Welcome to Anna and Andrew’s wedding weekend.
July 2024
We’ve put this information together to let you know what is planned and help you make arrangements for the weekend. If you have any further questions about your attendance then please direct them via email to XXXXX@chateaurigaud.co.uk
To go directly to the booking form, click HERE
Getting to the region
Rigaud is located equidistant between Bordeaux and Bergerac airports, being approximately 50 minutes from either.
FLY TO BORDEAUX WITH
British Airways from Gatwick
Easyjet from Belfast, Bristol, Liverpool, Luton & Gatwick
Ryanair from Stansted, Manchester & Edinburgh
Aerlingus from Dublin.
FLY TO BERGERAC WITH
Ryanair from Bristol, East Midlands, Liverpool & Stansted
British Airways from London City airport.
OR TAKE EUROSTAR
From St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, cross Paris to Montparnasse then take a Bordeaux train that stops in Libourne which is a half hour drive from the Chateau.
There are also direct flights with Air France from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Bordeaux but they are exceedingly expensive.
Drive
Chateau Rigaud is approximately 8 hours driving time from Calais with some lovely stops along the way. Ferries leave from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Caen, Le Havre & St Malo. Some of these are overnight sailings which leaves you refreshed and then it’s just a six hour drive mainly on motorways with tolls.
For printable directions to Chateau Rigaud please click on the links below, for an online version click HERE
Just search for Chateau Rigaud, Mouliets et Villemartin on Google/Apple maps.
We strongly recommend hiring a car since taxis are expensive and scarce once you are out in the vines. Hire cars are available from all the major providers at both airports and there is a Europcar depot opposite Libourne station. The closest station is Castillon La Bataille but it's quiet, without a regular taxi service.
Expect to pay 160€ for a taxi from Bordeaux airport to the Chateau. The Chateau minibuses can sometimes be available at a cost of 180€ per vehicle for an airport transfer. Maximum 14 passengers, please contact the wedding planner for further details.
Transport from the Chateau to your accommodation on the night of the wedding can be arranged, see following pages.
The day before the wedding
The day before the wedding, Anna & Andrew are planning a trip out on the river with a stop off for a delicious picnic lunch, with wine (bien sûr!).
Starting at 10.30am, the idea is for guests to enjoy a gentle canoe descent down the Dordogne. It’s nothing too strenuous and you shouldn't get wet. It’s great fun, often remembered as the highlight of the wedding weekend.
The cost for the full day trip is 50€ which includes canoes and picnic, or just with 30€ for the picnic alone. You pay for the picnic in advance and for canoes, in cash, on the quayside.
The day finishes at around 3.30pm. You will need to drive yourselves to the quayside in Pessac-Sur-Dordogne and back again afterwards. There is also the option to meet the canoeing group for the riverside picnic lunch only.
Full joining instructions will be emailed to you the week before the wedding.
The canoes can take up to three adults. Children should be six years or over (child picnic 18€, child canoeing 15€).
The night before the wedding
As most of the guests will be in the area the night before the wedding, we have arranged an informal meal at Bistro Rigaud, starting at 7.30pm.
It's a pretty, relaxed, bistro-style restaurant where they have proposed a special three course menu. The cost is €57 and it must be booked and paid for in advance using the form HERE.
Directions to the restaurant are HERE.
Taxis are expensive and very hard to come by and cannot be booked on the night. If you require transport to and from the restaurant then ask your accommodation to arrange a taxi for you but give them plenty of warning in advance.
On the big day
The wedding ceremony will take place at Chateau Rigaud at 3pm. Chateau Rigaud can be found on the D130 between Pujols and Ste Radegonde and it is signed from the village of Mouliets. Just search for Chateau Rigaud, Mouliets et Villemartin on Google/Apple maps.
When you arrive at the Chateau please park in the field just outside the main gate. We do not allow vehicles into the grounds on the day of the wedding. Transport has been arranged to carry you home and will run until 2am. You’re welcome to leave cars in the field at Rigaud on the night of the wedding. The ideal arrangement is to share a lift to the ceremony with other guests staying in your accommodation, then swap the arrangement to get back to your cars in the morning, or arrange a taxi to take you to the ceremony.
