In order to get to the venue, travel will be needed from Paris to Rennes. Rennes is the closest city to Chateau de la Beauvais (about 30 minutes driving). Please check out the guide below for options on how to get to Rennes/a guide on Paris/ being in France ! Getting to the Wedding Venue (Piré‑Chancé / Belhêtre, 35150) Since the wedding is in a rural/communal area near Rennes, the simplest is to use: Rental cars — especially good if several guests travel together, or if you plan to explore Brittany before/after. https://rennesmetropole.citiz.coop/english Taxis — can also work, especially for smaller groups or late-night returns. Bus route is also possible Coordinate with us ! We are working on seeing if a group-carpool / shuttle can be arranged from central Rennes — to make things smoother for guests.
After arrival, follow signs to passport control (if required) → then to baggage claim. CDG has fairly well-signposted terminals, and staff are used to international arrivals (expect lots of French) There is also another Airport ORLY - let me know if you’re flying in here to let you know the best way to arrive! Once you’ve got your bags, you have several main ways to reach central Paris: a. RER (the train) + Metro (budget-friendly): Take the RER (suburban train) from CDG to central Paris (usually to a station like Châtelet-Les Halles / Gare du Nord / other depending on where you're staying). Google maps will be your friend! You’ll need a “Paris Region → Airports” ticket — about €13 each way is the standard fare for RER from CDG to Paris. Once in Paris, you can use the Metro/buses to reach your hotel. b. Taxi / Ride-share (Uber, Bolt etc.): Official taxi flat fares from CDG to central Paris (as of 2025) are roughly €56 (Right Bank) or €65 (Left Bank) - this is the easiest, but most over-priced. Make sure to use cars marked as "Taxis" !! Uber or other VTC rides are possible. Price will depend on traffic & demand — the Uber app gives an upfront fare estimate. Summer in Paris can be busy, so allow extra time. c. Direct Train to Rennes (if headed straight there): Yes — direct high-speed TGV trains from CDG to Rennes are available! https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/paris/rennes (here’s the English version of the train booking site!) If you choose this, you avoid transferring into Paris first — convenient if you plan to go directly to Rennes. Recommend not purchasing these tickets SUPER far in advance.
As above: direct TGV from CDG to Rennes is possible — convenient for those heading straight there. https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/train/route/paris/rennes (here’s the English version of the train booking site!) Recommend not purchasing these tickets far in advance. If you first go to Paris: take the TGV from Gare Montparnasse to Rennes — journey time ~ 1h25–1h30 on a high-speed train. If the train you book is called TGV it will have a small cafe/food purchasing car you can visit (otherwise stock up on some goodies before boarding).
Major stations have big electronic departure boards (often black or blue) — these list train number, final destination, time, and (when announced) platform / track (“voie”) or letter/number. Platform assignments (voie) often are only displayed ~20 minutes before departure (sometimes less) it’s normal not to know what platform number until 20 minutes before departure (and then everyone moves at the same time, it feels strange, but it’s normal. If you are on time at the station, you will make it. Once the voie is posted, move quickly: French trains wait very little — especially high-speed trains — so don’t dawdle. On the platform, look for “composition de train” / coach-map displays. These show where each carriage (“voiture”) will stop, often with a letter marker. Use those letters to position yourself near your assigned car — especially useful on long TGVs or when two trains are joined together. 2nd class tickets are perfectly fine! 1st class has a few extra advantages if you’re feeling bougie, but 2nd class is more than fine.
Bring your ticket and have it ready — conductors will check. Validation of your ticket aka Compost is needed, this is a machine you stick your physical ticket into and it will stamp/hole punch your ticket. It will be fairly clear when entering the platform if you are obligated to validate or not. Most tickets are now digital - you should see people scanning or composting (follow their lead). If you forgot to compost (validate) your ticket, tell the conductor — you may get a small fee or fine. Most tickets are now digital - you should see people scanning or composting On trains with reserved seats (like TGV), find your “voiture” (carriage) number and seat number on your ticket. Once on the train, the carriage’s number should be displayed near the door. Large suitcases should go in luggage racks (usually near the entrances), or if small, on overhead racks/under the seat. On some older/smaller stations there may be stairs, so travel light if possible When boarding/exiting, heed the “mind the gap / attention à la marche” — many French stations and trains pronounce or display a “watch the gap” warning. ⏰ Timing & Plan Ahead Arrive early at the station — 30 minutes or more is a good buffer, especially on your first trip. It gives time to buy/validate tickets, find your platform, and handle luggage. There are some things to see and comfort to be found in Rennes and Paris train stations so arriving very early isn’t too bad. If you have a tight connection, realize that platform numbers are often not shown until shortly before departure. That’s normal — don’t panic, just follow the screens.
At major stations you’ll find information desks, often marked “Accueil”; staff there can help buy tickets or answer basic questions. On the platform / train — uniformed staff (agents / conductors) can help you find the right carriage (“voiture”) if you show them your ticket. Many understand at least basic English, especially at major international or tourist-frequented stations. Other passengers: French travellers are often used to assisting lost tourists — if you show your paper ticket (train number, destination, seat), even non-French speakers will often help you point to the right direction.
