As guests gathered in the lobby of Le Meurice and at the George V hotel for the two-hour motorcoach ride to Chateau du Champ de Bataille in the Normandy countryside, the casual observer would have been hard-pressed to determine exactly what was going on.

A costume party? A group riding lesson? A Fellini movie?

In reality, which seemed suspended on this day, supporters of Liaisons au Louvre II were on their way for an afternoon in the country featuring tours of the chateau's expansive gardens and its historic interiors and a candlelight dinner. Maybach, the luxury brand of Mercedes Benz, sponsored the outing to the 17th-century chateau and magnificent formal gardens that were restored by the evening's host France's renowned interior designer and chateau owner Jacques Garcia.

A number of those savoring these three days of partying took the early afternoon motorcoach to the chateau for the opportunity to test drive the spectacular vehicles, priced from around $300,000 upward. It was indeed a joy ride for Michael Plank, who was behind the wheel when, at 100 mph, he zoomed past a gendarme only to be pulled over. His passenger, Houston attorney Ron Simon, had already had his spin. No ticket — just lots of explanation and friendly persuasion.

Motoring from Paris to the chateau in a Maybach convertible (top up on this rainy day) were Liaisons au Louvre II chair Becca Cason Thrash and husband (and CultureMap minority investor) John Thrash along with Greggory and Pat Burk.

Very nice, but there was at least one guest who arrived by helicopter (still researching that one). Jewelry designer David Yurman and wife Sybil were driven out in a chauffered Mercedes as were a few other savvy celebrants.

While there has been some rumbling in the luxury car industry that Daimler might discontinue the brand, this party — with no expense spared — was clear indication of the future of Maybach. Photographers filmed and shot stills of the entire proceedings that saw the six-figure autos parked dramatically across the chateau courtyard. Ruinart champagne flowed and a flock of uniformed waiters passed hors d'ouevres while Paris' top caterer prepared the lavish buffet dinner for the well-heeled gathering.

That visual confusion at the points of departure was created by the merrymakers who displayed vast differences in costuming for the chateau adventure. There were women in designer jodphurs, most in boots, women in head-to-toe Ralph Lauren, women in suede skirts, women in cocktail dresses and one woman in ankle-length wedding white looking as if an altar in Aspen were her destination.

This day was, without question, the fashion challenge of any of the parties benefiting the Louvre. Printed recommendations suggested "High country attire: Think elegant sportive: Hermès, Ralph Lauren . . ." Diane Lokey Farb took it literally, donning the best in stylish riding attire that Hermès offered.

The gents were no less creative in their fashion choices though we applauded those in linen jackets, open shirt collars and slacks. Duran Duran's John Taylor wore a three-piece hipster black and white plaid suit with lavender shirt while Cerón, fresh from Charles de Gaulle, strutted in a navy jacket, riding britches and boots — a walking ad for Hermes. Dallas' Todd Fiscus on the other hand wore a summery seersucker suit.

Fashion/society blogger Derek Blasberg of New York was boyish in his bagging pants, striped T and neck scarf while his pal, Cameron Silver, founder of LA's swank resale shop Decades, went natty in sports coat and skinny tie.

The late afternoon tableau vivant with sun darting in and out between ominous rain clouds was eventually rained upon — heavily. It sent guests scurrying for the elegantly-decorated mews. The famed interior designer and chateau owner has transformed the two wings of the former stables into a lavish nightclub-style setting reminiscent of Costes in Paris, which he also designed, with plenty of deep-colored velvets and golden fringe.

Members of the partying throng found their places at various cocktail tables in velvet covered chairs and banquettes, chandeliers overhead providing light beyond that of the candles that illumined each tabletop. Los Angeles party planner Ben Bourgeois and Houston events planner extraordinaire Richard Flowers sat tete-a-tete at a table with Meg Goodman and Mike Bonini. Marcia Backus and Mike Hood made their way to an intimate table as did Stephanie and Bill Perkins, Judith Oudt, and Joanna Barrett with hubby Todd Alan Brooks.