Le jour J
A la mairie
Vive les mariés!
Une page de notre histoire
Le jour J
Le jour J
A la mairie
Une petite signature...
Le jour J
Nous sommes mariés!!
Merci à tous d’être venus partager avec nous cette journée inoubliable!
Merci aussi pour votre générosité, qui nous a beaucoup touchée. Grâce à vous tous, nous allons passer une lune de miel de rêve !
Merci aussi pour votre générosité, qui nous a beaucoup touchée. Grâce à vous tous, nous allons passer une lune de miel de rêve !
Le jour J
The big day
The wedding ceremony will be held at 4.30pm in the Mairie (town hall) of Préchac. This should take about 30 minutes and then we will head off to the château de Cazeneuve http://www.chateaudecazeneuve.com/ which is about 3 km from Préchac. You are welcome to walk around the grounds; we recommend going for a walk along the river which runs behind the château. At 6.00pm, there will be a reception in the courtyard with canapés and drinks. At 8.00pm, we will have dinner in the château (if you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance) which should go on until about midnight. There will then be a disco until 4.00 in the morning.
For those of you who don't have a car (or do not wish to drive!), we will organise a bus service from the village of Villandraut (the bus can also go to Sauternes and Uzeste if enough people are interested). The bus will take you to the Mairie and then to the château for the reception. The bus will then take you back to your hotels. The final timetable is still to be determined, but it is likely that there will be 2 bus services: one after the meal at about midnight, and one after the party at 4pm.
For those of you who don't have a car (or do not wish to drive!), we will organise a bus service from the village of Villandraut (the bus can also go to Sauternes and Uzeste if enough people are interested). The bus will take you to the Mairie and then to the château for the reception. The bus will then take you back to your hotels. The final timetable is still to be determined, but it is likely that there will be 2 bus services: one after the meal at about midnight, and one after the party at 4pm.
Le jour J
Getting there
We are getting married in the village of Préchac (large map of the Bordeaux region: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&X=-75000.0484935047&Y=5525000.75219497&width=700&height=400&gride=&gridn=&srec=0&coordsys=mercator&db=&addr1=&addr2=&addr3=&pc=&advanced=&local=&localinfosel=&kw=&inmap=&table=&ovtype=&keepicon=&zm=1&scale=500000; for a close up map, see the ‘Plans’ section), which is about 40 min drive from Bordeaux. tFlights are from Luton with Easyjet http://www.easyjet.com/en/book/index.asp or from Gatwick with BA http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_gb. We recommend that you book early!
From the airport, take the motorway A62 towards Toulouse and then take the Langon exit (exit No 3).
Another possibility is to take the Eurostar http://www.eurostar.com from London Waterloo to Paris Gare du Nord (2 hours 45 min); then you take the high speed train TGV http://www.voyages-sncf.com from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux (3 hours 15 min). It is possible to book the whole journey through the Eurostar web page; it costs anywhere between £50 and £150 return, depending on whether you take the flexible or non flexible options. You can only book a maximum of 4 months in advance. In order to get from Bordeaux to the venue, you can hire a car or get a taxi, as it is in a pretty remote area. Alternatively, there is a direct train from Bordeaux to Langon (between 20 and 45 min, depending on the train), which is 20 min drive from Préchac.
From the airport, take the motorway A62 towards Toulouse and then take the Langon exit (exit No 3).
Another possibility is to take the Eurostar http://www.eurostar.com from London Waterloo to Paris Gare du Nord (2 hours 45 min); then you take the high speed train TGV http://www.voyages-sncf.com from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux (3 hours 15 min). It is possible to book the whole journey through the Eurostar web page; it costs anywhere between £50 and £150 return, depending on whether you take the flexible or non flexible options. You can only book a maximum of 4 months in advance. In order to get from Bordeaux to the venue, you can hire a car or get a taxi, as it is in a pretty remote area. Alternatively, there is a direct train from Bordeaux to Langon (between 20 and 45 min, depending on the train), which is 20 min drive from Préchac.
