FAQs

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Airport Options

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Primary Option: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) Largest international airport in France Most direct flights from major US cities Located approximately 250 km northeast of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés Airlines with direct service from US: Air France, United, American Airlines, Delta Alternative Option: Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF) Smaller regional airport closer to Saint-Épain No direct flights from US Connections possible through Paris or other European hubs Located approximately 35 km from Saint-Épain

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Transportation from the Airport

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From Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Train (Recommended Option) Take TGV high-speed train from CDG to Tours Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station Duration: approximately 2 hours Cost: €45-90 depending on booking time Book through SNCF website or app Then take a taxi/Uber to Château de Montgoger (30-35 minutes) Rental Car Multiple agencies available at CDG (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc.) Drive time: approximately 3 hours Take A10 motorway towards Tours GPS coordinates for Château: [Insert coordinates] Note: International Driving Permit recommended Private Transfer Door-to-door service available Duration: about 3 hours Cost: €350-450 Can be arranged through château or travel service Recommended for groups or those with significant luggage From Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF) Taxi/Ride-sharing Duration: 35-40 minutes to château Approximate cost: €70-90 Book in advance recommended Uber is available but limited Local taxi companies can be pre-booked Rental Car Available at Tours Airport Drive time: 35-40 minutes Simple route via D910

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Local Transportation in Saint-Épain and Tours

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Saint-Épain is a charming village located in the Indre-et-Loire department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. Nestled in picturesque Loire Valley, it boasts a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a peaceful rural atmosphere. The area is characterized by its vineyards, traditional stone houses, and proximity to many historical sites and castles. If you're interested in exploring the region, Saint-Épain provides a great base for visiting nearby attractions like the famous castles of the Loire, including Château d'Amboise and Château de Chenonceau. The local cuisine, often featuring regional wines and delicacies, adds to the area's allure. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN SAINT-ÉPAIN Limited public transportation in this area Having a rental car is recommended for exploring the region (Rental on-site for guests) Local taxi services available but must be booked in advance Uber service is limited in the area LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN TOURS Tours is a vibrant city located in the Indre-et-Loire area in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. Known for its historical and beautiful architecture, Tours offers a mix of medieval and Renaissance influences, with charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. One of Tours' main attractions is the impressive Tours Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The city is also home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where visitors can explore an extensive collection of art from various periods. Tours serve as a gateway to the famous Loire Valley, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region's renowned châteaux, such as Château de Villandry and Château de Chenonceau. The area is renowned for its vineyards and local gastronomy. In terms of local transportation, Tours has a well-developed public transport system, including trams and buses, making it easier to navigate the city and connect to surrounding areas. For those wishing to explore the wider region, rental cars are also readily available.

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Important Tips

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Important Tips Advance Planning Book trains well in advance for best rates Consider group transfer options if arriving with other guests Have château address and phone number printed Download offline Google Maps for the region Mobile Apps to Download SNCF Connect (French train booking) Uber Google Maps Google Translate Payment Methods Credit cards widely accepted but bring some cash Inform your bank of travel plans Some toll roads between Paris and Tours Keep euros for small purchases and taxis Language Rural area - less English spoken than in Paris Download Google Translate Learn basic French phrases Keep château address written in French Emergency Contacts Police: 17 Ambulance: 15 Fire: 18 European Emergency Number: 112 US Embassy in Paris: +33 1 43 12 22 22 Château de Montgoger: Contact Bride or Groom

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Weather and Packing (March)

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*We will provide more up-to-date weather information closer to the date. Typical March Weather in Saint-Épain/Loire Valley: Average daytime temperatures: 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F) Average nighttime temperatures: 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 43°F) The Loire Valley tends to have a milder climate than Paris due to its location March is part of the region's shoulder season with variable conditions Typical conditions you might expect: Mix of sunny and cloudy days Possibility of light rain showers (7-10 rainy days on average in March) Morning mist common in the river valley Early spring flowers beginning to bloom Variable winds Typical March Weather in Paris: Average daytime temperatures: 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F) Average nighttime temperatures: 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F) Rainfall: March is typically a moderately wet month, with an average of 10-12 rainy days Daylight: Around 12 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:00 AM and sunset around 7:00 PM Weather conditions can vary from sunny spells to light rain showers Pack layers and rain gear Comfortable walking shoes essential Universal power adapter (France uses Type C/E outlets, 230V)

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Local Area Information and Useful Phrases for Transportation

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Local Area Information Saint-Épain is a charming rural village Limited local amenities Nearest larger town is Tours (35 minutes) Region famous for châteaux and wineries Beautiful countryside location Essential French Phrases "Où est le Château de Montgoger?" (Where is Château de Montgoger?) "Je vais à Saint-Épain" (I'm going to Saint-Épain) "Pouvez-vous appeler un taxi?" (Can you call a taxi?) "Parlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?)