Please be aware that the drink driving laws in France are fierce and random checks take place during the summer, even on quieter roads.
The following day
On Sunday afternoon, Anna & Andrew would love you to join them for lunch, on the lawns of Chateau Rigaud, at 1pm (sharpish), with drinks and conversation flowing until late afternoon. Guaranteed to be a super relaxed day. If you have left your car at the chateau then try to buddy up with someone else to collect it on the Sunday.
Please let us know if you would like to join the happy couple by using the form HERE.
Recommended accommodation in the local area
This list provides you with a choice of accommodation located within 15 minutes’ drive of Chateau Rigaud. We guarantee to get you home to any of the accommodation below on the wedding night using our Rigaud bus shuttle service. The ideal arrangement is to share a lift to the ceremony with other guests staying in your accommodation, then swap the arrangement to get back to your cars in the morning or arrange a taxi to take you to the ceremony.
CLOSE TO CHATEAU RIGAUD
PUJOLS
A picturesque hilltop village with great views, just five minutes’ drive from Rigaud. In the centre is a small village shop and a restaurant. Church weddings are held in the Eglise Notre-Dame in Pujols.
Maison Cayrol, Pujols – whole house rental, sleeps 12
This is a very special private house with six bedrooms arranged around a charming courtyard garden with a pool. It’s a particularly brilliant option if you have a church wedding since it’s just a short walk from the church. The house is exclusively available to your guests as a whole, for four nights from Thursday to Monday. Whole house rental 4600€ for 4 nights. The house is also available for weekly rent. Please contact Marilyn direct via the website.
www.maisoncayrol.com
Les Gués Rivières, Pujols – from about 80€ per night
In the heart of Pujols, with 4 bedrooms and beautiful sunset views from the terrace. French owners.
lesguesrivieres
The Old Schoolhouse, Pujols – sleeps 12, house rental from 360€ per night
Converted schoolhouse with views over the vineyards around the hilltop village of Pujols, there are four bedrooms and a lovely terraced pool overlooking the church.
The-old-schoolhouse-france
Dame Chouette, Pujols - B&B 3 rooms & 2 gites, from 80€ per night
Formerly a farmhouse and then a restaurant, there are now two gites and three B&B rooms set in a lovely garden just five minutes’ drive from Rigaud. Located below the village.
Book here
MOULIETS ET VILLEMARTIN / FLAUJAGUES / STE RADEGONDE
Mouliets is the closest village to Chateau Rigaud but has no shops or amenities. Flaujagues is the next village along and flanks the Dordogne river. It has a small shop and a restaurant. Ste Radegonde is a very small village but boasts a great sourdough bakery. Accommodation in these villages is within a 5 minute drive of Rigaud.
Girondes Chambres, Mouliets et Villemartin – Irish run B&B, from 90€ per night
A lovingly restored farmhouse with large comfortable rooms all en suite, with tea and coffee making facilities. Full Irish or continental breakfast included.
www.girondechambres.com
Domaine de Vert-Bois, Ste Radegonde – sleeps up to 9, house rental from 110€
Converted farmhouse with four bedrooms very close to Rigaud. The owners also run an equestrian centre alongside.
Book here
Chateau Le Sèpe, Ste Radegonde – B&B, 3 rooms from 160€
Just around the corner from Rigaud, this is a French-owned, working vineyard with three comfortable B&B rooms.
www.chateaulesepe.com
Maison Ygeia, Flaujagues – B&B, 3 rooms from 90€
Overlooking the Dordogne river and very close to Rigaud. Lovely renovated house with pool, hosted by a Franco-American couple.
www.flaujagues.com
Clos Cerise, Flaujagues – sleeps 4, house rental, 200€ per night
Beautifully converted barn with very well-appointed bedrooms and kitchen and a private little garden. The owners live next door and can provide breakfast.
