La Freslonnière: A Family Adventure Led by Women

How did each of you come to your role at the golf club?

[Véronique] After gaining professional experience in Rennes and then Paris for around five years, returning to my family's land felt like the obvious choice a few months before the golf course opened. It was a meaningful life decision. I joined La Freslonnière in 1988, at the age of 26.

[Cassandre] I first spent eight years working in the hospitality industry, in several establishments, including three years at Les Ormes Estate, before joining La Freslonnière. I had always wanted to work here, to be part of the estate's life and help preserve everything my family had built. I initially thought I would join the restaurant team, but when a position became available at the golf reception, I saw it as an opportunity to learn something new. It has now been five years since I joined the estate, and my role has gradually evolved—from Reception Assistant to Head of Reception, and now Assistant Manager. My goal has always been to keep learning so I can continue improving.

You represent two different generations. What strengths does each of you bring to the development of La Freslonnière?

One brings the benefit of experience, the ability to step back and put situations into perspective, and a management style rooted in kindness and consideration.
The other brings the energy of youth, a fresh perspective in tune with the times, an eagerness to learn, and a forward-looking vision for the future of the estate.

What are the advantages and challenges of working as a family?

The advantages are certainly:

- Sharing a very special, deeply rooted motivation that helps us face any challenges we encounter.
- The mutual support we are able to give one another.
- The energy and confidence that come from the shared feeling of contributing to the life and future of the estate.

The challenge is that it can sometimes—perhaps even always!—be difficult to separate work from family life, as the two are so closely intertwined.

How do you work together on a daily basis to provide golfers with the best possible experience?
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Communication is key, both between the two of us and with the rest of our team, who play an essential role in delivering the best possible experience for our guests. Being readily available and responsive is equally important.

How do you view the evolution of women's roles in the golf industry?

Women clearly have their place in every area of the golf industry and at every level of responsibility. Over the past twenty years or so, things have moved in a very positive direction. We are seeing more women in leadership positions and in roles that were once considered the preserve of men, such as golf course maintenance.

If you had to name one thing that makes La Freslonnière truly unique and worth discovering for Golfy members, what would it be?

We invite Golfy members to discover a true haven of nature—a peaceful retreat just outside Rennes, the capital of Brittany.
They may even be lucky enough to spot roe deer, squirrels, rabbits, and other wildlife roaming freely around the course.
Course architect Alain du Bouëxic designed the layout across 60 hectares of the château's parkland, in the heart of an ancient forest that comes alive each spring with magnificent rhododendron blooms.
It is a truly special place, where a warm, friendly, family atmosphere is part of the experience.

The Domaine de la Freslonnière has been the cradle of the family since the 12th century. Inhabited and passed down from generation to generation, it embodies a living heritage, sustained by a constant commitment to preserving, enhancing, and ensuring the longevity of this exceptional estate.

Over the years, each generation has contributed to this mission, bringing its own expertise and vision.

Madame d’Alincourt, granddaughter of the Freslon family, notably gave new momentum to the estate by developing several activities that have given it both a tourist and economic dimension:

- the opening of the 18-hole golf course in 1989, which has been a member of the Golfy network since 1996;
- the creation of the restaurant;
- the development of accommodation within the château, including guest rooms, gîtes, and studios.

The following generations have continued this commitment. Véronique, Thierry (†) and Arnaud, her children, as well as Cassandre, her granddaughter, are now involved in the life of the estate and each contribute in their own way to keeping this historic place alive while preparing for its future.

Golf de la Freslonnière
Le Bois Briand
35650 Le Rheu
Tél. : 02 99 14 84 09.
www.golfdelafreslonniere.com