Travel Information for Family

Traveling to the Chateau

Whether you want to extend your stay in Paris, or fly directly to the venue, there are several options to reach the chateau.

  • The drive from the airport (EAP) in Basel, Switzerland to the chateau is 1 hour and 22 minutes. The current price for a rental car is 275 USD from Avis. Sixt and Hertz also have slightly more expensive options.

    Don’t want to drive? Ilaria at the chateau can arrange for a car to pick you up. From the Basel Airport for 4 people the price is 380 euro one way.

  • I drove from Paris to the chateau when my mom and I went to visit the venue! The drive takes 4 hours and 30 minutes. The majority of the drive is on a very nice toll road, I think driving in France is easier than driving in Chicago!

    Currently, you can rent a car for 230 USD from Avis.

  • There are several train options, including a direct train, from Paris to Besancon. The direct train is currently listed for 76 USD and takes 2 hours and 34 minutes. The train schedule is typically available 2 months before your intended journey.

    From the train station, you can either rent a car or book a taxi to the chateau. Ilaria at the chateau can arrange a car to pick you up for 180 euro for four people one way.

  • Josef and I did our first big trip together driving around Switzerland! Again, I found it easier than driving in Chicago (because Josef did all the driving)!

    The drive from the airport in Geneva to the chateau is 2 hours and 48 minutes. The drive from the airport in Zurich to the chateau is 2 hours and 34 minutes.

    The current price for a rental car from Geneva for the dates of the wedding is 314 USD from Avis. The current price of a rental car from Zurich is 276 USD.

  • You can take a train from Geneva or Zurich to Belfort, France. Belfort is a 45 minute drive from the chateau. The direct train from Zurich takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and is currently listed for 56 USD. Geneva has a route with one train change currently listed for 102 USD which takes 3 hours and 41 minutes.

Staying at the Chateau de Bournel

We are delighted to be able to provide rooms for our family at the Domaine de Bournel, an 18th century castle turned hotel. Upon arrival, your rooms and food will be provided for you from arrival on June 19th to departure on June 21st.

There will be three events, a Welcome Dinner Thursday night, the Ceremony and Reception will begin Friday afternoon, and we will close with a Day-After Brunch on Saturday. We will provide a detailed schedule of events, but for now plan to arrive at the hotel no later than 4pm on Thursday, June 19th. Please also keep in mind our Day-After Brunch will conclude at 3pm on Saturday, June 21st.

While at the chateau, if you are interested in golfing Friday morning before the ceremony, please contact the chateau directly to book. Mention you are part of the Smith/Asfoura wedding to receive a discount. Make sure you book ahead of time, the golf course is open to the public and bookings can fill up! Please provide enough time to be ready by 3pm for the Ceremony.

Interested in spending some time in Besancon before or after the wedding? You can find information on the “Besancon” page of this website.