Getting here, getting around, and everything worth discovering once you arrive.

Consider this your personal travel companion

The Château’s Address

Travel to the Venue

Getting to the Château

Whether you arrive by plane, hop on a scenic train, or prefer the freedom of a rental car, here’s everything you need to reach us.

By Air · Nearby Airports
MPL Most flight options

Montpellier Méditerranée

Drive to venue · 50–60 min

A larger international airport with a wide range of airlines and direct flights from more European cities and some international hubs — often the best balance of convenience and availability.

BZR

Béziers Cap d’Agde

Drive to venue · 15–20 min

The closest airport, served mainly by low-cost carriers (like Ryanair) with direct flights from various European cities. Convenient, though flight options can be more limited.

CCF

Carcassonne

Drive to venue · 1 hr 15 min

Another smaller airport, also mainly served by low-cost carriers, offering connections to a range of European destinations.

MRS

Marseille Provence

Drive to venue · 1 hr 45 min

A major international airport with a very broad selection of airlines and flights from across Europe and beyond — the most flight flexibility, though it’s a longer drive.

By Rail · Train Stations
SNCF

Béziers Station

Drive to venue · 20–25 min

The closest major station to Servian, with direct TGV services from Paris and connections to other French cities. Arrange a taxi or rental car for the final leg to the château.

SNCF

Montpellier Saint-Roch

Drive to venue · 50–60 min

A larger station with more frequent connections across France and Europe. It sits close to MPL airport — arrange a taxi or rental car for the final leg to the château.

Tips for French Rail (SNCF)
Book early

For the best prices, especially on high-speed TGV trains, book as far in advance as you can — fares rise closer to the date. Book via SNCF Connect or Trainline.

e-Tickets

SNCF uses e-tickets you can keep on your phone or print at home.

Validate

With a paper ticket, you must validate it by stamping it in one of the yellow machines (composteurs) at the platform before boarding, or risk a fine. Rare with modern e-tickets, but good to know.

By Car · Rentals

We highly recommend renting a car if you want to explore — it offers the most flexibility, as the venue is a little in the middle of nowhere. Major companies operate at all the airports above. Book in advance, particularly for July, as it’s peak season.

Bring your valid driver’s license. An International Driving Permit is recommended though often not strictly required for short tourist visits — check your country’s requirements.

By Taxi & Private Transfer

We weren’t able to set up group airport shuttles, so if you’re arriving at a nearby airport or station and need a lift, we recommend pre-booking one of these local private-transfer options.

VTCVIP34

Address3 Rue Georges Brassens, 34290 Servian Phone+33 6 80 22 47 06 Webvtcvip34.com
Local private driver based in Servian — open 24/7.

Uber FR

Schedule a ride in advance in the app — most reliable from Montpellier or Béziers.

Class-e Driver

A local private chauffeur (VTC). Reserve your airport or station transfer ahead of time.

Hérault Transport

The departmental liO bus network — a budget option at around €2 a trip.
Good to know

There are no taxi ranks to flag down in the villages, so book any ride in advance — especially for late-night returns from the château. Your accommodation can often help arrange one too.

Bon à Savoir

Travel Advice

A few useful notes to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible — from passports and insurance to staying connected without breaking the bank.

i.

Passport & Visas

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond departure, with a blank page for stamps. Schengen-visa nationals (e.g. India, China, South Africa) should apply 3–6 months ahead. ETIAS entry requirements have been pushed back to 2027 so if you’re a visa-exempt traveller, there is no additional paperwork needed.

ii.

Insurance & Health

We highly recommend travel and medical insurance covering overseas care, cancellation and lost luggage. UK guests: an existing EHIC is valid until expiry, otherwise apply for a GHIC — but it’s no substitute for robust travel insurance.

iii.

Currency & Banking

The currency is the Euro (€) and cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller or rural purchases — ATMs are plentiful. Tell your bank your travel dates before you depart.

iv.

Electronics & Adapters

France uses Type E/F outlets (two round pins) at 230V / 50Hz. From the UK, US, Canada or Australia you’ll need a travel adapter. Most modern electronics are dual-voltage — worth a quick check.

v.

In Case of Emergency

For any emergency in France — ambulance, police or fire — dial:

112
vi.

Weather in July

Expect hot, dry and very sunny days — high 20s to low 30s °C (80s–90s °F). Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. Staying hydrated is key!

vii.

Cellphones & Data

Check your provider’s international roaming, as it can be pricey. A local SIM or an eSIM (apps like Airalo let you activate before you leave) is more cost-effective. Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, guesthouses and the château.

viii.

