Gan, France (September 9, 2025)
When Claudia Mundi invited Violet and me to visit her in Gan, France, my first question was, “Where exactly is that?” About two hours south of Bordeaux might be helpful to someone who lives in France (or elsewhere in Europe), but to a New Yorker, I still needed to look it up on Google Maps. But all I needed to know where two things: (1) That I would get to spend quality one-on-one time with Claudia and her husband Jag and (2), That Violet and I would be staying here:
This is Jag & Claudia Mundi’s Chateau in Gan, France. Exquisite!
It’s not just the gorgeous chateau that, by itself, takes your breath away. It’s the land that it sits on that is measured in hectares and overlooks the Pyrenees mountains. It is a spectacular view in all directions that, once again, my iPhone will do it’s best to capture and still fall really, really short.
Remember that bit about “slowing down?” This is perfect for that. There’s something about the Pyrenees mountains combined with the wild deer and acres of grapes ready to produce incredible French wine that just has you take a deep breath of fresh mountain air and relax. Hmm.
Bill, Claudia & Violet take our first selfie in Gan, France.
This first day in Gan, Violet and I slept like ROCKS. We totally crashed. Sure, we had just jumped from 4,000 meters the day before and I’m sure our adrenaline was still a bit out of whack, but coming to this place was like stepping into a “time out” zone of peace and tranquility. Everything around us just breathed nature, beauty and stillness. I could feel all of me slowing down and taking in the depth of the mountains the surrounded us.
(And the wood-burning hot tub certainly adds to the slow-down factor. Violet and I couldn’t wait to soak in all the mountain vibes from this relaxing spot.)
