For this third edition of In the footsteps of James Bond, we meet at the Castle of Anet, one of the most emblematic places of the saga. On the agenda: an immersion in the heart of the legendary pregeneric dOperation Thunder.
The Castle of Anet – Yearand (Eure-et-Loire)
The day starts under a light grayness that will quickly give way to the sun, faithful to the atmosphere of the film — but with temperatures much more mild than the -5°C recorded during the shooting in February 1965. About 15 participants gather in front of the castle's doors, where everyone receives a false death report on behalf of Jacques Bouvard, invitation to join the Royal chapel located in the courtyard.
On their arrival, one Aston Martin DB6 Rutilante, stationed exactly at the location of James Bond's DB5, immediately attracts all eyes. Participants then recover a 44 pages souvenir booklet, richly illustrated with unpublished photos and detailing the shooting of the sequence. This document will accompany them throughout the morning.
To the sound of the famous Gunbarrel, the doors of the chapel open, immerse the group in the unique atmosphere of the first minutes of the film. Inside, Marc Berthelod, a former choir child present during the shooting in 1965, shares his memories with emotion and enthusiasm.
The group then heads to the other side of the castle. One Lincoln Continental Stretch Limousine — model unique in France — then the main drive up to the rhythm of the notes of John Barry, faithfully rejoicing the arrival of Jacques Bouvard. A moment as spectacular as immersive.
Participants then climbDiane staircase before access to the Guard Room, theatre of the famous confrontation between Bond and Bouvard. On the spot, they discover the complexity of editing this iconic scene. One stop in the Diane's room also allows to evoke an unknown photo session performed with Claudine Auger during shooting.
But one of the highlights of the day is still waiting for the group: access to the Castle terrace, usually closed to the public and exceptionally open for the occasion. A first. On site, a faithful replica of the Rocket Belt, directed by Luca Brignoni, awaits the participants. Equipped with pilot helmet Bill Suitor, everyone can put on the jet pack and, thanks to some special effects, experience the illusion of taking off from the terrace. One unique immersive experience.
Back in the courtyard, a group photo immortalizes this moment in front of the chapel, surrounded by two iconic vehicles of the day.
Lunch continues at Anet Manor, in the footsteps of the film team. In this refined setting, close to the castle, the participants enjoy a privileged time of exchange with the guests. The choice of small group, desired by the organizer, allows everyone to fully experience this parenthesis in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The meal ends with the delivery of a exclusive goodie : a numbered replica of the 1/15 scale jet pack, made by François Finas, which is very successful among all participants.
At 14:00, the group joined the Renaissance Interpretation Centre to attend a conference of Nicolas Biaugeaud, director, came to share his experience on great productions, including Mission: Impossible. One scientific interlude completes this procedure with a demonstration reproducing the chemical reaction behind the propulsion of the jet pack.
The day ends in front of the castle, at the very place where the pre-generic ends, with the presence of theAston Martin allowing to recreate one last iconic cliché. A perfect conclusion for a day out of time, which marks both participants and organizers.
Once again, this experience shows that it is possible to provide a unique Bondian adventure in a friendly atmosphere. A huge thank you to Didier and Hugo Abauzit, François Finas and Luca Brignoni, to Jean de Yturbe, owner of Castle of Anet, and Nadège Wanner and his husband Dave for the quality of his visit.
In the footsteps of James Bond will return!
In the continuity of this event, the Renaissance Interpretation Centre d'Anet in 2027 a Temporary exposure dedicated to the shooting ofOperation Thunder Anet in 1965.
This blog shares my travel experiences, from unavoidable destinations to the most original and exclusive places. Each article is the result of careful work and a real time investment. If you use this information elsewhere or for your own adventures, consider citing your sources and thanking – that's what I do myself, and it's always fun.
Julien Abauzit (JaBoz)
