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There’s a long tradition of Americans working to preserve monuments abroad. Of France’s architectural triumphs, philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. wrote: “These are not only national, but international treasures, for which France is trustee.” With that sentiment in mind, Michèle le Menestrel Ullrich founded the French Heritage Society twenty-five years ago. Since then, the U.S.-based non-profit has contributed $10 million (including matching funds) to the restoration of more than 400 chateaux, churches and gardens in France as well as organized cultural exchanges, trips and educational programs. As part of its 25th anniversary celebration this year, the French Heritage Society will offer a special fall program of private tours and parties, culminating with a ball at Château de Vaux le Vicomte on October 13th. Indagare asked world traveler and Francophile Lisa Wolf to discuss the benefits of traveling with the French Heritage Society, which she did for the first time last fall.

What was special about traveling with Friends of French Heritage? The unbelievable access: I lived in Paris for six years, and even my French friends were amazed at the itinerary. On a recent FHS trip to Paris for the Antiques Biennale, we toured Coco Chanel’s private apartments, which are never open to the public. (A French fashion designer friend was quite envious.) We were also given a private viewing of the Costume Institute archives and a dinner at the home of a renowned antiques dealer. We visited the studio of a well-known pastel artist and watched him work. We breakfasted at the home of a longtime Île Saint-Louis resident, and afterward she led us on a personal walking tour of her island. Of course we had a private driver throughout the trip. And we didn’t eat dinner in a single restaurant—only in exquisite homes. Lunches were often at bistros, but even then Princess Marie-Sol de La Tour d’Auvergne (our guide and FHS President) always had an insider’s connection to the owners.

Who were your fellow travelers? People who love France and are interested in things money can’t buy and experiences that can’t be replicated. FHS hosts trips for people with interests in food, wine, fashion, furniture, architecture—everything. There were twenty guests including me, but FHS can accommodate 10-125 people, depending on the situation. Some French is spoken, but fluency isn’t necessary. Most of them were in their early 50s to mid 70s. Being in my 40s, I was the youngest person, and I’ve kept in touch with almost everyone from the trip. It’s not group travel; it’s travel with like-minded future friends.

Did you have any complaints about your trip? Our days were so full that I only had one hour to shop the entire time!

What does the French Heritage Society do with the funds that it raises through travel? Through donations, the society helps with everything from restoring historic châteaux, churches and gardens in France to rebuilding architecturally significant French-Creole homes around New Orleans through the Katrina Heritage Rescue Fund. French monuments and masterpieces belong to all of western civilization, and FHS wants to preserve them for future generations.

What is FHS’s next journey? The French Heritage Society’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations in France, October 8-14, 2007. This will be an unforgettable voyage from Paris to Bordeaux. We will have private tours and lunches and dinners every day, including lunch at the Château Haut-Brion with the Duchesse de Mouchy, dinner at the Château d’Yquem and a night on the charming Ile de Ré.

October trip starts at $2,500 per person.