Chez Virginie et Bernard

International Guests Welcome Dinner

Burning Man Poolside Brunch

Plaza Victoria

Wedding Ceremony

Chateau De Gourdon

Wedding Party

Gites de Gourdon

Survivors' Brunch

Dear Family and Friends, We’re getting married (again!), this time in the Chateau of Gourdon, Flo's ancestral village. We simply can’t imagine celebrating this special moment or drinking all that champagne without your help. Please <a href="https://www.theknot.com/us/floriane-leynaud-and-michal-kosinski-jul-2025/rsvp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RSVP as soon as possible</a> and make sure to book your <a href="https://www.theknot.com/us/floriane-leynaud-and-michal-kosinski-jul-2025/travel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">travel</a> and <a href="https://www.theknot.com/us/floriane-leynaud-and-michal-kosinski-jul-2025/accomodation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">accommodation</a>. Since many of you are traveling from afar, we hope to tempt you to stay a bit longer to explore the area—more details in the "<a href="https://www.theknot.com/us/floriane-leynaud-and-michal-kosinski-jul-2025/things-to-do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Things To Do</a>" tab.

Our Wedding

Post-wedding excursions

July 14th (Monday):- After Brunch: Guided visit of Grasse and perfume factory- Afternoon &amp; evening: Speed boat trip - great views, fantastic snorkeling, Rose, and fireworks (it's Bastille Day here) We will keep updating this page as our plan for the post-wedding excursions becomes more concrete. Join this <a href="https://chat.whatsapp.com/EbJlLzHsSvU7iPhM2YUNZt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WhatsApp group</a> if you are interested in post-wedding adventures.

The wedding will take place in Gourdon, Flo's ancestral village clinging to a 760&nbsp;m clifftop, often nicknamed the “Balcony of the Côte d’Azur” for its sweeping views over the Gorges du Loup and the Mediterranean coast. Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” Gourdon enchants with its stone houses, quaint artisan workshops, and a dramatic perch at the edge of the mountains. The village is dominated by a 12th-century castle, once a feudal stronghold against Saracen invaders, later restored and surrounded by elegant terraced gardens designed by Louis XIV’s landscape architect, André Le Nôtre . From the lookout point by the castle, you gaze down over rolling hills to the distant glitter of the sea, with the Riviera’s capes in view. Gourdon’s blend of natural grandeur and medieval heritage offers a serene, panoramic step back in time. While we suggest getting there in a car on the day of the wedding, before or after the party, you should try to take the Gourdon Trail, a historic path turned spectacular hiking trail that climbs from the Loup valley up to Gourdon. Aptly nicknamed the “Path to Paradise” (Chemin du Paradis), this route is an exceptional path with an airy ascent – as you zigzag up the mountain, the rooftops of Gourdon gradually come into view far above. In the 19th century, villagers even carried their deceased up this way to the hilltop cemetery (hence the heavenly name). Today hikers tackle the roughly 5 km (one-way) stone path for pleasure: the reward is a panorama from Gourdon’s Place Victoria that spans the Riviera coastline and hinterland in one sweeping gaze. This moderate 2–3 hour hike lets you literally walk through local history and emerge to one of the grandest viewpoints in the region – all while avoiding the tour-bus crowds (most people drive to Gourdon, missing the adventure you’ll have on foot). And there’s so much more to see and do around Gourdon! Since many of you are traveling from afar, we hope to tempt you to stay a bit longer to explore the area. We may even be able to convince the bride to give us a tour of her favorite spots on the coast! Legendary St. Tropez, with its glamorous beaches and vibrant nightlife; the stunning Gorges du Verdon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe”; and the charming hilltop villages of Provence, where you can wander through medieval streets and enjoy breathtaking views. Explore Aix-en-Provence, known for its elegant boulevards and fountains; Eze, a picturesque medieval village perched high above the sea; and Marseille, a vibrant port city with a rich history and delicious seafood. Discover Antibes, with its beautiful coastline and Picasso Museum, or St. Paul de Vence, an artist’s haven filled with galleries and charm.

