A party at Monfort-l'Amaury - Playing the piano at Ravel's House.

Montfort-l'Amaury

After arriving at Paris airport we were met by Daddy's friend Etienne who drove us to his country house in Monfort-l'Amaury. This was to be the location for a party for his wife Alicia later that day. After a short visit to the house Etienne took us to our hotel in the village.

Our hotel in Monfort l'Amaury. Our room is the 2 windows on the top floor.

The party was for Alicia's birthday. There were a lot of children there and plenty of games to play. Daniel liked badminton best; Madeleine liked the totem tennis. 
Some of the food was cooked on a barbecue but we also tried some French home-made country cooking. The cake at the party was chocolate but Daddy didn't get any as it was all gone by the time he wanted some. 

Daniel enjoyed the badminton

Etienne and Alicia's country house

Madeleine on the flying fox

Madeleine enjoyed the totem tennis

Games at the party 

Monfort l'Amaury was the home of the composer Maurice Ravel. He lived there from 1921 to the time of his death in 1937. His most famous work "Bolero" was composed whilst he lived in this house. We were lucky enough to visit the house the morning after the party and had our own personal tour. Claude was our guide for the tour. She lived in the village and knew a lot about the house. A highlight was being able to play the original piano that Ravel would have used when he lived in the house. (Daddy's note.... After playing so well Madeleine and Daniel were invited to draw in the visitors' book.... a special honour that not every visitor enjoys.)

Daddy playing Ravel's piano

Daddy playing Mozart on Ravel's piano

Madeleine playing "Wild Ride" on Ravel's piano

Daniel playing "Big Top" and "Driving 'Round" on Ravel's piano

Daniel and Madeleine on the balcony.

The garden at Ravel's house

Madeleine and Daniel's drawings for the visitor's book at Ravel's house.