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Grandes Etapes Françaises - Our History

The history of the Grandes Etapes Françaises is closely linked with that of its founders Simonne and René Traversac, true pioneers in the transformation of old chateaux and beautiful residences into luxury hotels.
The hotelier adventure started for them in 1957 (they discovered a hitherto unknown world since René Traversac was up til then devoted to his company "Murray" which manufactured photo-cinema equipment) when they fell in love with the delightful manor of the PRIEURE near Saumur and its magnificent view over the Loire.

     




After several years learning the job of hotelier in the gentle countryside of Anjou, they ventured into Touraine, buying the majestic CHÂTEAU d'ARTIGNY in 1960.
Their passion for restoring and transforming old residences into luxury hotels became apparent when they set out to restore the former residence of the famous perfumer François Coty to the brilliance of its former glory.

 

Several years later, they fell in love with the beautiful property of the master of the DOMAINE DE BEAUVOIS and its 140 hectares of wood and grassland at the gateway to Tours and purchased it in 1966 .

     





Growing in confidence, they dreamt of building a hotel on the Côte d'Azur and piece by piece bought 8 hectares on top of a hill overlooking the sea in St Paul de Vence. They called upon the famous architect Fernand Pouillon to draw up the plans. After two years of work, closely followed by their eldest son Pierre, the splendid MAS D'ARTIGNY  rose from the ground, dear to their hearts with its spacious rooms, gardens, sun and. 26 private pools! The opening took place in May of 1973 .