By Claude Amar
Picture this: four IAM members gathered around a table at Le Relais du Bois, a charming bistro nestled near the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. The year was marked by ICC Mediation Week, and Thierry Garby, Michel Kallipetis, Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, and Claude Amar found themselves savoring both the cuisine and each other’s company for the second time at this very spot.
As the evening unfolded, one of them posed a question that would change everything: “What if we made this bistro our official venue for the IAM European Chapter?”
The beauty of the moment wasn’t lost on any of them — two Brits and two Frenchies, minds meeting in perfect harmony. A small miracle, really, considering the history between their nations.
That spark of inspiration grew into something magnificent. Year after year, they returned each February for what became known as the “Dîner de la Crème de la Crème” — a gathering that would draw the world’s leading mediators to their little corner of Paris. The tradition flourished, welcoming practitioners from across the globe who came to share in both the exceptional food and the even more exceptional conversations.
The circle felt incomplete in 2021 when Thierry’s chair remained empty. He had passed away that January, leaving behind not just his colleagues but a legacy of bringing people together across cultures and continents.
Now, honoring that spirit, we’re ready to expand this beautiful tradition. Our beloved February dinner will continue, but we’re adding something extraordinary: the IAM European Retreat at the Château de Guermantes each fall.
The château carries its own literary magic — immortalized by Marcel Proust in “À la recherche du temps perdu” (In Search of Lost Time). Today, its historic dovecote and barn have been transformed into intimate meeting spaces, while the grand gallery, with its paintings and gilding reminiscent of Versailles, provides a timeless backdrop for meaningful gatherings.
Beyond the walls, the grounds offer their own invitation to reflection. The idyllic park, designed by the renowned landscape architect Le Nôtre, beckons with its tranquil pond, shaded walkways, and carefully tended gardens. Each of the 112 rooms pays homage to France’s greatest poets, creating an atmosphere where creativity and contemplation naturally flourish.
From October 3-5, we’ll settle into this enchanting setting, weaving together workshops and leisurely walks through the park. It’s more than a retreat — it’s a celebration of the connections that make our work meaningful and the friendships that make it joyful.
We can hardly wait to share this special time together.
If you are interested in attending, please email Claude Amar.