb.
And look at her! She is soooo beautiful. And really sexy... Really, who are those people?!
🥰
I watch Chateau Diaries from Solwezi in Zambia...... My children also enjoy watching with me. So it's not only in the middle of South Africa that people watch from! We started watching when schools were closed last year and we were doing online learning.
Hello from Greece! I have a question: what is your favourite Zambian dish? recommend one and I will find a recipe and make it
@@geenagr I don't know many Zambian traditional dishes - we only just moved here at the beginning of last year from Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe they eat Sadza which is ground maize meal, here they eat the same kind of thing, but call it Nshima, it has a slightly different taste to the Sadza in Zimbabwe. I have tasted the Nshima and griled fish (the whole fish) with green vegetables with a peanut paste and I have enjoyed that. I will try to find out what the name of this dish is.
I also watch from Cape Town, South Africa. 😍
@@kathywilkinson2852 Hello from Johannesburg, South Africa :-)
The court yard has been through such a transformation, it’s like life is present in the chateau.
Yes! The opening shot in the intro deserves updating. It’s beautiful now!
Dan has done such a stunning job of the front of the chateau . I love the plants all along the base . Ye so lucky to be living on mainland Europe and just driving to such fun places .
The white dress ….just like Diane Lane wore in Under the Tuscan Sun. Umm….did you find ladybugs🤣🤣🤣 When we were in Cortona we walked up to Frances Mayes home the Bramasole. Was incredible.
The image on Michael's shirt is the Virgin Our Lady of Guadalupe which is an important religious symbol of Catholics in México. Love and best wishes from Guadalajara.
Stephanie, Your courtyard is full and beautiful now. You simply must edit that into your intro, etc. It’s a missed opportunity! ❤️
They say the change is coming soon. Be patient.
I was thinking the same about new intro.. courtyard is now so beautiful
I have missed your smile Michael Potts!
What an amazing trip, also lovely to see Ruth in a photo as she usually stays in the background when they visit. I’m liking the ‘Dan’ musical influences in your recent vlogs
When you recorded the first part of the video in Turin, you were in Piazza Bodoni, and the palace with flags is the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, where I studied for years.
My son, from Texas, was on assignment in Turin for about a year and I got to visit. I remember walking in that square but never knew the name of it. Thanks. It was also beautiful driving in the city. Streets are tree lined and the architecture is amazing. He lived in other parts of Italy also over five or so years and loved living there.
I cannot believe how happy your happiness makes me...
Well said Charles Walker 🥰 I feel exactly the same. I’m still smiling from the vlog, and reading so many lovely comments from people.
There is nothing like a minibreak to Firenze. Everything there is breathtakingly beautiful ♥️
verything there is breathtakingly beautiful ♥️ ESP. MICHAEL POTTS. LOL
I want 2 thank the entire lalande family for being a source of joy inspiration during the ongoing battle with bone cancer... I hope 2 1 day join u as a guest but until then I will watch every blog with anticipation. THANK YOU LALANDERS
@ASHER I will keep you in my prayers, asher. I have melanoma. It can be scary. All the best to you and I hope you make that trip to France when you are able.!!!❤️
Best of luck in your battle, and I hope you emerge victorious. Perhaps one day we'll all get to see you, healthy again, seated at the dinner table at Lalande. 💜
@@BDThomas it's a lovely, hopeful thought to keep in mind! Truly all the Best to you. You are already a very brave person. Thank you
@@luciagonzalez4899 ❤️
Our family's prayers to you. Jerry and others are survivors and an inspiration to us all!
Dana is charming, beautiful and her dinners are so special! She’s a keeper!
🥰
I think the dog lamp represents saint Dominic. His mother had a dream of a dog with a torch in his month representing him preaching the word of God and setting the world on fire. It would go nice in the chapel.
Hi from Sydney...My mum used to say" there are 3 components to a happy relationship... finding a partner good looking....finding them intelligent.....and having a shared sense of humour." You seemed to have amassed a group of friends that fit that bill. Good on you for having such interesting mates that fit her criteria x shared humo
You know Stephanie, you could have all the famous chefs from your area, that way everyone could share their business and promote themselves and promote you!!! Share their famous meals at the chateau.