Le jour J
What to do there
Préchac is a small rural village; there are no hotels or gites, just a boulangerie, a few shops, a 12th century church and a couple of cafes (and 2 hairdressers!) – for more information, go to http://www.prechac.fr/. It is set in amongst a vast pine forest that covers the whole of the Landes region. It is possible to go canoeing on the river Ciron with the Centre d’Activités et de Découverte de la Trave http://www.latrave-prechac.com. The river is calm, which means that it is suitable for most people (as demonstrated by the photo of Lise on the river!). They give you a kayak and you set off down river on your own and call them to pick you up when you get to the next village, Villandraut. It is a great way to see the area, with the forest overhanging the river on both sides and old crumbling châteaux set high above on the top of the gorge. It feels a million miles from anywhere. They also organise walks and other activities that sometimes start from the château de Cazeneuve.
There is a cycle path which runs through Villandraut along the course of an abandoned railway line. It is possible to visit some old châteaux http://chateauroquetaillade.free.fr/, http://www.casteland.com/pfr/chateau/aquitaine/gironde/villandraut/villandraut.htm and do some walking in the area. To the north of Préchac are the famous wine regions (Sauternes can be reached by car in 20 min); there are some very highly regarded vineyards, such as château d’Yquem http://www.yquem.fr/. These are sweet white wines. Wine with the Sauternes name is very expensive, but there are plenty of other good sweet white wines grown in the area. There are organised tours that can be booked through the château de Cazeneuve, which is probably the best way to visit the vineyards. There are a lot of good red wines that can be bought for as little as €5 a bottle. We can recommend château de Budos (which is where we bought our red wine for the wedding!). They also have some very good sweet dessert or aperitif wines. For other local specialities, the aperitif Lillet http://www.lillet.fr/lillet.jsp?d=h&&lang=fr is produced in the nearby town of Podensac; this is a little known drink made famous by its inclusion in the latest James Bond film Casino Royale!
If you are looking to explore the region some more, we would recommend a trip to Arcachon http://www.arcachon.com. It is set in a big bay on the Atlantic coast (so big that you can see it on a map of France). It is about one and a half hours drive from Préchac and is a nice holiday town with bars, restaurants and beaches. It is especially renowned for its oysters that are farmed in the bay and other seafood. Additionally, you can visit the dune de Pilat http://www.littoral33.com/gb/dune_pilat.htm, the highest/biggest sand dune in Europe (over 100m high), which is very impressive with superb views from the top over the Bassin d’ Arcachon and the Foret de Gascogne. Further afield, the Pyrénées are about 3 hours away; it is relatively unspoilt and the Pays Basque (famous for its scenery, houses and chillies) is very beautiful. The coastal towns of Biarritz http://www.biarritz.fr/Website/site/fra_accueil.php and St Jean de Luz http://www.saint-jean-de-luz.com/
in the Basque country are well worth a visit.
There is a cycle path which runs through Villandraut along the course of an abandoned railway line. It is possible to visit some old châteaux http://chateauroquetaillade.free.fr/, http://www.casteland.com/pfr/chateau/aquitaine/gironde/villandraut/villandraut.htm and do some walking in the area. To the north of Préchac are the famous wine regions (Sauternes can be reached by car in 20 min); there are some very highly regarded vineyards, such as château d’Yquem http://www.yquem.fr/. These are sweet white wines. Wine with the Sauternes name is very expensive, but there are plenty of other good sweet white wines grown in the area. There are organised tours that can be booked through the château de Cazeneuve, which is probably the best way to visit the vineyards. There are a lot of good red wines that can be bought for as little as €5 a bottle. We can recommend château de Budos (which is where we bought our red wine for the wedding!). They also have some very good sweet dessert or aperitif wines. For other local specialities, the aperitif Lillet http://www.lillet.fr/lillet.jsp?d=h&&lang=fr is produced in the nearby town of Podensac; this is a little known drink made famous by its inclusion in the latest James Bond film Casino Royale!