Dining Etiquette

Meals are long and leisurely — you’ll usually ask for the bill (“l’addition, s’il vous plaît”). Tipping is included (“service compris”); rounding up for great service is kind. “Un café” means espresso; ask for “un café allongé” for an americano.

ix.

Shopping & Hours

Many smaller shops close for a long lunch (≈ 12:30–14:00/15:00) and most close on Sundays. Pharmacies, marked by a green cross, can advise on minor ailments.

Sur le Pas de la Porte

Discover Occitanie

Many of you will extend your stay to explore our corner of the South of France. From historic towns to world-class vineyards and Mediterranean beaches, there’s so much right on our doorstep.

Charming Towns & Villages

Towns & Villages

The area around Servian is dotted with picturesque towns, each with its own charm.

Pézenas15–20 min

A beautifully preserved historic centre of winding streets, artisan shops and 17th–18th-century architecture — perfect for a stroll, boutique shopping or coffee in a square.

Béziers15–20 min

A historic city above the Orb, famous for Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, the Canal du Midi (UNESCO) and the Fonseranes Locks.

Agde30–35 min

The “Black Pearl of the Mediterranean,” built from dark volcanic stone, with a charming old town and historic port near Cap d’Agde.

Villages of the Hérault

Authentic villages like Valros, Tourbes, Montagnac and Boujan-sur-Libron — genuine local life and hidden culinary delights.

Dégustation

Vineyards & Wine Tasting

You’re in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon — France’s largest wine region, renowned for diverse wines, particularly reds.

Local Domains

Many vineyards offer direct sales and tastings — look for “Dégustation Vente.” Châteaux nearby like Domaine de Nizas and Château Saint-Martin de la Garrigue offer tours.

Wine Routes

Follow the signposted “Route des Vins” to explore appellations like Faugères, Pézenas and Saint-Chinian.

Seigneurie de Peyrat

A beautiful, historic estate in nearby Alignan du Vent that often offers tours and tastings.

La Méditerranée

Coastlines & Beaches

The Mediterranean coast is easily reached — sandy beaches and charming seaside towns await.

Cap d’Agde30–35 min

A bustling resort with varied beaches, a large marina, water sports and lively nightlife.

Marseillan30–40 min

A picturesque port on the oyster-famed Étang de Thau with lovely waterfront restaurants; Marseillan Plage has long sandy beaches.

Sète40–50 min

The “Venice of Languedoc” — a working port of canals, colourful boats, superb seafood and authentic, gritty charm.

Plein Air & Marchés

Outdoors & Markets

For lovers of the outdoors and vibrant local culture, there’s plenty to fill the days.

Canal du Midi

Rent a boat, cycle the towpaths, or stroll this historic waterway. The Fonseranes Locks in Béziers are a marvel of engineering.

Gorges de l’Hérault45–60 min

Stunning gorges for kayaking, swimming and hiking — with the UNESCO village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and the Pont du Diable.

Lac du Salagou~45 min

A striking red-earthed lake for swimming, paddleboarding, cycling and hiking.

Pézenas Market

Saturday mornings — one of the best in the area for local produce, cheeses, olives and crafts. Béziers also has weekly markets and daily Les Halles.

La Ville Lumière

Your Guide to Paris

Our personal list of recommendations for dining, drinks and notable sights. Enjoy your Parisian adventure!

