Do you dream of jet-setting off to the French countryside, sipping cabernet among the vines in Bordeaux and wandering the resplendent halls of the châteaux gracing the Loire Valley? If you do and that dream seems ever far away, you’re not alone, but I’ve got a secret for you: Georgia is home to its very own slice of «savoir-vivre» and the best part is it’s only 45 minutes north of Atlanta! Join me in Braselton for the weekend and I promise you won’t be able to believe it’s NOT France.
FRIDAY
In Braselton, mi casa es tu casa — or rather, mon château est ton château. I’ll accept nothing but the best accommodations for you, my guests, on this weekend of indulgence and that’s why we are staying at none other than Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. As we drive up Rue Charlemagne to check in at the Inn, take a moment to really bask in the vision before you of rows of grapevines covering rolling hills around the exquisite facade of the chateau.
After you’ve had a moment to relax in your stylish suite, I’ve arranged a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard and a premium tasting with the sommelier in the Bordeaux Tasting Room. The chef has elegantly paired four tapas with our four pours, the perfect «amuse-bouche» before a decadent dinner of French cuisine under the glittering chandeliers at Versailles, the resort’s main restaurant. After dinner, we can savor a digestif fit for a king at the Louis’ House of Bourbon before seeking our beauty sleep.
SATURDAY
How about a morning at the spa before we set off for a day of exploring? The Spa at Chateau Elan is a veritable haven for self-care and relaxation, and we can partake in a luxury spa treatment before spending some time in the eucalyptus steam room. After we’ll hop aboard the Braselton Trolley for a ride into town and brunch at The Galloping Galette, an authentic French creperie serving both sweet and savory dishes concocted by its charming owners from the Bretagne region of France. We can while away the afternoon browsing the shops and historic sites of Downtown Braselton, from eclectic boutiques and artesian food shops like Joy Co Market and the North Georgia Olive Oil Co. to The 1904 and Mill Museum.
Now guys, I know that probably doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, but you needn’t fret—there are plenty more manly pursuits if you’d rather! Spend the morning (or the day) teeing off on Chateau Elan’s picturesque 45 holes of championship golf. From woodland greens to serene valley lakes, the resort’s two 18-hole courses and Executive Par 3 course meander through 170 acres of lush terrain. You may want to hop on the trolley, too, at some point in the afternoon to head into town to try the craft brews at Braselton Brewing Company, or drive out to the Panoz Museum and Road Atlanta to experience Braselton’s racing legacy. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during October, you could even take part in Braselton’s Petit Le Mans, a mini version of France’s own famous Le Mans.
Regardless of how we all spend our day, I hope it builds up your appetite because at night we’ll be dining at Cotton Calf Kitchen, a place of culinary indulgence sure to satiate even the most fastidious among us. Bon appétit!
SUNDAY
To conclude our weekend of French bliss in Braselton, I’ve rented us a Wine Bungalow so we can savor our last hours among the enchanting views of the vines. We can take our time — I’ve arranged a late checkout — but eventually, we will have to wake from our French-inspired dream of a trip and head home. But not before one last indulgence; who can resist a treat of croissants and pastries for the road from Braselton’s local «pâtisserie», Sugar n’ Proof? Bon voyage!