If you are looking to explore the region some more, we would recommend a trip to Arcachon http://www.arcachon.com. It is set in a big bay on the Atlantic coast (so big that you can see it on a map of France). It is about one and a half hours drive from Préchac and is a nice holiday town with bars, restaurants and beaches. It is especially renowned for its oysters that are farmed in the bay and other seafood. Additionally, you can visit the dune de Pilat http://www.littoral33.com/gb/dune_pilat.htm, the highest/biggest sand dune in Europe (over 100m high), which is very impressive with superb views from the top over the Bassin d’ Arcachon and the Foret de Gascogne. Further afield, the Pyrénées are about 3 hours away; it is relatively unspoilt and the Pays Basque (famous for its scenery, houses and chillies) is very beautiful. The coastal towns of Biarritz http://www.biarritz.fr/Website/site/fra_accueil.php and St Jean de Luz http://www.saint-jean-de-luz.com/
in the Basque country are well worth a visit.
Le jour J
Staying there
Here is a selection of hotels and ‘chambres d'hôtes’ (B&Bs) around Préchac. Please let us know if you need any help with booking.
A transport service will be organised from Villandraut to and from the venue (town hall and castle). For more information, see the section 'The big day'.
Villandraut
There are 3 hotels in the village of Villandraut - 5 min drive from Préchac - where there is a castle, some small shops and a very good market on Thursdays. We have block-booked one of the hotels, l’Auberge de la Crémaillere, which is simple but very pleasant http://www.aubergelacremaillere.com/. Please mention that you are guests at our wedding when booking.
There is also a new hotel in a newly renovated house, Le Casalet, which is situated right in the centre of the village and a short walk from the river. At the moment only the restaurant is open, but the bedrooms will become available in the spring. Please mention that you are guests at our wedding when booking.
Le Casalet
10 avenue Jean Dupuy
33730 Villandraut
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 46 94
The other (cheaper) hotel is the Hôtel De Goth:
Hôtel De Goth
Place Gambetta
33730 Villandraut
Tél: (+33) (0)5 56 25 31 25
Fax: (+33) (0)5 56 25 30 59
double room: €39
English spoken
There are also some brand new chambres d'hôtes in the centre of the village:
Villa Madeleine
2 rue Madeleine
33730 Villandraut
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 60 64
Sauternes
These are really nice chambres d'hôtes in Sauternes, a wine growing region about 20 min drive from Préchac; there is a swimming pool, a family room, and views over the vineyards.
Marie-Christine et Philippe Lavillenie
Domaine du Ciron
Parropis
33210 Sauternes
France
Double room €50, breakfast included
Additional bed €15
Dinner (book in advance) €20 per person
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 76 60 17
Fax: (+33) (0)5 56 76 61 74
Bazas
Bazas is a medium sized town, with a cathedral, nice shops and beautiful architecture; it is about 15 min drive from Préchac www.ville-bazas.fr. There is a big market next to the cathedral on Saturday mornings - it's well worth a visit!
The chambres d'hôtes of Château Saint Vincent http://chateausaintvincent.free.fr/ are situated in a castle just a short walk from the town centre. Please do NOT mention that you are guests at our wedding when booking!
The Domaine de Fompeyre is a slightly more expensive, but really nice hotel http://www.monalisahotels.com/public/hotels/presentation.php?id=8.
Uzeste
Just 5 minutes from Préchac, these chambres d'hôtes have just been opened in the small village of Uzeste.
Chez Marie Jo
6 route de Prechac
33730 Uzeste
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 33 13
Bernos-Beaulac
About 10 min from Préchac and 5 min from the château de Cazeneuve, the chambres d'hôtes Dousud are situated in the middle of the countryside. Peaceful, tastefully decorated and a lovely swimming pool!
