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About Us & What to Expect
WHO WE ARE
For more than 20 years Minding Manners International has been Europe’s leading accredited and certified international etiquette & protocol consultancy and cultural & savoir-vivre specialist. In 2003, we launched in the heart of Paris on Rue du Faubourg St. Honoré. In 2017 we established our premiere modular finishing school programme and certification trainings in London, England in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, near Kensington Palace, where we continue to thrive. In 2023 we welcomed our first private residential student-guest to Le Manoir, near Bergerac, France and now in 2024 we open our doors to welcome you. Bienvenue.
THE LOCATION
Bergerac is classified as a Town of Art and History by the Ministry of Culture and the famous statue of Cyrano de Bergerac is situated in the town’s main square, proudly capturing the essence of this beloved character from French literature.
The Dordogne is visually breath-taking as home to some of the most alluring, beautiful villages and towns in the whole of France. The region is rich in history, filled with castles, medieval villages, stunning landscapes and prehistoric cave paintings which are considered among the finest examples in Europe. Often referred to as the Tuscany of France, it is no doubt because of its wooded hills, rivers and medieval hilltop villages.
Our region is also a gastronomic capital offering exceptional food and wine (Bergerac alone boats three Michelin starred restaurants), stunning vineyards, friendly locals, beautiful weather and variety of activities. Quite simply, it is paradise.
From Bergerac airport and train station, we are a 15-minute drive (transportation is provided). There are direct flights to Bergerac from London and other UK airports, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. For arrivals from Bordeaux, by train we are approximately 80 minutes to the Bergerac train station. From Paris, Bordeaux is approximately two hours by TGV train from Montparnasse station.
THE VENUE
Our estate includes three separate buildings comprising the Manor House, Dovecote and Stables. We invite you to be more than a student; be our country-house guest fully enjoying the facilities including the living room with a large working fireplace and double aspect widows with views onto the meadow and pond. Or a view onto the front water feature from where the serene trickle of the fountain can be heard through open windows. Most bedrooms are ensuite or with a private bathroom. The kitchen is perfect for dining-in at breakfast time. Extensive outdoor dining areas are available for lunch, whilst the large dining room welcomes you for dinner. Take time to browse through our collection of carefully chosen etiquette books in the well-stocked library before venturing to the stunning terrace overlooking the garden, which is the perfect place for a pre-dinner apéritif.
Free time can be spent taking a swim in the heated outdoor pool, playing tennis or croquet, or even horseback riding on the nearby trails. Alternatively, you may simply choose to relax with a book in hand under one of the mature shady trees or enjoy a picnic beside the stream that borders the grounds.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Since this is a country house, high-heels would be best replaced by wedges and for gentlemen (during Train-the-Trainer/Certification programmes) neck ties are not required. Ladies, while you may choose not to wear your pearls everyday, you may still wish to pack them for The French Touch's elegant dinner party. The vibe of Le Manoir is one of relaxed elegance, where you can truly enjoy the art of gracious living and some special me-time.