Highlights around the area

Château de Roquefort-les-Pins (Le Castellas) (30 min drive E of Grasse): The overgrown ruins of a 10th-century hilltop castle hidden in the pines above Roquefort-les-Pins . Destroyed in 1341 during local conflicts, it now consists of crumbling ramparts, a fallen keep, and even the apse of an old chapel . A short forest hike leads you to this Castellas site, where you’ll be rewarded with solitude and views over the Loup Valley. It’s an off-the-path historical adventure – nature is slowly reclaiming these medieval ruins, offering an atmospheric experience for history buffs and hikers alike. Cabris (15 min drive W of Grasse): A postcard-perfect perched village set on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. Cabris is crowned by the ruins of a 10th-century castle – only a few walls remain, but its hilltop esplanade offers extraordinary panoramic views of the Bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, and even Lake Saint-Cassien . The village itself, repeatedly rebuilt after medieval wars, retains old-world charm: narrow stone lanes lined with gray-stone houses, flowered stairways, and shaded café terraces . Cabris is tranquil and authentic, famously once inspiring writers like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Albert Camus – a perfect spot to savor Provençal village life away from mass tourism. Tourrettes-sur-Loup (30 min drive E of Grasse): A charming medieval village perched on a rocky spur above two green valleys . Often called the “Cité des Violettes,” Tourrettes-sur-Loup is known for its centuries-old tradition of violet cultivation – you might visit the small violet museum or see violet-infused treats in spring. The village’s cobbled alleys, stone archways, and old rampart-houses exude authenticity, with local artisans’ workshops tucked in the nooks. It’s one of the region’s most authentic medieval villages , yet sees only a fraction of the visitors that flock to more famous towns. From its edges you get sweeping views down to the Mediterranean, making Tourrettes a rewarding blend of history, art, and scenery without the crowds. Coursegoules (40–45 min drive N of Grasse): An isolated medieval village nestling under the towering Cheiron mountain. Coursegoules impresses with its superb architectural unity – nearly all the houses are built of local stone with aged Roman tile roofs, giving a harmonious gray-toned look . Once a fortified hamlet, it still has vestiges of ancient ramparts and a gate, plus a 12th-century Romanesque church in the heart of the village . Strolling the narrow lanes reveals flowered stairways, vaulted passages, and even a Templar-built windmill and old shepherds’ barns . Lovers of “old stones” will adore Coursegoules – it’s lively and well-kept by its residents, yet little-known to outsiders. The fresh mountain breeze and occasional panoramic terraces (with views of majestic Mount Cheiron) complete the experience of this hidden gem of medieval heritage. Gorges du Loup (25–30 min drive NE of Grasse): A spectacular limestone gorge carved by the Loup River, often overlooked by Riviera visitors. The canyon winds through dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation . Along its course you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, including the famous 40 m Cascade de Courmes and the mossy Saut du Loup falls . These falls tumble into clear emerald pools – perfect backdrops for photos and even a refreshing foot dip on a hot day . You can drive the scenic gorge road, stopping at viewpoints, or hike quiet riverside trails. With its mix of adventure sports (canyoning, rock climbing) and easy nature walks, Gorges du Loup is a “hidden gem” for nature lovers , offering peace and cool beauty just a short drive from Grasse. Siagne Gorge &amp; Pont des Tuves (30 min drive W of Grasse to Saint-Cézaire/Montauroux): A serene river canyon on the Siagne, protected as a Natura 2000 site for its unspoiled nature . A highlight is the Pont des Tuves, a picturesque stone bridge built in 1802 to span the Siagne . Reached by a short hike through oak forests, this arch bridge and its small waterfall create an idyllic scene – the “idyllic setting of Pont des Tuves” invites picnics and summer swims in crystal-clear water . The valley around you is lush and wild; long ago it harbored farms, charcoal makers and mills (you can still spot old millstones and terraced ruins in the woods) . Today it feels utterly secluded. This spot – where Provence’s Alpes-Maritimes and Var departements meet – offers an authentic taste of local nature and history, far off the typical tourist path. Clue de Saint-Auban (55–60 min drive N of Grasse): A jaw-dropping narrow gorge (a “clue” in Provençal) carved by the Estéron River, featuring one of France’s most