Dousud
33430 Bernos-Beaulac
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 43 23
Tel: (+33) (0)6 86 73 81 76
Captieux
The chambres d'hôtes of the Domaine de Londeix are situated in a restored typical farmhouse, about 15 min drive from Préchac. There is a swimming pool and a large garden.
Domaine de Londeix
33840 Captieux
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 65 68 83
Balizac
The chambres d'hôtes of Les Bordes are pretty remote but worth it when you get there! About 15 min drive from Préchac, they are situated in the middle of the forest in an old farmhouse that has recently been restored.
Les Bordes
33730 Balizac
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 88 45
A transport service will be organised from Villandraut to and from the venue (town hall and castle). For more information, see the section 'The big day'.
Villandraut
There are 3 hotels in the village of Villandraut - 5 min drive from Préchac - where there is a castle, some small shops and a very good market on Thursdays. We have block-booked one of the hotels, l’Auberge de la Crémaillere, which is simple but very pleasant http://www.aubergelacremaillere.com/. Please mention that you are guests at our wedding when booking.
There is also a new hotel in a newly renovated house, Le Casalet, which is situated right in the centre of the village and a short walk from the river. At the moment only the restaurant is open, but the bedrooms will become available in the spring. Please mention that you are guests at our wedding when booking.
Le Casalet
10 avenue Jean Dupuy
33730 Villandraut
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 46 94
The other (cheaper) hotel is the Hôtel De Goth:
Hôtel De Goth
Place Gambetta
33730 Villandraut
Tél: (+33) (0)5 56 25 31 25
Fax: (+33) (0)5 56 25 30 59
double room: €39
English spoken
There are also some brand new chambres d'hôtes in the centre of the village:
Villa Madeleine
2 rue Madeleine
33730 Villandraut
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 60 64
Sauternes
These are really nice chambres d'hôtes in Sauternes, a wine growing region about 20 min drive from Préchac; there is a swimming pool, a family room, and views over the vineyards.
Marie-Christine et Philippe Lavillenie
Domaine du Ciron
Parropis
33210 Sauternes
France
Double room €50, breakfast included
Additional bed €15
Dinner (book in advance) €20 per person
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 76 60 17
Fax: (+33) (0)5 56 76 61 74
Bazas
Bazas is a medium sized town, with a cathedral, nice shops and beautiful architecture; it is about 15 min drive from Préchac www.ville-bazas.fr. There is a big market next to the cathedral on Saturday mornings - it's well worth a visit!
The chambres d'hôtes of Château Saint Vincent http://chateausaintvincent.free.fr/ are situated in a castle just a short walk from the town centre. Please do NOT mention that you are guests at our wedding when booking!
The Domaine de Fompeyre is a slightly more expensive, but really nice hotel http://www.monalisahotels.com/public/hotels/presentation.php?id=8.
Uzeste
Just 5 minutes from Préchac, these chambres d'hôtes have just been opened in the small village of Uzeste.
Chez Marie Jo
6 route de Prechac
33730 Uzeste
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 33 13
Bernos-Beaulac
About 10 min from Préchac and 5 min from the château de Cazeneuve, the chambres d'hôtes Dousud are situated in the middle of the countryside. Peaceful, tastefully decorated and a lovely swimming pool!
Dousud
33430 Bernos-Beaulac
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 43 23
Tel: (+33) (0)6 86 73 81 76
Captieux
The chambres d'hôtes of the Domaine de Londeix are situated in a restored typical farmhouse, about 15 min drive from Préchac. There is a swimming pool and a large garden.
Domaine de Londeix
33840 Captieux
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 65 68 83
Balizac
The chambres d'hôtes of Les Bordes are pretty remote but worth it when you get there! About 15 min drive from Préchac, they are situated in the middle of the forest in an old farmhouse that has recently been restored.
Les Bordes
33730 Balizac
Tel: (+33) (0)5 56 25 88 45