N America News May 2017

NORTHAMERICANEWS / MAY 2017 93 , A Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast brings true Cajun hospitality and homeliness together for the perfect getaway. After their success in achieving the Best Bayou Side Accommodation - Lafourche Parish award, we took the opportunity to profile the firm’s work inmore detail. A Cajun Home from Home Claudette L. Pitre opened A Chateau on the Bayou in 2006. Following the death of her Mother, Claudette learned of animal rescue workers sleeping in tough conditions and staying in hot tents nearby – and worried for their safety as stormy weather was on its way and hurricane Katrina was fresh in the minds of residents. She knew that she could not risk letting them sleep in bad conditions for another night, so she invited them into her home, cooked her now- famous Cajun food and offered them some comfort for the night. From this experience, Claudette decides that hospitality was her calling in life and she committed herself to transforming her 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house into a cozy respite for travelers and holiday makers visiting the area. She took heirlooms, decorative items and trinkets passed down from her mother’s estate to pay tribute to her in the bed and breakfasts’ décor, visited local organizations and read, with enthusiasm, anything that would teach her how to create a successful B&B. After successfully receiving her licenses, Claudette began inviting guests to stay with her and states that, before they left they had come to feel ‘more like family’ to her, than guests. The chateau is located 30 minutes from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 10 minutes from Thibodaux, and 15 minutes from Houma, Luling and Larose. Claudette believes that the convenient location is one of the main reasons her venture is so successful. However, she also claims that she has visitors who return again and again, rather than exploring new pastures. These guests have become like family to Claudette and they favor her hospitality and native Cajun home-cooked food to an al-inclusive hotel, as the ‘home from home’ vibe is more comforting and enjoyable. The four-bedroom bed and breakfast has many luxurious features which give it a sense of pure relaxation and enjoyment, without the extravagance of over-the-top décor or pretense. Claudette provides a full, deluxe continental breakfast, an accessible laundry facility for guests to use and amenities such as internet connectivity, telephone, cable TV and an on- call massage therapist. Claudette says that the best part of her B&B experience is the experiences and shared knowledge that comes from bringing different cultures together. As a proud Cajun native, Claudette enjoys sharing stories of her pre-B&B worldwide travels and loves listening to her guests’ stories and home comforts, whilst making her home-cooked Cajun meals and encompassing her guests in traditional Cajun hospitality and welcoming comfort. Claudette’s qualifications extend far beyond her ability to welcome people into her home, cook great food and provide her guests with great comfort and the warmth of home. She is also a member of the Professional Association of International innkeepers, LA Bed & breakfasts, Lafourche Chamber of Commerce, the Louisiana travel promotion Association and Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce. A true businesswoman and community champion, merged with the warm and comforting nature needed to be a successful and revered Bed & Breakfast owner. Company: A Chateau on the Bayou Bed & Breakfast Name: Claudette L. Pitre Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.achateauonthebayou.com Address: 3158 Hwy. 308 Raceland, LA. 70394 Telephone: (985) 537-6773 or (985) 413-6773 NAE17048