scenic balcony roads. Driving the D2211 here is an adventure in itself: the paved road clings to the sheer ravine wall, even tunneling under overhanging rock in places . There are a few pull-offs where you can stop and gaze into the depths of one of Provence’s deepest and steepest gorges . Down below, the turquoise river rushes between polished cliffs – it’s a popular canyoning spot for the intrepid. A chapel literally carved into the cliff can be seen en route, and above the gorge lie the quiet villages of Saint-Auban and Briançonnet. Visiting the Clue de Saint-Auban rewards you with dramatic, untamed scenery; it’s the kind of thrilling natural wonder (complete with a “roller-coaster” mountain road) that few casual tourists ever witness. Baou de Saint-Jeannet – trailhead ~45 min drive E of Grasse: A rewarding hike to a flat-topped limestone promontory (the “Baou”) overlooking the Côte d’Azur. Starting from the authentic village of Saint-Jeannet, a well-marked trail leads you steeply up about 300 m to the summit at 800 m altitude. In about an hour’s climb you’ll reach the top, where “amazing views of the coast and mountain ranges” spread out beneath you . Indeed, from this perch you can see the Mediterranean glittering to the south and the Mercantour Alps to the north – a full 360° panorama. At the summit you’ll also find the gnarled “Old Oak” (local legend claims it’s one of Europe’s oldest oak trees) and ruins of ancient stone shelters, adding a touch of mystique. Popular with local hikers and rock climbers but largely unknown to tourists, the Baou de Saint-Jeannet offers a peaceful, invigorating outdoor escape with truly stunning vistas . Pic de Courmettes – trailhead ~35 min drive NE of Grasse (near Courmes or Domaine des Courmettes): A less-traveled hike leading to a lofty peak (1,248 m) in the Préalpes d’Azur, which rewards with one of the best panoramic views in the area. The trail is a moderate ascent through wildflower meadows and oak scrub; in just a couple of hours you reach the summit Pic de Courmettes. At the top, you’ll be greeted by an “incredible 360° view” that stretches from the Mediterranean Sea all the way to distant Alpine summits on a clear day . Below, you can gaze down at Gourdon and the Loup Gorge, and even spot Nice in the distance. This hike is well off the beaten tourist path – often, you might have the peak entirely to yourself except for grazing cows. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking solitude in nature: a chance to enjoy breathtaking vistas in total peace, making the effort to get there all the more worth it. Villefranche-sur-Mer (15 min east of Nice): A picturesque seaside town nestled along one of the Mediterranean’s deepest natural harbors . Its waterfront is lined with pastel-colored facades and narrow cobbled lanes that exude a timeless Mediterranean charm . Overlooking the bay is the 16th-century Citadelle Saint-Elme, built by the Duke of Savoy in 1557 to guard this strategic port . Today the citadel’s ramparts and gardens offer sweeping views of the azure bay, while the old town below invites exploration of its historic chapels, café-lined alleys, and even a tiny fishermen’s chapel decorated by artist Jean Cocteau. Villefranche’s blend of lively harbor life and old-world ambiance makes it a jewel of the Côte d’Azur. Antibes (30 min southwest of Nice): A historic walled port city with a mix of medieval charm and maritime glamour. Antibes’ old town is encircled by 17th-century fortifications engineered by Vauban, the great military architect, whose ramparts still face the sea as they once defended France’s border . Inside, a maze of cobbled streets leads to a Provençal market and the Grimaldi Castle – now the Picasso Museum, displaying works the artist created during his stay in 1946 . Just outside the walls stands the star-shaped Fort Carré (built in the 1500s) guarding Port Vauban, where superyachts moor along the “Billionaires’ Quay” in one of the Riviera’s largest marinas . From the seaside ramparts at sunset, you can gaze at the silhouette of the Alps and understand why writers and artists from Graham Greene to Picasso were captivated by Antibes’ beauty. Èze (30 min east of Nice): A tiny medieval village perched 450&nbsp;m above the sea on a cliff-edge, often called an nid d’aigle (“eagle’s nest”) . Èze Village is reached by a steep stone footpath – the Nietzsche Trail – which Friedrich Nietzsche climbed daily in the 1880s and where he found inspiration for Thus Spoke Zarathustra . The village itself is a labyrinth of centuries-old stone houses and flower-adorned lanes winding up to the ruins of a 12th-century château, now crowned by an exotic cactus garden with breathtaking 360° views of the coast . Standing at the summit, you can see the Mediterranean spread