Tapovan

Hello Alexandre, you're not dreaming—you’ve arrived in the beautiful Cauchois countryside, discovered by an Indian sage from Gujarat who envisioned establishing an Ayurvedic center in France. He chose Sassetot-le-Mauconduit, a small village with a poetic name, known for its grand château, where Empress Sissi once stayed for many months. In secret, she would descend to the beach of Les Petites Dalles, diving with delight into the jade-colored waters, framed by ochre and yellow cliffs.

How many artists have wandered along this very beach, seeking inspiration, chasing the light? I’ve walked here with Yehudi Menuhin and Kiran Vyas, listening to them discuss the beauty of Indian culture as the sun dipped into the sea. It was as though they had rediscovered each other in this life—a profound meeting of the heart that never ceased to amaze me. Our beloved Maestro has since left this world, but in his name, we continue his legacy, bringing artists to the peaceful haven Kiran created—Tapovan. A sanctuary where trees, flowers, and birds coexist in harmony. A place that opens the heart and inspires the soul, where we always return with joy. It’s here that we’ve created so many beautiful musical works, and met such wonderful people.

Today, we’re here to share the artistic vision of our Green Tales project, which brings together children's storytelling with nature discovery. Artists from Turkey, Iceland, Germany, and Spain join experts from Greece, France, Italy, and Belgium. So many cultures converge in the microcosm of Tapovan—a dwelling beyond time, sheltered from the world's noise, deep in the heart of the Cauchois countryside.

This is where you are, Alexandre: a little paradise on earth, nestled in the Normandy bocage, bringing together cultures from across the globe, nurturing and inspiring them to flourish elsewhere. Tapovan, the dream of a wise man, continues to draw wisdom from far and wide.

I’m delighted to welcome you to this place you can now call home, and to introduce you to a dimension you might not have known before, but which I am certain will inspire you for years to come.

This text was written by Marianne Poncelet, Director of the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation and writer: part 2. 

We used 2 AI tools for translation, correction and enhancement in English - from the French version: the free versions of DeepL and Chat GPT as of 11/09/2024 for part I and part II. 

Alexandre Leforestier instructed the AI tools from the original versions: “Can you come up with an improved version in English? ” 

Our story is an authentic duet to mark the launch of the Green Tales project dedicated to creation: a project imagined and orchestrated by the Yehudi Menuhin International Foundation. 

The first Green Tales residency took place at Tapovan in the village of Sassetot le Mauconduit.