FLYING TO PARIS
Below you will find a list of airline carriers who offer direct, nonstop flights from the US to Paris.
Each airport that has a nonstop flight option available is listed under the airline carrier.
PASSPORT REMINDER
It is required to have at least six-month's validity remaining on your passport whenever you travel abroad. Check the expiration date on your passport carefully before traveling to Europe – especially children's passports, which are valid five years, not 10 years like those issued to U.S. citizens aged 16 and older.
CDG AIRPORT TIPS
The French love their signage and there was no difficulty navigating to the baggage claim and exit of the airport. You will find “exit” and “luggage” clearly written in English under the french. After exiting the plane simply follow those signs. Once you have collected your bags and are at the exit, you will see a large glass partition wall before the final exit of the airport. You will see signage for Taxi, RideShare, Train/Metro, Bus, and Rental Car. The CDG airport is about a 40-45 min drive from Paris.
If you are opting to take a Taxi, when you are following the signage you will see a collection of people in the area where private drivers would pick you up. If they ask if you need a taxi, just say no. These are a scam and will cost you more. Continue past them and you will see a designated line for taxi with an official airport attendee. They will assign you to a proper taxi.
For a more detailed explanation we recommend watching these youtube videos:
FROM PARIS TO THE CHATEAU
Closest to the Chateau there are two cities that offer transportation from Paris. Both cities are a 45 min drive to the Chateau. We do not recommend renting a car in Paris or attempting to drive in or around Paris.
ANGERS, FRANCE
There is a train offered out of the Paris Montparnasse train station (this is central Paris, not near CDG) to the Angers St Laud train station. If you are staying in Paris you can take a quick uber or taxi to this train station. If you are not spending time in Paris ahead of the wedding and are simply just trying to get to the Chateau, we would not recommend this option as it will be easier to grab a connecting flight to Nantes from the CDG airport.
Managing the train station can be alot for those who are not familiar. It is manageable but please note it can be stressful for first timers. Once at Montparnasse Train Station, you will want to locate the closest board listing the upcoming trains. There are many locations where you can find one. Continue watching until you are able to find your train number. The station your train is coming into may not show until 10 mins before your train's arrival. This can leave you needing to dash to the station within 10 mins of the train arrival. Once at the station you may not be able to walk to your section until 2 mins before departure. This can leave you very limited time to board the train. It is manageable but be prepared for this scenario. As you are boarding it is clearly stated on the side of the train each coach number. Once at your coach you will see signage inside about where seats are located (left, right, or above). Luggage space can be limited so first you want to find your seat and find the closest luggage storage. Once the train takes off it is a smooth beautiful ride. Stations are announced clearly. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the ride.
We would recommend this option but it is not for everyone. If you are carrying a lot of luggage and traveling alone, this may not be a feasible option as boarding time is short and you may not be familiar with the station. Attendants are not all english speaking and help can be limited. It is a beautiful ride and could be a good fit.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRAIN TICKET
NANTES, FRANCE
4th largest city in France! If you are just coming for the wedding and have no plans before the wedding, we recommend flying into CDG and adding a connecting flight to Nantes from CDG airport. If you are spending time in Paris and prefer the flight option, please note you will need to plan enough time to get to CDG from Paris (about 90 mins) and allow enough time to get through security at the airport. This will be more time consuming than using the train alternative but is a more familiar process for most. If you have a lot of luggage and are traveling alone, we would recommend this option over the train. If you are traveling from another city in France or a country in Europe, Nantes is a major hub for flights across Europe and you will likely be able to find a direct flight to Nantes.
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Please let us know which option you will take:
We are actively coordinating a bus to pick up guests in either Nantes or Angers depending on guest demand. When you RSVP please fill out the google form to let us know what city you will be arriving to for bus pick up.
PROJECTED COSTS
This trip is an all inclusive experience. For detailed information, read below or watch our private youtube video we made! There will be two available package costs based on your accommodation selection. $1500 per person for the coach house and $2000 per person for the Chateau. From bus pick up on the 9th to bus drop off on the 12th, this package includes all needed meals, beverages, transportation, and accommodations. No additional expenses should be expected during the 3 day wedding event unless you request additional services during your stay.
When you RSVP and pay a deposit, you will automatically have a room reserved.
This package does not include flights or transportation previous to bus pick up on July 9th or bus drop off on July 12th. RSVP by June 1 and full payment by June 5th.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Upon arrival at either Angers or Nantes, we will be coordinating with you via text and the Google form to see which location is ideal to be provided a charter bus on July 9th.
This bus will then take you to check in at Château Chalain. There will be a standard check in process from the staff of the château as well as a welcome cocktail located in the giraffe bar. Once you have time to relax and refresh, we invite you to join our welcome party that will take place at 7PM in the outdoor gazebo area.
On July 10, Breakfast will be provided from 8AM to 10AM. This will include a heavy style continental breakfast. 9 AM rehearsal for the wedding party will begin. At 10AM we have a planned tour bus to pick us up at the Château and transport us to angers France, where we will be greeted by our tour guide for the Chateau d’Angers, and a tour of the beautiful historic city of angers until 1:30PM. Afterward, we will be transported to a local winery where we will as well as be provided some medium hors d’oeuvres upon completion of this will be transported back to Château Challain, arriving at around 5PM to allow everyone to refresh and get ready for the evening activity. At 8 PM we will be partaking in a masquerade ball, which, as we noted, will be themed, black and red, so black dresses, red dresses, black and white dresses for women and primarily dark black tie, optional for men. Masks will be provided by the Château.
Thursday, July 11 is the wedding day. Breakfast will be provided at the château main dining hall at 8 AM to 10 AM. Brunch will be provided for at 11:00AM – 1:30PM. Our wedding ceremony takes place at 5 PM at the church however we do request that everyone gather in the main dining hall main lobby area for ushers to take everyone to the church service. Cocktail hour, reception, dinner, cake cutting, etc. will take place following the ceremony and then dancing afterwards until 2AM!
July 12 farewell breakfast will be provided from 8AM to 10:30 AM. Check out begins at 11:30 AM and we are scheduled to have a bus to take back to either the international airport or the train station.
NEED ASSISTANCE WITH TRAVEL PLANS?
For any of our guests who are needing help booking their travel including their flights, rental cars, private transportation or any other details pertaining to travel, we are working with an amazing travel agent named Tori Stapleton who is available to help all of our guests with their travel! Click the button below to email Tori!