Stephanie has visited and promoted restaurants in her area. You'll also find a video where the chef from the local goat cheese farm and restaurant actually came and prepared some of his dishes in the kitchen of Chateau de Lalande.
When the sunflowers come out it would be great to film an updated drone shot for the intro.
I feel like we're discovering Dana & it's a real pleasure. What a ray of sunshine she is ! Another great addition to "la fine équipe" Bisous from les Pyrénées Orientales.
WOW! Stephanie, I am so jealous. What a trip. We are still on lockdown here in Australia. It is so wonderful to see you all scarping around the countryside having so much fun! Maybe there will be much scarping coming into summer!
What a dreamy vlog full of travel to incredible places with beautiful, joyful friends greeting each other with hugs. ❤️ And Michael P sharing about the rebirth of Florence … very heartwarming during these emotional times. Thank you all!🙏🏼
Stephanie has such a contagious personality that when I watch her I find myself mimicking her cheery vibes 😄
It was so good to see Michael Potts and his smile .Stephanie you look so happy x
Happy Birthday special lady.
It was great to see Ryan and his husband reunited. My husband is from Florence and we have been apart 1 and a half yrs. So seeing this vlog is wonderful, but bittersweet. Miss my husband and Italy sooo much.
I hope you are reunited soon ❤️ It’s not the same, but I’m missing my sister in London so much. It’s been 2.5 years. I had my first child in May and I don’t know when she will be able to come to Australia to meet her 😔
@@ellen9018 I hope she can come soon. I keep hearing that Australia is very lockdowned
Maybe it's me, but Curtis, is the perfect person to play a Disney Prince, what a handsome young person.
Oh wow beautiful Italy! In a couple of weeks I finally get to fly over and see the house I’ve bought in Puglia. 😃
Congratulations
Congratulations! How exciting
What a dream!! So exciting!
Well, it's been 2 weeks have you seen your house yet?
@@Sparrowdean Ha, great timing! I’ve made it to just a couple of hours ago. I leave on final flight this afternoon and hopefully tomorrow will be the big day! 😀🇮🇹💫
I think I have to stop whatching your vlogs, all this delicious food makes me jealousi, it is so mouth watering😋
I also just returned from a trip to Italy! Love the view from your room in Florence. Amazing!! I love how Michael looks so happy. You can see how much he loves to travel and enjoy the places he visits.
i have so say, I kind of missed the Aerial Lalande Transition and Tune. It never fails to make me smile.
Under the Tuscan Sun.... how fabulous. Thanks for sharing. xx I loved the Piazza Michaelangelo; visited 40 yrs ago.
We were there 35 years ago and still are in love with Florence.
@@carolinegooder7091 I used to live in Milan and would visit Venice, Como, Bergamo and Florence on my days off. It's such a fabulous place. I didn't manage to make it South...one fine day🙏🏼🤞🏽🥰
Hi Dana! So glad to see you cheffing at Lalande! I’m sure You have added great food, a wonderful personality & of course your own beauty for the guests to enjoy! I loved this vlog seeing Potts & Italy! Cheers from Alabama 🥂
Still expected Dan in the into lol Omg I Love your dress in the beginning. I'm always pleased when you take us on a road trip. I enjoy seeing scenery I may never lay my own eyes on
I loved your trip to Italy. It was wonderful seeing Vivienne, Phillipo and his mate. So jealous of your travels. Have a happy birthday 🎂
Thank you for taking us on your beautiful mini holiday to such an exciting and beautiful place and such beautiful people.💕🌈Goodnight Stephanie pleasant dreams🙋♀️
THAT was wonderful; I especially love the driving music! Love you all! P.s. also love the glimps of Lyon; lived there 1991 to 1999
All the best people watch Chateau Diaries! Curtis’ future vlog sounds fascinating
imagine Italy being a road trip away
Oh how I wish it was! I need to live in Europe one day ❤️
Yes, it's not close to Lalande though, they're just used to driving a bunch. I'd still do it if i lived in europe.
What a busy and exciting life you live and at the same time taking us along with you, places I always thought I would visit but couldn't, thank you Stephanie and Phillipe
I live in South Africa too and just LOVE watching all the Lalande shenanigans!
