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Welcome Wine Tasting
Kick off the weekend with us at a relaxed Welcome Wine Tasting in the Wine Barn on Friday evening. We’ll be sampling a selection of wines from the château before dinner. A fun chance to sip, mingle, and ease into the celebration together. Completely optional, with a cost of €15 per person payable day of.
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Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Join us for a relaxed evening to kick off the celebrations. Cocktail attire is suggested, but please keep in mind that the chateau grounds feature cobblestone paths. Choose footwear with comfort and stability in mind.
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Ceremony
Please join us as we exchange vows in a romantic outdoor ceremony at the chateau. Black tie attire is requested. The ceremony will take place on the chateau grounds, so we encourage guests to choose footwear suited for an outdoor setting.
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Reception
Following the ceremony, we invite you to continue the celebration with dinner, drinks, and dancing at the chateau. Black tie attire is requested. The evening will unfold throughout the historic grounds as we celebrate together.
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Farewell Pool Party & BBQ
We’ll have a relaxed BBQ brunch to wrap up the weekend, with plenty of time to lounge by the Château’s heated pool. Don’t forget your swimwear!
Alexa & Dennis
The Couple
Our Story (as told by Ajax)
Dad met Mom at a law school party and came home talking about her like she was the best thing since squeaky toys. When I finally met her, she passed all the tests—perfect ball toss, excellent ear scratches, and she even knew how to share the couch without stealing my spot. Impressive.
Soon we were living together as one happy pack—morning coffees (for them), long walks around Brickell Key (for me), and plenty of playlists and homemade treats (again, mostly for me).
On a trip to Michigan, Mom won over the whole family with cider, donuts, and cozy fall vibes. I gave her the ultimate stamp of approval: tail wags and extra kisses.
When Dad asked Grandpaw John for Mom’s hand in marriage, I spun in circles like crazy! I already knew Mom was “the one”! She said YES on their big Europe adventure, and now here we are, ready for the next chapter.
Best of all? I’ll be there in France to help celebrate. Ring bearer, flower boy, keeper of the macarons—whatever my job ends up being, I promise to give it two paws up. Oui oui!
Weekend Schedule
Ginestas, France
For those looking to explore further, the historic town of Narbonne is just a short drive away, with more restaurants, shops, and cultural sights to discover. From strolling along the Canal du Midi to visiting vineyards or heading to the Mediterranean coast for a beach day, there’s plenty to see and do in the region.
We can’t wait for you to experience the charm of Ginestas and the surrounding area alongside us.
For other nearby activities, we recommend browsing Visit Côte du Midi.
EAT & DRINK / EXPLORE / SHOP
EAT & DRINK
Restaurant L'Es Pratx
40 avenue du Minervois Rte de Bize, 11120
Ginestas, France
€€ · Traditional Cruisine
Restaurant L’Es Pratx, located in the beautifully restored wine barn of Château du Puits es Pratx, offers a charming terrace overlooking the vineyard and a cozy interior courtyard. A great option for a nice lunch or a romantic dinner. It’s also the most convenient dining option for guests staying at the château.
👉🔗 Learn more
EAT & DRINK
La Table du Casino
6 Av. de la Promenade, 11120
Ginestas, France
€€ · Traditional Cruisine
Just a walk away, this delightful gem in Ginestas is perfect for morning coffee, a leisurely lunch, an evening drink, or a full dinner. Savor homemade, seasonal dishes on the charming terrace served with attentive care in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With occasional performances, games, and lively energy, it’s the kind of place where you can truly relax, enjoy great food and drinks, and soak in the vibrant, inviting ambiance.
👉🔗 Learn more
EAT & DRINK
Cave à Vin & à Manger
Rond-point de la Liberté, 68 avenue du Général-Leclerc
Narbonne, 11100, France
€€ · Traditional Cuisine
About 30 minutes away, La Cave à Manger by Lionel Giraud offers hearty bistro cuisine made with the finest ingredients from Occitanie. Highlights include the slow-simmered chuck beef and velvety carrot purée, perfectly paired with a bottle from La Cave à Vin’s 2,500-strong wine selection. Recognized with a Bib Gourmand for quality and value, it’s a must-visit for a delicious meal.
👉🔗 Learn more
EAT & DRINK
Le Petit Comptoir
4 Boulevard du Maréchal-Joffre, 11100
Narbonne, France
€€ · Traditional Cuisine
About 20 minutes away, this gastronomic eatery with a 1930s character serves bistro cuisine with fine ingredients. If you fancy buying a bottle of one of the wines served here – there are 350 on the list, most of them local – pay a visit to the cellar!
👉🔗 Learn more
EAT & DRINK
Méditerranéo at Château Capitoul
Route de Gruissan, 11100
Narbonne, France
€€€ · Mediterranean Cuisine
About 40 minutes away, nestled in the Massif de la Clape, this family-run manor offers refined Mediterranean cuisine by Chef Valère Diochet. Light, precise dishes—like marinated monkfish, lovage-infused courgettes, and seared red mullet—highlight aromatic herbs and seasonal ingredients. Pair your meal with wines from the estate, La Clape, or Languedoc, while enjoying views of the vineyards and Étang de Bages.
