• Nestled between Bordeaux and Toulouse, the town of Agen rests in the heart of Southwestern France, surrounded by sun-soaked vineyards, gentle hills, and a rhythm of life that feels distinctly provincial.

    While the château will host a small number of family and wedding party members, there are many charming hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs nearby to suit every style of stay.

    We recommend booking as early as possible, as summer is a busy season in the region.

    Festivities will unfold over several days, beginning with the rehearsal dinner on Thursday evening (June 25th), followed by the wedding ceremony itself on Friday, June 26th, and culminating in a Farewell Brunch on Saturday, June 27th.

    We encourage guests to arrive by Wednesday, June 24, to settle in, recover from travel, and savor a quiet moment in the French countryside before the weekend begins.

    Please note that flights from North America typically arrive in France the following day. Be sure to account for this extra travel day when planning your itinerary.

  • Guests flying to the South of France may arrive via:

    1. Toulouse (TLS)

      • This is often the easiest and most flexible option. After arriving at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, it is a 20–30 minute taxi ride (or a straightforward airport bus) to Gare de Toulouse-Matabiau.There are frequent trains from Toulouse to Agen, so it is usually easiest to purchase your ticket upon arrival, rather than booking in advance.

    2. Bordeaux (BOD)

      1. While flights into Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport are often more expensive than those into Toulouse, the journey is just as straightforward. After landing, make your way to Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean, where frequent trains depart for Agen.

        Bordeaux is a beautiful city in its own right—known for its architecture, cafés, and of course, wine—so it’s an excellent place to spend a few days either before or after the wedding.

    3. Paris (CDG or ORY)

      • Guests may fly into Paris and continue on to Agen via the high-speed TGV (approximately 3 hours).

        • This route requires transferring from Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport to Gare Montparnasse, which typically takes about one hour by taxi and costs around €50.
          Public transportation is available, though it can be more complicated and significantly longer.

          1. When departing from Gare Montparnasse, please note the following:

            1. Train platforms (tracks) are posted on screens only a few minutes before departure.

            2. Because many trains leave within minutes of each other—often heading toward the same region—you will need to know:
              • your exact train number
              • your departure time. Trains to Agen will not list Agen as the final destination. The signage will typically display:
              • Bordeaux
              • Toulouse
              • Barcelona (Agen is simply one of the stops along these routes.)

          2. All trains from Paris to Agen travel through Bordeaux.

            • If you’ve booked a direct TGV, the train will make a short stop in Bordeaux and continue on to Agen.

            • If your journey requires a connection, you will need to disembark in Bordeaux and change trains. Connection times are usually straightforward, but please check your ticket carefully.

  • Train Tips & What to Expect:

    When purchasing tickets, we recommend opting for 1st class if available. It is often only slightly more expensive and provides a significantly more comfortable experience.

    France has two main train operators:

    • InOui (government-run): typically offers assigned seating and changeable tickets.

    • OuiGo (budget operator): less expensive, but tickets are non-changeable and do not include assigned seats. If flexibility matters, InOui is the better choice, though in some cases, OuiGo may be the only option available.

    For a smoother travel experience, we recommend selecting InOui tickets whenever possible.

    Understanding Train Numbers & Destinations:

    Please pay close attention to the train number on your ticket.
    Display boards at stations often list the final destination, which may be entirely different from your stop. For example, a train stopping in Agen may be labeled Bordeaux, Toulouse, or even Barcelona. Your train number (not the destination on the screen) is the most reliable way to identify the correct departure.

  • We recommend staying in Agen, which is a 10-minute drive from the château and offers boutique hotels, restaurants, and easy access to the train station.

    Places to Stay:

    Serra Boutique Hôtel.

    • Located in the heart of downtown Agen, Hotel Serra is our top recommendation.

    • Hotel Serra has kindly provided our guests with a 15% promotional code:
      OLIVIAMATTHEW2026

    • There are 50 rooms total, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • We recommend calling the hotel directly to secure your reservation.

    • Book Here

    Mercure Hotel

    • A budget-friendly alternative.

    • This hotel is located slightly outside the city center, positioned closer to the highway.

    • Mercure has generously provided a promotional code.
      To use it, please email hb9g2@accor.com and mention: M2606

    Air BnB

    • For larger groups wishing to stay together, we recommend booking a maison or château in nearby areas, including Agenand Pont-du-Casse.

  • Agen is a charming riverside town known for its terrace cafés, local markets, and relaxed French countryside pace. Below are a few recommendations to help you enjoy the area during the wedding weekend.

    • Le Bistrot Voltaire

      • 4,9(184) · €30–40 · Restaurant

      • 43 Rue Voltaire

      • Website

    • L'assiette Du Liban Agen

      • 4,8(287) · €20–30 · Lebanese

      • 35 Av. du Général de Gaulle

      • Website

    • La Part des Anges bouillon sentini

      • 4,6(394) · €30–40 · French

      • 14 Rue Emile Sentini

      • Website

    • Le Nostradamus

      • 4,7(543) · €40–50 · Restaurant

      • 40 Rue des Nitiobriges

      • Website

    • Quarts coffee kitchen (Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch)

      • 4,8(524) · €20–30 · Restaurant

      • 3 Rue Emile Sentini

    • Le Bistrot de Stéphanie, Disciple d'Escoffier agenais

      • 4,7(185) · €20–30 · French

      • 7 Cr Washington

      • Website

    • Restaurant le Bar-Back Agen

      • 4,8(173) · Restaurant

      • 6 Rue Moncorny

      • Website

  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts

    Pont-Canal d’Agen

    Marché d’Agen (Agen Market) — on during the weekend

    Visit Chateaux Chambert’s exquisite winery

    Take a day trip to Bordeaux

  • Language & Navigating Train Stations

    In Paris, you’ll find that many people speak English; however, as you travel into the countryside, English becomes less common. Navigating the trains can feel a bit challenging if you don’t speak French, so the most reliable strategy is to focus on the numbers:

    • your train number

    • your car/coach number

    • your departure time

    These three details will guide you more effectively than the destination listed on the screens.

    If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help, even in English. It may take a moment to find the right person, but someone will always point you in the right direction.

    Please note that French train stations typically have very few staff members present, and porters are extremely rare. If you’re traveling with multiple bags, fellow passengers are often kind and willing to help, but assistance is not guaranteed—so plan accordingly.

  • Renting a Car

    Guests are very welcome to rent a car if they prefer additional independence during their stay. However, there is limited parking available at the château.

    Renting at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is straightforward and has been reliable in the past. Please be aware that most rental cars in France are manual transmission. You may request an automatic when booking, but availability can be limited, so reserve early if this is important to you.

    The drive from the Toulouse airport to Château de Borie takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a toll road. Tolls accept credit cards and are easy to navigate; the cost is roughly €12 each way.

  • Before Your Return Flight

    Depending on your departure time, you may wish to stay at a hotel near the airport the night before you fly home. Train schedules in France can occasionally be unpredictable, and spending the night nearby can make your travel day far less stressful. It’s an easy way to ensure a smooth, relaxed departure.