From the Creuse with Love: ChAteau de Montflour Steps into the Global Spotlight

There’s something quietly powerful happening in the heart of France. In a valley only a lucky few had heard of five years ago, a once-forgotten château is finding its voice again – and it’s singing in a proudly South African accent, with a distinctly international harmony.

Château de Montflour, nestled between the small town of Boussac and UN-recognised Aubusson in the Creuse region, is no longer just a passion project for Christo Lindeque and a small group of South African investors. It’s becoming a destination. A conversation starter. A canvas for creativity. A meeting place for talent, tastemakers and travellers from around the world.

The 2025 European summer marks the château’s soft-launch season. That means select media, influencers, creatives and early guests are getting a first look – and in true Montflour style, nothing is half-done. It’s a working launch: feedback is being listened to, fine-tuning is under way, and the stories are already flowing. If you want in for 2026, best to mail chateaudemontflour@gmail.com soon – booking enquiries are already piling up and rooms are limited. Trust us: this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many are already calling unforgettable.

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Montflour on the Move – Media, Musicians and Magic

In mid-July, Montflour played host to a dynamic group of guests who reflect exactly what this place stands for: collaboration, imagination and a touch of the unexpected.

This was no ordinary media trip. With Currency, Media24, GoodThingsGuy, Urban Espresso PR and the Sunday Times represented, we knew something special was brewing. What followed exceeded expectations – and what’s already been published is just the beginning.

With the next trip kicking off today, followers are in for a treat! Nadia Nakai, one of Africa’s most streamed and celebrated musicians, brings her star power and her storytelling lens. Her MTV base ensures millions get a glimpse of where she goes – and her latest music video Sipthipithi (if you haven’t seen it, do) already hints at the beauty and boldness Montflour inspires. Her manager, the sharp and visionary Phindile Matroshe, adds behind-the-scenes brilliance.

South African band RAAF (Este and Lourens) will be joining with their signature soul. Their music has echoed across South Africa and beyond – and their presence at Montflour feels like a homecoming of sorts. Este is also working on 100 Gedigte vir 100 Jaar Afrikaans – a project we’re proud to support – and word is that some of these poems will be available for sale to the Boussac-based South African community, with some of the proceeds supporting the ATKV. And while we won’t say too much, keep your eyes on Le Rembucher (home of the fabulous Louis Jansen van Vuuren and Hardy Olivier) for a potential RAAF pop-up performance #justsaying.

Also on the trip: radio royalty Relebogile Mabotja (702) and her brother Obakeng. Relebogile has a gift for unearthing hidden gems and travel treasures – and Urban Espresso’s Gabbi Brondani ensured the experience will be shared far and wide. Expect honest, joyful reflections on their time at Montflour soon.

Adding flair and fashion? None other than Gert-Johan Coetzee and his husband Vicky. From Disney to the Met Gala, Gert’s designs turn heads – and hearts. His latest creations for us ordinary folk can be found at shopgert.com, or he can be contacted for a bespoke piece of magic. Vicky’s content – already picked up by leading South African lifestyle platforms – brings that global-local fusion we love. Yes, South Africans play on the world stage, and they play with style.

Author Johannes Bertus de Villiers rounds out the guest list. His latest novel Op reis na ’n klooster in die sneeu sold out at the recent Vrystaat Kunstefees, and he’s joining Carel (that’s me!) in October at the EasyEquities Skrywersfees at the Woordfees in Stellenbosch. Johannes will also be hosting a special two-hour session at Montflour on joy, mindfulness and presence – drawn from his best-selling book Blydskap: Wenke vir ’n vreugdevolle lewe. Practical, powerful and very Montflour.

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French Roots. Global Reach. South African Heart.

Montflour may be part of the growing South African diaspora in the Creuse – a group we continue to be inspired by – but make no mistake: it’s fully integrated into the French community. From language and local sourcing to partnerships with artists and chefs, this is a space that honours its new home. And helps others discover it.

During their stay, the Montflour group will visit Chez Sunell – the exquisite home and shop of South African expat Sunell Kotze. Think food that sings, décor that delights, and an eye for quirky, unforgettable finds. Everything is for sale. And everything has a story. Sunell is off to Base Camp Everest soon, but before then she’s ensuring our Montflour guests experience some of her exceptional hosting.

Also on the itinerary: a session with world-renowned sculptor Adriaan Diedericks, who has a foundry nearby and continues to shape contemporary art with an African lens.

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CN&CO – Telling the Stories that Matter

A final word of thanks to the CN&CO team – particularly the PR and Travel squads led by Rikus Kok, Colin Ford and our partner Gabbi Brondani – who helped make this trip, and this chapter of Montflour’s story, possible. From logistics to media management, from brand insights to storytelling with heart, this is what partnership looks like.

Montflour isn’t just a building. It’s a platform. A promise. And it’s only just getting started. CN&CO is proud to have supported the team and we look forward to seeing how Christo, Cristina, Hansie and the crew take it forward. Like all our partnerships, we stay involved in some shape or form – so expect to hear more from us too.

Château de Montflour is where South African soul meets French finesse, where bold dreams take root and global stories unfold. This is just the beginning. Come be part of it.