👉🔗 Learn more
EAT & DRINK
La Table Lionel Giraud
Rond-point de la Liberté, 68 avenue du Général-Leclerc
Narbonne, 11100, France
€€€€€ · Creative, Modern Cuisine
About 30 minutes away, Chef Lionel Giraud showcases the best of Occitanie with creative, modern French cuisine that elevates every ingredient—from Mediterranean red tuna to Corbières buffalo mozzarella. Using techniques like ikejime to ensure the highest quality, he transforms local produce into inventive, refined dishes. Awarded two Michelin stars, the restaurant is a must for lovers of haute cuisine.
👉🔗 Learn more
Travel
Flying from Miami
For the smoothest journey from Miami, we recommend flying from MIA to Montpellier (MPL) with just one connection – usually through Paris or London. Leading carriers on this route include Air France, KLM, and Delta.
~10 hours travel time
Flying from Detroit
For the most seamless route, flights from Detroit (DTW) to Montpellier (MPL) typically involve just one connection via Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Rome.
~9 hours travel time
Train to Narbonne
From the airport, a quick taxi ride will get you to Montpellier–Saint-Roch train station. From there, hop on a SNCF TER, Intercités, or TGV train. Narbonne is just about an hour away, with tickets usually between €9–35.
~1 hour travel time
✈️ 🚆 TRAVEL TIPS: To make your travel as smooth as possible, we recommend booking flights and train tickets early, as prices can increase closer to the date. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck can help speed up airport security and customs. When traveling in France, keep in mind that train tickets are often cheaper when purchased in advance through SNCF Connect.
🚘 CAR RENTALS: If you’d prefer not to rely on trains or taxis, renting a car is another convenient option. Rentals are available in Montpellier through SIXT or AVIS, and in Narbonne through HERTZ or AVIS, giving you flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Driving in France is very similar to driving in the U.S., and we recommend using Google Maps as your primary GPS.
🧳 POST-CELEBRATIONS: If you’re planning to continue your travels after the wedding, Narbonne is a great jumping-off point. From Narbonne station, you can easily reach Barcelona in about 2.5 hours, Toulouse in 1.5 hours, or Marseille in 3 hours by direct train. The French Riviera, Provence, and other gems of southern France are also well-connected by rail.
Accommodations
We can’t wait to celebrate with you in beautiful Ginestas! While space at the château is reserved for immediate family and our wedding party, there are many charming accommodations just steps away in the village.
Ginestas offers a wonderful selection of privately owned B&Bs and guesthouses (LINKED HERE), many within a 5–10 minute walk of the château. We highly recommend staying in the village if possible, it will make the weekend especially easy and enjoyable, with no need to drive to and from the celebration each day.
If you prefer a larger town setting, Narbonne (about a 30-minute drive) also offers a variety of hotels and accommodations. You’ll find additional options listed below.
For more ideas on things to see and do while you’re in the area, be sure to visit the “About Ginestas” section of our website.
Villa Ambrosia
Villa Ambrosia
3 All. Ambrosia, 11100
Narbonne, France
+33 6 07 44 43 62
From
$100/night
Distance
20 min
More Info
Hotel La Residence
Hotel La Residence
6 Rue du 1er Mai, 11100
Narbonne, France
+33 4 68 32 19 41
From
$120/night
Distance
25 min
More Info
La Maison Gustave
La Maison Gustave
5 Rue Gustave Fabre, 11100
Narbonne, France
+33 6 40 20 99 97
From
$130/night
Distance
25 min
More InfoRegistry
We’re so excited to begin this next chapter and are incredibly grateful for your love and support. For those who have asked about gifts, we’ve curated a small selection of items listed below, along with options to contribute to our honeymoon and future home funds.
If you’d prefer to browse more, you can also explore our full registry at Williams Sonoma here.
While gifts are never expected, your generosity truly means so much to us. We can’t wait to celebrate together!
Asked & Answered
We know this is a big trip with a lot of logistics, so we’ve added some information below to answer questions you may have!
Do I need a passport or visa to travel to France?
Yes, all travelers need a valid passport to enter France. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism, but your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.
How do I get to Ginestas?
We’ve put together all the travel details, including the best flight and train options in the “Travel” section of our website. Be sure to check it out to plan your trip!
Do I need to stay the entire weekend?
While we do hope you can join us all weekend, we understand if you’re unable. When you RSVP, you will be prompted to choose the events you’ll be able to attend!
Is there a dress code?
Please refer to the “Schedule” page of our site for full details.
Can I bring a guest?
Due to venue capacity, we are only able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.
What will the weather be like?
Mid-October in Ginestas typically features mild, pleasant days with temperatures averaging between 63° and 72°. Evenings are cooler, ranging from 50° to 56°. Expect generally comfortable weather, but it’s a good idea to bring a shawl or sweater for the night.
Will there be Wi-Fi and cell service?
Yes! Wi-Fi is available at the château and at most shops and restaurants in the area. However, if you’d like to guarantee a reliable connection throughout your trip, we recommend bringing a travel SIM card or contacting your phone provider about international service if it’s not already included in your plan.
Is transportation provided between events?
While we won’t be providing group transportation, there are affordable taxis available from Narbonne to the château. Your hotel can help you arrange a ride, making it easy to get to and from events.
Do you have a gift registry?
Yes! You can find our registry on the Registry tab of our website, or view our full registry at Williams Sonoma here. We’ve included a curated selection of gifts as well as options to contribute to our honeymoon and future home.
What is the local currency and payment method?
The local currency in France is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, markets, tips, or rural areas.