Senses and Delights in France

You may recall that in the summer of 2021, amidst a lingering pandemic, my Italian-born husband and I packed up our belongings and our four-year-old and moved to Italy.  We had a lovely dream of bringing Americans to the loveliest of places with the loveliest of people eating the most delicious Veronese cuisine and exploring some of Valpolicella’s most interesting vineyards and cellars.  Our desire was to welcome near strangers as our guests, treat them to all of the European riches and rhythms which Americans long for, and bid them arrivederci, no longer as Americans or as strangers, but as friends; with an indelible etching of Italian dolce far niente. Our goal was to offer and demonstrate the measured enjoyment of all things delectable.  We called it “Sensi e Diletti.” Italian for senses and delights.  Through food, wine, and, gentle movement our aim was to heighten our guests’ senses and deepen their awareness, in order to expand their moments abroad and make their lives more meaningful at home.  It was a lofty goal.  I still believe in it.  

Our original project evolved into my becoming a travel advisor for voyages the world over and Stefano becoming more deeply involved in the world of wine.  I miss Sensi e Diletti though—the days of hosting, heightening senses and bringing delight to our guests.

Enter Tablemouvant—owned and created by Claire and Olivier Lugand.  They are the younger, chicer, French version of Sarah and Stefano.  Their holy trinity for achieving sense and sensibility is a chef, a chauffeur, and a butler.  They’ve personally sourced and formed relationships with the owners of unique homes—private châteaux, acclaimed chefs, vignerons—gaining access to vineyards and cellars not available to the general public.  Upon the foundation of these relationships, they’ve designed itineraries of three to nine-days, in a variety of French regions with iconic, cultural experiences, for small groups of up to eight guests.

Upcoming dates include: Bordeaux & Loire this April; Champagne & Burgundy in May; Provence-Luberon in June, and (bien sûr) Paris.   However, if you are a group of four to eight, together with Tablemouvant, I can design a program that fits your desired dates and destinations.  

Because we could all use a little joie de vivre à ce moment précis. 🍇🥖🍷🇫🇷