Forbes at their storied family abode, the fabulous Château de Balleroy in Normandy. This François Mansart masterpiece was built in 1631 and bought by Kip’s father, Malcolm Forbes, in 1970. It is truly a magnificent building, surrounded by beautiful gardens and more. In fact, in 1975, as Malcolm Forbes adored ballooning, he converted a stable into a mini museum dedicated to the pursuit. The weekend was exquisitely organized with all kinds of activities starting with ballooning—what else? When in Rome, do as the Romans do, so, when in Normandy, go ballooning! And that is what we did. It is quite amazing to quietly soar high in the sky in a wicker basket under a colorful balloon above the landscape. You truly feel like a
called, “Un été au bord de l’eau. Loisirs et Impressionnisme” before heading to Le Carlotta restaurant for a delicious lunch. Next was something I have always wanted to see as everyone has told me how heartbreakingly beautiful it is, as well as a place every American should see: the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial with its new vistor’s center. It is one of 14 permanent World War II military cemeteries on foreign soil. France has granted use of this land, in perpetuity, as a permanent burial ground without charge or taxation to the United States. It is truly a magnificent memorial to those brave young heroes. I will never forget it. Back to the Château to put our feet up and then down to the Salon Louis XIII
what a joy! Then, into a seated dinner in the magnificent dining room filled with art and treasures. After dinner, we shot a little pool then night, night! Next day, it was off to another glorious spot: the Château de Canisy for lunch and a tour by its charming owner, Count Denis de Kergorlay. This fabulous château on 740 acres has remained in his family, despite revolutions and more. It was such a treat to see this historic building, which is available for rent! Back to Balleroy where we dined cozily by the fire in the “old kitchen” on all kinds of yummy pizza! Next morning, we all headed off after a glorious weekend. Among the lucky quests were Konrad and Barbara Bernheimer, Max Blumberg, Eduardo Araujo, Elisabeth and Henrik von Dehn,
This page, clockwise from top left: Kip Forbes; plates echoed the theme of the weekend; Astrid Forbes and H.R.H. Christa Princess of Prussia; the shadow of a balloon over the French countryside; Tom Quick; the Normandy American Cemetary and Memorial.
bird! But that was only one of the amazing treats that weekend. We popped into a pristine deluxe bus that ferried our large group of more than 30 everywhere and visited a wonderful little museum: the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen. There, we enjoyed a special exhibition
for champagne and a piano recital by the very talented couple Lucia and Julien Le Prado. They magically played Claude Debussy’s “Petite Suite Pour Piano à 4 Mains” then Ludwig Beethoven’s “La Sonate au Clair de Lune” then George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Heaven,
Simon Edsor and Mary Goodwin, Julieete Franco, Margaret and Greg Hedberg, BJ Kirwan and Terry Hanna, Dina and Brad Martin, Frances Marzio, Lee Pearce, H.R.H. Christa Princess of Prussia, Tom Quick, Didier Thiery, Sarah and Ian Wardropper, Shelby White, and more. X J U LY 2 0 1 3 1 2 3