Is there anything I should know about visiting France?

France is quite traditional and does not have the same convenience culture which we are accustomed to in Ireland. You will not find any convenience stores like Spar that sell everything from alcohol and cigarettes to bread and tea.

If you smoke then you should know that you can only buy cigarettes in shops with a "tabac" sign outside them and there are no vending machines in bars like we would be used to in Ireland. To make it even more inconvenient  these tabac shops generally close early in the evening around 7pm. You would be advised to stock up when you have the chance! 

Bank machines are harder to find in France and are not located in shops and supermarkets. They are usually located around town squares which are prevalent in all towns and villages in France.

Is there anything planned for Friday night before the wedding?

There is nothing formal planned for the Friday night but weather permitting we will be having some drinks in the outside area of La Table restaurant in Creon from about 8.30pm and we would love for you to join us! It should be a good way for guests to get to know each other before the big day. 

Is there a dress code?

The dress code for the wedding is smart-casual (jackets and ties for the men are optional). The BBQ on Sunday is informal.

Are taxis readily available?

In the larger towns and cities within the region, it is relatively easy to pick up a taxi at short notice. However, in more rural locations and certainly with regards to booking taxis for the wedding day, it is essential that this be arranged in advance.

You can do so with Bordeaux Taxis who can be called on +33556316107.

There will be a shuttle bus (6 people) running on Saturday night between 00:30 to 04:30 and on Sunday night between 23:00 and 02:00 to ferry people to and from accommodation within 15 kms of the venue.

If you think you might want to leave earlier than this, please arrange transport back to your accommodation in the evenings with your hotel in advance.

Should we hire a car?

Hiring a car will be the cheapest and most convenient way to get around.  The Chateau is a 35 minute drive from Bordeaux airport.

We would strongly advise renting a car. The location of the Chateau is rural. Although it is close to some small towns, walking is not an option. 

If you don't particularly want a car whilst at the Chateau (or in the local area), there should be lots of opportunities to share.

What about parking?

There is plenty of space to park at the Chateau if you need to leave your car there overnight.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Hopefully you will not need these! Just in case you do:

Police (Gendarmerie Nationale) in Langoiran: +33556677980 / 53 Avenue Michel Picon, 33550 Langoiran

Hospital Robert Boulin in Libourne: +33557553434 / 112, Rue de la MARNE 33505 Libourne

Hospital Pellegrin in Bordeaux: +33556795679 / Place Amélie Raba Léon, 33076 Bordeaux

What shops/facilities are nearby?

This depends on where you stay, however, locally to Chateau Lagorce there are a few options:

Haux (2 minute drive)
Small village, with an Intermache supermarket, pharmacy, wine store, patisserie etc.

Creon (10 minute drive)
Town, with a larger Carrefour supermarket and a wider range of shops/restaurants.

Further afield, there is the city of Bordeaux where you will be spoilt for choices when it comes to restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.

What can we expect the weather to be like in July?

Hopefully warm, sunny and dry! The average temperature for this time of the year is around 25 degrees Celcuis though some days the temperature can reach as high as 30 degrees or more. Bordeaux has an Atlantic climate but any rain showers usually come and go quite quickly.

Are there any hair salons closeby?

There's a hairdressers in the shopping centre across the road from Hotel Atena in Creon. Contact details are as follows:

http://salons.kerastase.fr/55278-salon-ever-coiffure

There are a number of small hair salons in Creon town.