www.closcerise.com
Château de Sanse, Ste Radegonde – 3 star hotel from 90€ per night room only
Closer to Gensac than Ste Radegonde really and located in a secluded area away from the villages. Three-star hotel with great views from the terrace. There are 16 rooms or suites and a popular restaurant.
www.chateaudesanse.com
Domaine du Berry, Ste Radegonde - sleeps 12, house rental, approx 950€ per night
Located in a beautiful, quiet little valley this stunning house is luxurious. Six bedrooms, a vast living room and wonderful terrace with swimming pool. Can only be booked via Airbnb.
https://airbnb.com/h/domaineduberry
CASTILLON-LA-BATAILLE
Castillon is the nearest town to Rigaud. There is an hourly train service to central Bordeaux and a selection of restaurants and shops, including a big Leclerc supermarket on the outskirts of town. Monday is market day and extends over most of the centre of town.
Chez Castillon, Castillon-la-Bataille, approx 110€ per night
Micky and Janie run a relaxed ‘maison bourgeoise’, which they have renovated and where they run creative writing, painting and photography courses. There’s a fabulous, secluded swimming pool in the garden. We need to clear each wedding date with Micky and Janie but if they are available then this is a brilliant place to send guests who want the buzz of a town setting. There’s a great atmosphere, shops and bars on hand and it all comes at a reasonable price.
www.chezcastillon.com
La Maison Botanique, Castillon-la-Bataille - B&B, 3 rooms from 100€ per night
A charming townhouse, within easy walking distance of the station, bars, restaurants and shops. Host Rachel speaks English and is part of an eco-responsible tourism network. For stays of two nights or more, contact Rachel by email to benefit from a slight discount (rachel.duigou@gmail.com)
Maison Elegia, Castillon-la-Bataille – 4 rooms B&B from 125€ per night per room
A beautiful townhouse in the centre of Castillon-la-Bataille with four double bedrooms, roof terrace swimming pool, fully-equipped kitchen. A real home from home.
www.maisondemaitrelegia.com
Le Phénix, Castillon-la-Bataille – 14 rooms & 2 apartments, from 70€ per night
Newly refurbished hotel located in the centre of Castillon-la-Bataille, so convenient for bars and shops. Budget prices for basic rooms with a very popular restaurant.
www.hotel-restaurant-le-phenix.fr
Le Terrier des 3 Conils, Castillon-la-Bataille - sleeps 6-10, house rental from 250€ per night
Quirky town house near the station. Three bedrooms & a garden. See the Airbnb listing for details then email the host direct for pricing - lanvin.elodie@neuf.fr (Elodie speaks English)
https://airbnb.com/h/leterrierdes3conils
Chateau Franc-Daut, St Magne de Castillon - sleeps 6, villa rental from 250€ per night, plus suite for 2 in the chateau
On the outskirts of Castillon-la-Bataille, Kay & Mark’s villa in the grounds of their riverside chateau is available to rent. Three luxurious bedrooms, well-appointed living space and a private pool. There is also an apartment suite in one wing of the chateau.
www.francdaut.com
GENSAC
A historic hilltop village with protected status, Gensac has a small supermarket, pharmacy, hairdresser and a couple of bar/restaurants. It’s a 10-15 minute drive from Chateau Rigaud.
Gensac Tower, Gensac – sleeps 2, approx. 110€ per night
Owned and run by our very own Fiona, General Manager at Chateau Rigaud. Super romantic accommodation for a couple, with an amazing view from the roof terrace.
www.gensactowergites.com or email fiona@chateaurigaud.co.uk
Chateau de Claribès, Gensac - sleeps up to 4, house rental from 240€ per night
Very comfortable, two-bedroom house on this family-run wine property set among rolling vines.
www.claribes.com/holiday-house-claribes/
Chateau Carbonneau, Gensac – Smart B&B approx 120€ per night
Run by Jacquie and Wilf, both English speaking (Jacquie is from New Zealand), this is a wine producing estate. Jacquie also runs a tea room/tapas bar onsite. The chateau is beyond Gensac, not within walking distance of the village.
www.chateau-carbonneau.com
La Girarde, St Quentin de Caplong – Smart B&B approx 130€ per night
Run by Mark and Trish Tyler, this very lovely chambres d’hotes has four ensuite rooms, all with access to a small pool. Stylish, professional and well-priced but a bit further away from Rigaud than the rest at a 15 minute drive.
www.lagirarde.com
PESSAC-SUR-DORDOGNE
Pessac is a riverside village with a shop, hairdresser, restaurant and canoe centre.