Reminds me of my Italy trip. Hubby drove us from Veneto to Tuscany then Rome. Not too bad for a couple of US small town folks.😊
Thank you so much for taking us on tour with you. It was just what I needed on this dreary Wednesday morning in the uk. Stephanie, you exude such joy it brightens my day and must fill your mums heart with such pride. Take care.
Would love to see projects and progress on work on the castle. Really like the garden work and greenhouse with the gardener. Can't wait for the tea room to be complete and incorporated into the garden area.
I can’t tell you how much your Vlogs mean to me. I have watched from the start and often go back and watch again, a bit of a stalker fan. During this last year with Covid, I had to work to make it financially but then have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Not fun but I love living my life through your Vlogs and the joy and happiness your Lalanders give me. Thank you all, glad so see Hattie and Gerald back, love Nattie and Philip, miss Marie, love Dan’s wit, and all the Ian’s are amazing. Hope Kat is back soon. Thank you all for sharing your life with us.
Oh how I miss travelling to Italy. Thank you for the quick fix. 🇨🇦💛💛💛
Just beautiful. Some of the pictures seemed too perfect to be real, especially looking over Florence at night. Then to spend time there with friends old and new? The best.
There is a really fun course on Edx "The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City " about architecture and the Professor does one segment on Florence where he draws on top of a current city plan to show the boundaries of the original Roman encampment with its forum and then how the city evolved with increasing sizes of encircling city walls. He uses this as a basis to then talk about how Rome evolved and different aspects of Rome's architecture. I find it so inspiring, especially when you get a chance to then visit the city, it just gives everything you see even more meaning and backstory :D
Watching this again. It is so delightful.
Wow your courtyard is starting to look magical and I can't wait to see it evolve more because I just know it will be even more amazing next year! I love your show, I watch every episode in it's entirety. I am going to send you some functional art when I can afford the shipping and I can't wait!! Hi from Dallas Tx, you guys bring some much sunshine into my life. I adore and appreciate you all. Happy birthday Stephanie! ❤
Stephanie looks beautiful and relaxed. I hope she was able to see Oliver and his family.
Whose Oliver ?
@@del_ecuras1836 Her English artist friend.
I wish he had bought that farm near by for an artist retreat. I paint landscapes so could have studied portraits there while visiting Lalande also. When I dream I dream big 😂
It has been awhile since we have seen Oliver and family that is true!
@@tootsieb11 Sandra Westley from the uk oh one of my favourite places, Costa Brava, in Spain, lovely towns stunning coast line.
My gosh Stephanie, your friend Curtis eyes !!! Gorgeous, dreamy ! 😘😍
Happy Birthday 🎂 Steph !!!!
Beautiful Vlog! Quick suggestion though- re-film the shot of the chateau and courtyard now that it's looking so beautiful and improved!
Apparently that’s coming soon, Rebecca!
Wow Stephanie !! What an absolute feast of beauty for us all ..enjoyed every second Thank you so very much xxxxxx
Thank you for taking us to Italy 😢. So wonderful to be there even if it’s through you.
You looked very pretty in your new dress! Looking forward to seeing the new intro with all the plants in the courtyard. They look amazing.
Steph has such a great figure! She's always eating biscuits, cheeses and pastries in the vlogs (hehe), does she do pilates, yoga or running? I hope to be as chic and lovely at her age.
Florence looked so beautiful in the evening Like a magical jewel Next time you are there visit Lucca it’s a beautiful walled city not far from Florence Andrew 💐💜xx
Great episode, you came past our door again through the MB tunnel. Maybe next trip you could factor in a quick whistle stop tour of Chamonix ? The American followers would love that I'm sure. I love that outlet village in Turin, and Florence bought back memories of my 50th birthday visit a couple of years back. Thanks as ever for sharing with us all. x
Chamonix 💝
Yay!!!South Africa, love this channel💓💓
Yebo Phumzile!
This is one of the best travel vlogs to date. Love the accompanying music. Wonderful sights and sounds and getting to meet such interesting people. Stephanie and Philip, take me away to beautiful places any time.
Kirsten n joerg is another great channel ..
Yes, they are very calming to watch
You are in my region...from my italian home I can see Cortona. Wonderful!
Both of my favorite vloggers Chateau Love and The Chateau Diaries! Love it! Thank you
Yes, wasn't it nice to see Vivienne (Chateau Love) and Stephanie (Chateau Diaries) meeting in Cortona? Vivienne has family there!
