The 1st annual “Semana de Francia” organized by the French-Dominican Chamber of Commerce and Casa de Campo with the support of the French Embassy in the Dominican Republic was formidable – a fantastique 4-day French-Dominican celebration of culture, cuisine and commerce, which included the 1st French-Dominican business forum with the participation of his excellency Dr. Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic.
With literally non-stop events and activities taking place over the 4-day period, here we bring you an overview of the entire event, with many more photos and coverage to be published soon!
Inauguration of the “Semana de Francia” in Altos de Chavón
On Thursday the 22nd of March 2012, the 1st annual “Semana de Francia” celebration was inaugurated in Altos de Chavón, which had been transformed into “un petit village français.” The official inauguration led by the elegant Blandine Kreiss, ambassador of France for the Dominican Republic was animated by the “Gran Orchestre de Rene Coll”.
Later, after the “ribbon cutting” with the participation of Manuel Grullón, Claudio Silvestri and Ramon Menéndez, Altos de Chavón’s cobbled streets overflowed with visitors enjoying the festival atmosphere, shopping at Carrefour and enjoying a cocktail at the new art exhibit by Michel Bizet.
The 1st French-Dominican business forum held at Casa de Campo’s newly remodeled conference center ‘Flamboyan’ was attended by more than 200 Caribbean, French and Dominican entrepreneurs, top executives and businessmen and women, who came together to discuss a variety of economic and commercial topics.
Highlight of the event was the address made by his excellency Dr. Leonel Fernández Reyna, the President of the Dominican Republic, who proclaimed the Dominican Republic a “trampoline” for commerce between France and The Americas.
Gastronomic pinnacle of the “Semana de Francia” was the “Exquisite Flavors of France” Dinner-Gala, celebrated at the Beach Club by Le Cirque on Friday evening the 23rd of March 2012. More than 200 guests enjoyed fine French cuisine prepared by distinguished invited chefs; Gregory Pugin, executive chef of Le Cirque Las Vegas, and on behalf of “Domaine de Barbossi”, Robert Remi and Eric Bonneau, with each course paired with the perfect wine expertly selected by Franck Thomas, “Best Sommelier, Europe 2010.”
The undisputed stars of the show were undoubtedly the exquisite French wines, which included the very special Château Haut-Brion and a remarkable selection from the Domain de Barbossi. Rated “Premier Grand Cru Classé”, Château Haut-Brion is produced at the “Château Haut-Brion” estate in the Pessac-Léognan area in the Gironde region of France and is considered by many to be the creme de la creme of Bordeaux wines with a case worth upwards of US$3,000. Whilst the equally exceptional Domain de Barbossi wines, produced in another wine-making region of France, at the heart of the Esterel Massif in the French Riviera were markedly different, adding an extra dimension to the outstanding wine tasting aspect of this event, perfectly complimenting the wonderful flavors of the cuisine.
The “Copa Foro Empresarial Franco-Dominicano” Golf Tournament
The first chapter of the “Copa Foro Empresarial Franco-Dominicano” golf tournament was played on Saturday March the 24th on Casa de Campo’s beautiful Teeth of the Dog golf course. The 2nd chapter will be played in June on the beautiful golf course of “Riviera Golf de Barbossi” located in Mandelieu La Napoule, an enchanting little town in the bay of Cannes-Mandelieu on the Côte d’Azur.
The Claude Terrail Polo Tournament
On Friday and Saturday March the 23rd and 24th of March 2012, the “Claude Terrail” Polo Tournament was played between the Casa de Campo and “Domaine de Barbossi” polo teams. The tournament, in honor of the late Claude Terrail, owner of the famous restaurant “La Tour D’Argent” in Paris, was won by the “Domaine de Barbossi” team, much to the delight of the French guests.
The Grand Gala of French Music
Oh la la! The Grand Gala of French Music at the Altos de Chavón amphitheater was quiet a show – with the “Gran Orchestre de Rene Coll”, the Dominican-French jazz singer, Cyrille Aimee and CAN-CAN dancers!
Dinner in celebration of the Semana de Francia
Following the Grand Gala of French Music in the Altos de Chavón amphitheater, Clara and Iskandar Safa hosted a magnificent celebratory gala at their beautiful Casa de Campo villa “Casa de Madera” attended by more than 200 special guests, who enjoyed an delicious dinner prepared by distinguished invited chefs from the Domaine de Barbossi and paired with their exquisite fine wines.
After Party by Praia with DJ Stéphane Pompougnac
Attended by youngsters and revelers of the Casa de Campo community, as well as French guests, such as the performers of the “Gran Orchestre de Rene Coll” and Cyrille Aimee, the After Party by Praia featured guest DJ Stéphane Pompougnac.
Bright and early on Sunday morning the 25th of March 2012, more than 40 enthusiastic walkers took part in the “1st Caribbean Walkabout” from Minitas Beach to Altos de Chavón, which despite a refreshing downpour of rain, was a huge success!
The Walkabout Foundation founded by Carolina and Luis Gonzalez-Bunster, whose family are Casa de Campo villa owners, organise Walkabouts all over the world – raising money by “walking for those who cannot walk” to fund research into spinal injuries and paralysis, as well as to donate wheelchairs to those who need them in countries across the world from Haiti to Rwanda.
On Sunday morning the 25th of March, Marie-Ange Horlaville, the producer and TV Host of “art de vivre” luxury lifestyle living show, aired on “TV5 Monde” in France visited the Casa de Campo villa of Claudio Silvestri, where she interviewed Claudio as the President and CEO of Premier Resorts and Hotels, the management company for Casa de Campo.
Altos de Chavón – “un petit village français”
From the opening of the “Semana de Francia” on Thursday March the 22nd through to Sunday March the 25th 2012, the artist’s village of Altos de Chavón in Casa de Campo was transformed into “un petit village” français, with the gastronomic, technological and art fair, entertainment by stilt-walkers, mimes, and jugglers and beautiful art exhibits by Michel Bizet and Jean Pierre Frey.
Carrefour in Altos de Chavón
Constantly overflowing with shoppers was “Carrefour”, which proved so popular we have already heard rumors that this fantastic shop will remain open permanently in Altos de Chavón!
More PHOTOS and coverage of the “Semana de Francia” in Casa de Campo coming soon!
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