FLYING TO BORDEAUX
The venue is situated near the Bordeaux International Airport. Flying into Bordeaux on a single carrier is very convenient and a great option, but sometimes these direct flights can be on the pricier side from certain cities.
If interested in saving some money, there is a small travel hack, which involves booking two separate portions of travel: A transatlantic flight into London, Paris, or Brussels and then a budget flight on Ryanair, Easyjet, or similar airline to Bordeaux. Taking the Eurostar train is also a super fun, affordable option and we highly recommend it (it’s how we will be traveling!)—especially for those looking to spend some extra time in another major European city!
GETTING TO THE CHATEAU
Château de la Valouze is situated in the Green Perigord, sandwiched between the vineyards of Bordeaux and the Charentes, a top tourist destination and one of the sunniest parts of France’s south western coast.
RENT A CAR
As an American, renting a car in France is super easy. Your driver’s license is valid and the requirements are generally the same (you must be over 25, etc), but there may be less automatic cars available than you are used to.
This is an especially great option for groups or those who want to explore the surrounding vineyards and towns.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
We are looking into a private shuttle from Bordeaux to the venue. Please let us know if you are interested via the RSVP.
In general Europe has excellent train options and France is no exception. There are 2-4 trains per day from Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Saint Aigulin La Roche Chalais, which is a 6 minute drive from the Chateau.
Please note, we do not recommend catching a taxi as it is quite expensive and taxis back to Bordeaux are very limited (there is no Uber in the countryside).
OTHER SIGHTS TO SEE
For those who are looking to take advantage of their time in France and explore, there are some incredible sights to see nearby that we would recommend.
BORDEAUX
Known as the “Sleeping Beauty,” Bordeaux is a UNESCO Heritage site, arguably the most famous wine regions on earth, and home to 362 historic monuments (second only to Paris). We highly recommend spending an extra couple days here if you are flying in or out of the airport.
SAINT ÉMILION
Saint Émilion is a must-visit town 30min from the chateau that’s perfect for those who love wine, history, and charming scenes. This medieval village has been known for wine since the 2nd century when the Romans planted grapes here. This would make a great day-trip while you’re at the chateau!
PARIS
Especially if you are choosing to fly in or out of Paris, it goes without saying that this is a wonderful opportunity to visit the “city of love.” Just a 3hr train ride or 1hr flight from Bordeaux, Paris is home to some of the best food, amazing art, and breath taking architecture in the world.
VERSAILLES
A great add-on day trip if you are choosing to fly in or out of Paris, Versailles is a gorgeous town that is home to the famed Palace of Versailles and adjoining Trianon where Marie Antoinette lived. You could even walk the gardens and find Chestnut Grove, where Mike proposed to Cydney.