It was so good to meet your friends and see Michael Potts again. I love Florence❤️ You are the best!
For all asking for Curtis channel it’s under Curtis Ryan Woodside
This has been one of my favourite episodes it brought so many fantastic memories of our epic 3 month trip from Brisbane Australia to Europe zigzagging through France and Italy staying in Turin and the joy of seeing our daughter married outside Asti. OHHH... i have goosebumps all over watching this my heart is singing and hoping for a return in the near future.
Bellissima Stephanie, bellissima 🥰 Oh I want to visit Cortona! Meeting up with lovely friends & having such fun. Wonderful ☺️
Stephanie, how dare you not give us a shot of you frolicking in your new dress!! I was expecting no less 😆
Happy Birthday Stephanie. Have a great day!
I recently discovered your videos and have just been enjoying them so much. I live on the Canadian prairies and have never been to Europe and likely never will go but I feel I am getting to see a lot of Europe through your videos. The inside perspective not the tourist view that would be what I would see if I was able to go, so I am very grateful. I love the Château and seeing the changes and work being done. The people that live and work there are so lovely and I enjoy them all so much. Thank you all very much.
I started my day here in Australia watching this wonderfully interesting and uplifting video. Reminded me of the joy of visiting new places and laughter filled dinners with fascinating friends. What a delight it is to see you all meeting up and having fun in Italy. I really look forward to doing something similar when we are able to travel again. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures. 🍾🥂💖💖💖
Oh, shimmering light of Florence on buildings old and worn. Among your streets I wander in memories quite forlorn. Your gentle glow is lingering deep in my mind‘s recess. I am dazzled by your beauty the further I progress. The gentle slopes of Tuscany like brushstrokes dotted round, the chirping of cicadas the Summer’s mystic sound. I breath, I feel this landscape and hold it tight within. This longing lasts forever like Italy has been. The magic of words can hopefully match the magic of Stephanie ?! ☺️👏🏻
🥰Love all of your beautiful poems you have posted!
@@mariak9727 Thank you, Marie. ☺️
Vivian is so delightful! I would love to meet her.
WoW, Stephanie always stays in the best hotels!!! WoW
How wonderful to share your whirlwind trip! Thank you! ❤️👍🏼👍🏼🇺🇸
What interesting people you met up with, thank you for taking us on your holiday. Oh that night view of Firenze, I spent nearly two weeks in Firenze one year, such a fabulous city to holiday in.
That was magical. So many of my travel memories and travel dreams in one video. Bless your beautiful heart Stephanie ❤
Just what I needed to get me out of the doldrums! Thank you all.
The food, the scenery the vacation all marvelous.
Beautiful episode! And how nice to see the lovely sisters, Ashley and Vivienne (whose vlog is Chateau Love)! Wonderful for friends to enjoy time together in such a beautiful place.
I’m so envious.
I am sitting in a quiet village Velim in Goa and watching Chateau Diaries. Stephanie. Your joy for life and the people you attract is just amazing!
I love Stephanie and Michael together 🖤
Between Dan's Revenge and Italy, this has been a happy August. Thank you Stephanie et al!
What a whirlwind trip! Thank you for giving us snippets in between your main shoots! Loved seeing all the scenes! Love to everyone!💛
Oh my heart - I LOVE Florence ❤️ I had the best giggle at “We look straight??” 😂
Absolutely sensational!
Vivien is there too!!! Awesome!!! This video is going to be good!!!
Love this vlog so much. Stephanie’s and Philips joy is contagious. Always feel so happy after watching. Thank you for sharing snippets of your Italy trip. So beautiful all around Tuscany and Florence. Can’t wait to see more soon💗
Steph, you need to watch Medici Masters of Florence on Netflix!!! all 3 seasons were incredible!!!
Kylie Flavell is also a beautiful blogger..who lives in Tuscany.. cheers
Yes indeed.
Another great vlog Stephanie- Enjoyed it immensely. thanks so much.
Wow - gorgeous views of the mountains...
Lovely holiday. I’m delighted you saw your friends and the wonderful sights of Italy.
Thankyou for sharing your lovely journey with us, such lovely views
Fabulous episode, thankyou x.. oh how I love Florence..