Paris has an extensive metro, RER, and bus network — the easiest way to get around the city. For short stays, consider getting a carnet (a bundle of multiple single-trip tickets a 10 pack) or a day-pass / multi-day pass, depending on how much you’ll ride. On the ticket machines you can switch the language into English, and pay with card. Safety precautions: keep an eye on your belongings (pickpocketing in busy metros/tourist spots is a known risk), avoid showing large amounts of cash, and be especially mindful in crowded trains or tourist-heavy areas at night. PASSPORTS do get stolen. ALWAYS have your hands on your items, even if it's next to you or in your line of sight. Do not talk to people with clipboards (this is mostly at the Eiffel Tower). Pickpockets are usually young girls/boys - they can often crowd you in a metro station and try to obstruct your way on or off the train - then leave suddenly before the doors close. If you feel obstructed while you are entering or exiting the metro, step away, take the next one! - trains circulate every 2-10 minutes. Car rental:Here is one example: https://www.europcar.com/en-us/places/car-rental-france/paris
1. Print your ticket (or get a paper copy), or if digital — make sure it scans properly. 2. Validate compostable tickets as soon as you get them. 3. Find your train number (not just destination) — there may be several similar-looking trains. 4. Keep an eye on the departure boards, especially the final 20 min before departure. 5. Get to the platform early, stand near your carriage’s letter, so you’re ready to jump on when the train arrives. 6. Pack light — stairs / long walks between concourse and platform can be common. 7. When in doubt — ask an agent (information desk) or a uniformed staff member, show your ticket.
Rennes has public transport (buses, metros/trams) that accept contactless bank cards directly — no need to buy special paper tickets if you have a card. Google maps will be your friend! Metro has 2 lines (A + B) very easy to get around! - This makes it easy for visitors — just tap on/off with your card. Jason is local and that’s his go-to method! Rent a bike or car? Bike rental: L’Échoppe du deux roues, 16 rue Saint-Louis (Place des Lices) – Tél. 0223463001 (location de vélos et de remorques). Alternatives: https://www.tourisme-rennes.com/infos-pratiques/velo-location-reparation/ Car rental IN RENNES: I recommend Citiz, here’s the site in English: https://rennesmetropole.citiz.coop/english
You do not need large amounts of cash. Most places — hotels, shops, restaurants, taxis — accept credit/debit cards. Contactless and chip-&-PIN are widely used. Tipping is not mandatory. By law, restaurants include a service charge (usually 15%) in the bill (“service compris”). It will feel strange coming from the U.S. but tipping is very rare. Tipping (restaurants, taxis, hotels): Not required. For real. LIKE REALLY!! If you really want to tip, a small amount is fine — usually €2–5 after a good meal, or rounding up a taxi fare. In Rennes especially it will be a pleasant surprise. If you receive particularly good service (friendly waiter, heavy luggage help, exceptional taxi driver), a small “thank-you” tip is nice but optional — about €2–5 after a meal, or rounding up the taxi fare. Best to tip in cash (small euro notes /coins), not with card. In Paris some businesses are adding tipping but mostly for tourists who are used to it, but in Rennes you will not be asked to tip at the till at all.
- Language & politeness: Basic French greetings go a long way and are appreciated. Even a simple “Bonjour, merci!” will be appreciated. This is a MUST :) “Bonjour” (hello), “Au revoir” (goodbye), “Merci” (thank you), “S’il vous plaît” (please), “Parlez-vous anglais ?” (Do you speak English?). In cafés or restaurants (or any place that has employees): a polite “bonjour” when entering goes a long way. Saying “bonjour” while entering anywhere is the U.S. equivalent of “hi there, how are you, hope you’re having a nice day”. - Power adapters: Bring a European power adapter (France uses Type C/E, 230V) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Type+C%2FE%2C+230V&crid=2SJQHSPTILZTY&sprefix=type+c%2Fe%2C+230v%2Caps%2C178&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 - Phone service: You may want to get a local SIM card or e-SIM if you plan to use mobile data — but many hotels / cafés also offer Wi-Fi. I recommend using Free Mobile if you really want a French number Safety on public transport: Keep a close eye on bags/wallets in crowded metro/tram/bus, avoid showing large amounts of money, and stay aware of surroundings, especially at night. French culture isn’t distant — just private at first. Smiles and friendly small talk aren’t automatic with strangers, but a polite bonjour does wonders. Once trust is established, you’ll discover that French people are warm and genuinely enthusiastic. If we could make it, you certainly can!
Jeanette Arreola & Emeric Marcon +1 (925) 421-5411 +1 (650) 465-1445 Local contact/Man of Honor (for translation, advice, emergencies): Jason Fotheringham +33 7 86 77 66 81 / jason.foth14@gmail.com (French area code is +33 and the first two numbers are either 07 or 06) In case of serious emergencies in France: dial 112 (general EU emergency number) U.S. Embassy in Paris — useful to have on hand if needed. Contact: 01 43 12 22 22 Address : 2 Av. Gabriel, 75008 Paris