Domaine des Monges, St Seurin de Prats – 3 B&B rooms, cottage sleeping 8, from 130€ per night
Beautifully appointed 18th century manor house in a riverside location with pool. This is one of the furthest from Rigaud but a stunning place to stay.
www.domainedesmonges.com
Le Manoir de la Rivière, St Seurin de Prats – B&B from 120€ per night per room
Set in a gorgeous location overlooking the Dordogne river. Peace and tranquillity, and a large swimming pool.
www.le-manoir-de-la-riviere.com
Chateau Le Méjean, near Pessac-sur-Dordogne - B&B 5 rooms from 120€ per night
A classic French country house in a peaceful setting. Charming and very welcoming French hosts.
www.chateau-lemejean.com
Villa Shambhala , St Seurin de Prats – sleeps 8, whole house rental from about 900€ per night
Beautiful villa with 4 double/twin bedrooms in pretty riverside hamlet across the river from Pessac-sur-Dordogne. Plus an extra little property alongside called Petite Shambhala.
Villa Shambhala
FURTHER AFIELD
L’Epicurial, St Pey de Castets – from 80€ per night
Recently refurbished local hotel with 10 rooms at very reasonable prices and a very popular restaurant on site, plus a sauna and jacuzzi.
www.hotelrestaurantlepicurial.com
Gite Château Perrotin Cottage, St Pey de Castets - 2 rooms, from 100€ per night
Cottage on the grounds of Chateau Perrotin, a working vineyard.
https://www.domaine-de-perrotin.com/hebergements-seminaires-gite-vignes/
Domaine de Polus, St Vincent de Pertignas - B&B, 2 rooms plus 2-bedroom guest house from 130€
Somewhere a bit special and very beautiful. Stunning pool and views. Two bedrooms in the main house and two in the guest house. Breakfast is served in the Orangerie.
www.depolus.blogspot.com
Château de Courtebotte, St Jean de Blaignac - 7 rooms, 2 gites & a treetop cabin
One of the furthest away from Rigaud but a beautiful chateau with lovely rooms, a log cabin among the trees and a tower suite.
www.chateaudecourtebotte.com
Chambres en Vigne, Ruch – From approx 98€ per night, including breakfast
In the village of Ruch a beautifully restored house with five B&B rooms plus an independent gite in the garden which sleeps 10, and a lovely swimming pool. Dinner can be arranged too.
www.chambresenvigne.com
Clos des Abeilles, Ruch – B&B, 5 rooms from 80€
Valerie runs this lovely countryside B&B with pool.
www.leclosdesabeilles.com/
Cottage des Labours, Belvès-de-Castillon - sleeps 4, cottage rental, approx 130€ per night
Calm, tranquil setting in the vines, run by Charlotte who is English.
Airbnb-CottageDesLabours
Chateau du Palanquey, Ste Colombe - B&B 6 rooms from 200€ per room per night
Set among the vines not far from St Emilion, Palanquey offers an outdoor pool and a spa with heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna.
www.chateaudupalanquey.com
Les Ambèles, St Magne de Castillon - B&B 3 rooms from 120€ per room per night
Three rooms with a pool.
LesAmbeles
If you sign up to any paid activities or services you will be taken to a page to make payment for these via PayPal (credit cards accepted). You will need to have booked your accommodation in order to complete this form. Please note that this form will be taken offline two weeks before the wedding.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the planner at XXXX@chateaurigaud.co.uk
We very much look forward to welcoming you to Chateau Rigaud.