MANILA, Philippines – The world’s most expensive wines are those that are produced and bottled in wine estates of the Bordeaux region in France whose names are preceded by the word château – Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, and Château Lafite Rothschild are those which top the list. The term “chateau” is a mark of excellence.

That is the same distinguished air that is carried in South Forbes Golf City, the largest fully-integrated and all-themed golf resort city along the Sta. Rosa–Tagaytay corridor. To residents especially in its new French quarter, Châteaux de Paris, excellence marks their territory.

Châteaux de Paris in this community is fit for royalty. From the entrance avenue, one can already capture the elegance of the enclave. The tree-lined and lighted main avenue is reminiscent of the Champs Elysée which guides the eyes to the first visible feature, The Clock Tower, the centerpiece of The Central Rotunda from which residents can watch over their dominion.

Then there is the Grand Clubhouse.

An intricate French garden is laid out like a red carpet in front. Along with the colorful field of flowers, hedges, and topiary, a series of reflecting pools surround the clubhouse entirely like a castle moat.

Entering the huge main lobby is a breathtaking experience encouraged by music from a grand piano that lies beneath an elegant grand staircase. This is the perfect venue for a young lady’s début or a village soirée. On regular days, families can frequent the swimming pool or taste the café’s hors d’oeuvre selection at the al fresco lanai.

But the most unique feature is the watchtower accessible from the mezzanine in which the landing is higher than the hipped roof. Residents can climb its steps to reach the top and take time viewing the whole enclave.

Walking along the streets of this neighborhood is like passing through a shopping district where boutique windows feature the latest in fashion. But here, however, elegant chateaus rule.

This part of South Forbes City presents a taste of French design styles in four model homes: the classical Chambord with its princess-ly turret, the contemporary Chantilly for big families, the modern Fontainebleau which suits the erudite, and the Rambouillet bungalow ideal for retirees.

Each comes with a unique layout to match the varying preferences of different homeowners.

Now adorning Châteaux de Paris’ cobblestoned streets are its latest additions to the royal family: the elegant Louvre, the charming Clermont, and the lovely Lafayette. With the concept of the enclave revolving around the splendor of French gardens like that of the French capital, there will be more garden space in each of these new homes.

The whole enclave is divided into four quadrants, each featuring a uniquely themed garden yet similar in exuding the Parisian environment.

To the north is the French Pavilion where a circular dome offers ample seats and benches for residents to while away time. To the south is the Theatre, inspired by French outdoor theaters common during the 18th century.

Performances can be staged by families at its elevated platform.

The Green Hall lies to the east where a tree-lined hallway leads towards a central water fountain and a feature wall. Its open lawns are multi-purpose spaces for recreation and play. An interesting landmark to the west is l’Orangerie, inspired by the orchards that cultivated the then exotic orange fruit from East Asia in the 18th century. The Orangery will likely feature the local citrus dayap.

When the residents in the Paris side look for leisure, the pleasure of a round of golf will be next door. All South Forbes residents are entitled to free membership to the world-class 18-hole Golf and Leisure Club at no activation cost. When they are traveling the world, residents have privileged access and special discounts to over 42 other golf and sports clubs worldwide through the affiliation shared with the IMG Sports Club.

It comes as no surprise that this property project is the recipient of the Best Golf Community Development by the 2007 CNBC International Property Awards, a prestigious property awards program. Recently, South Forbes was recipient of the Highly Commended Award for Best Development by the 2010 Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Residential Award.