Restaurants
Typical French · for a classic experience
Chez Gladines
The 13th ideally — Southwestern French
Le Plomb du Cantal
Sausages & aligot, South Central France
Les Petits Crus
Literally just cheese and wine
À La Biche Au Bois
Nation — hearty
Mamie Colette
Near Pigalle & the Moulin Rouge
Les Cocottes
If you do eat by the Eiffel Tower — here
Au Pied de Cochon
Central, and open until 5am
Diverse & delicious options
L’Îlot
Seafood — really good, really small
Vino e Cucina
Italian bar with live jazz, lively
Artisan de la Truffe Marais
Everything is truffle, even the salt
L’As du Falafel
Best falafel, the Jewish quarter — expect a queue
La Perla
Proper Mexican, but pricey
Bocamexa
Favourite faster-food Mexican
Prosper et Fortunée
Run by one person, no menu, great
PNY
Good fast-food burger
Mali
Best Thai food in the 13th
Kodawari Ramen
Japanese-street setting, queue only
Kodawari Tsukiji
Fish-market setting, queue only
Lalà: La Lasagneria
Soya
Vegetarian restaurant
You
Really good sushi (say no wasabi)
Le Bar à Sushi Izumi
Small, great sushi
Aux Plumes
In the 14th
Sadarnac
Brunch spots
36 & 3rd
Solid brunch, can book
Holybelly
Australian-style; long queue
The Hardware Society
Good brunch; long queue
Benedict
19 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 4e
Marlette
Kozy Paris
République of Coffee
Umami Matcha Café
Matcha, available everywhere
Bül
Marie Thé
BAB: Bar à Brioches
Coffee & Ice Cream
Coffee shops
KB Café
Strada Café
Dose
Terres de Café
Braun Notes
Ob-La-Di
Peloton
Grande Mosquée de Paris
For mint tea, not coffee
Ice cream
Grom
Simple but very good
Glace Bachir
Lebanese — worth the queue
Bars & Rooftops
Castor Club
Tiny, great, nondescript door
Experimental Cocktail Club
“Hidden” cocktail bar
Jefrey’s
Cocktail bar opposite the above
Prescription Cocktail Club
La Rhumerie
Rum & créole food
Caveau Montpensier
If you’re in the area
Rosa Bonheur sur Seine
A bar on a boat in the Seine
Chez Daniel
Hole-in-the-wall on the riverbank; free pétanque, cash only
Le Pavillon des Canaux
Canal-side, themed like a house
Rooftop bars · for views & vibes
Terrass Hotel
Good space, cool views
43 Up on the Roof
Top of the Holiday Inn
Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers
Expensive, but chill
The Shed
Hôtel des Grands Boulevards
Le Perchoir
Younger crowd
Ciel de Paris
Champagne atop Montparnasse — often busy
Notable Things to Do
Arc de Triomphe
Our favourite view in Paris
Montmartre
A drink at the Terrass Hotel when in the area
Bassin de la Villette
With a stop in Le Pavillon des Canaux
Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
The classic view
Walk along the Seine
South side to Rosa Bonheur; north side to Chez Daniel
Rue de Rivoli & the Tuileries
Down to the Louvre; start at the Arc through the Champs-Élysées
Palais Garnier (Opéra)
Worth visiting; Galeries Lafayette & its rooftop nearby
Coulée Verte
Converted train tracks — Paris’s High Line
Grande Mosquée
Stop for some mint tea
Les Bulles de Paris
Massage & spa with Champagne

Au-delà de la Région

Discover France

Whether you extend your trip before or after the wedding, here’s a taste of the iconic landmarks, landscapes and culture this beautiful country has to offer.

Iconic Cities & Cultural Hubs
Paris — The City of Light

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, bohemian Montmartre and a Seine cruise.

Nice — Jewel of the Riviera

The Promenade des Anglais, pebble beaches, colourful Vieux Nice and the Matisse and Chagall museums.

Marseille — A Port with Soul

France’s oldest city: the Vieux Port, vibrant Le Panier, and boat trips to the Calanques National Park.

Lyon — Gastronomic Capital

A UNESCO city of hidden “traboules,” Roman ruins and traditional “bouchon” dining.

Natural Landmarks
French Alps

Stunning scenery and charming villages — hiking and climbing in summer, world-class skiing around Chamonix and Mont Blanc.

Dordogne

Prehistoric cave paintings (Lascaux), medieval villages like Sarlat-la-Canéda, and rivers for kayaking.

Lavender Fields of Provence

Catch the tail end of the bloom in early–mid July around the Valensole plateau — breathtaking sight and scent.

Brittany & Normandy

Rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, fishing villages and rich cultural traditions in the northwest.

Historical Gems & Châteaux
Loire Valley Châteaux

Fairytale castles — Chambord, Chenonceau spanning the Cher, and Villandry with its spectacular gardens.

Mont Saint-Michel

An iconic tidal island crowned by a majestic abbey — a UNESCO site and one of France’s most recognisable landmarks.

Normandy D-Day Beaches

A poignant journey through Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery and preserved bunkers.

Avignon — Papal City

The medieval Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Wine Regions & Cuisine
Bordeaux

World-renowned wines and countless vineyards for tours and tastings, plus the elegant city itself.

Burgundy

Famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, charming villages, historic abbeys and delicious regional cuisine.

Champagne

Visit the cellars of famous houses in Reims or Épernay to learn how the sparkling wine is made.

Regional Cuisine

From coq au vin to bouillabaisse, crêpes in Brittany and cassoulet in the Southwest — indulge wherever you roam.