Hervé LAVIALE & Griet LAVIALE – VAN MALDEREN Hervé Laviale, longtime journalist for the French radio station, RTL, and his Flemish wife, Griet Van Malderen-Laviale, purchased Château FRANC MAYNE in early 2005. Wine tourism and the Relais de FRANC MAYNE : a surviving tradition The Relais de Franc Mayne is a magical place, with its 360° view over the landscapes of Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac and even Bordeaux. The châteaux guest rooms are an invitation to embark on a voyage of discovery – every one of them is its own separate universe: British Landscape, Indian Fusion, Campagne Française, Asian Mood, Pop Art Room, African Lodge, Black & White, Stella di Mare and Out of Africa. Two new bedrooms aptly located in the 16th century post house will be completed in early July. Another novelty will be a discovery walk through the underground quarries, where visitors will enjoy a sensory ‘Jules Verne’ style presentation of the importance of the ‘terroir’ of Saint-Emilion’s plateau, the art of stone-cutting and the great historical figures of Saint-Emilion. These ancient stone quarries already attract between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors every year. This limestone plateau is where the secrets and the heart of Saint-Emilion’s fine wines reveal themselves. http://www.agence-fleurie.com/2011/04/focus-on-herve-laviale/