far below (from Cap Ferrat all the way to Italy) and feel the poetic solitude that so moved Nietzsche. With its art galleries, ancient chapels, and dramatic panoramas, Èze offers a fairy-tale atmosphere suspended between sky and sea. La Turbie (20 min northeast of Nice): A lofty village perched ~500&nbsp;m above Monaco, home to the towering Trophée d’Auguste – a monumental Roman trophy built in 7 BC by Emperor Augustus to celebrate his conquest of the Alpine tribes . This colossal monument (originally 50&nbsp;m high, now partially restored) dominates what’s known as the “Terrace of Monaco,” offering commanding views from the Italian Riviera all the way to Saint-Tropez . It was here that Augustus symbolically declared, “I have conquered the Alps from sea to sea,” and standing among the trophy’s ancient limestone columns you can share in that sense of triumph . La Turbie’s medieval stone lanes cluster around this site, and a short walk leads to the Tête de Chien promontory – a 19th-century fort viewpoint with Monaco laid out like a map below . Blending Roman history, medieval village charm, and panoramic scenery, La Turbie is an evocative escape high above the coastal crowds. Sainte-Agnès (45 min east of Nice, above Menton): Europe’s highest coastal village, clinging to a mountainside at nearly 800&nbsp;m altitude . Despite its lofty perch, this little medieval hamlet is still inhabited, its stone houses and stepped alleyways nestled just below two dramatic ruins: a centuries-old hilltop castle and a 20th-century fortress. The ruined château (legend says it was built by a Saracen prince named Haroun, who fell in love with a local girl ) offers jaw-dropping views of Menton’s bay and the Italian Riviera, while the underground Fort de Sainte-Agnès – part of the Maginot Line – is tunneled into the rock nearby . Strolling the village’s quiet lanes, you’ll find artisan workshops and a small church, but the real allure is the panorama: a sweeping vista of the coastline far below. This eagle’s-nest village, with its cool mountain air and echoes of medieval and WWII history, feels a world apart from the busy beaches. Nietzsche Path (Èze to Èze-sur-Mer): For hikers seeking spectacular views, the Nietzsche Path is a must-do trail that links Èze’s hilltop village to the sea below. This steep footpath zigzags through aromatic Mediterranean scrub with constant views of the cobalt-blue water. As you descend (or ascend) roughly 400&nbsp;m in elevation, you’ll pass dramatic viewpoints that inspired the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in the 1880s . He wrote of finding creative enlightenment on these very slopes, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of physical effort and stunning natural beauty is truly uplifting. The hike takes about an hour each way, leading from the medieval streets of Èze down to the shore at Èze-sur-Mer, and rewards you with one of the Riviera’s most iconic panoramas at every turn. Massif de l’Estérel (1&nbsp;hr southwest of Nice): A wild coastal mountain range of jagged red porphyry cliffs that plunge into the azure Mediterranean . The scenic Corniche d’Or road hugs the foot of these cliffs, revealing a stunning contrast of colors – rust-red rocks, deep green pines, and turquoise coves . Along the way you’ll spot the tiny Île d’Or (Golden Island) just offshore, crowned by a quirky stone tower that inspired Hergé’s Tintin comic The Black Island . The Estérel is crisscrossed with hiking trails, leading to viewpoints like Cap Roux (452&nbsp;m) where the entire coastline unfolds before you . Whether you explore on foot or simply pull off the road to admire the scenery, the Estérel offers an unforgettable glimpse of the Riviera’s untamed side – especially magical at sunset, when the volcanic cliffs glow crimson over the sea. Mercantour National Park (2&nbsp;hr drive north of Nice): A vast alpine sanctuary where nature and history meet in the southern Alps. Here you’ll find snow-dusted peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and deep verdant valleys home to chamois, ibex, and even wolves – a dramatic mountain world a short drive from the coast. In Mercantour’s famed Vallée des Merveilles (“Valley of Marvels”), Bronze Age peoples carved around 40,000 symbols and figures into the valley’s rocks, making it one of Europe’s largest open-air archaeological sites . Hiking among these 3,000-year-old petroglyphs – depictions of horned bulls, dagger-wielding men, suns and mysterious geometric shapes – is like walking through an open-air prehistoric museum at 2,000&nbsp;m altitude. Elsewhere in the park, medieval stone villages like Saint-Martin-Vésubie and Belvédère serve as gateways to sublime hikes. Mercantour’s blend of rugged natural beauty and ancient human history offers a truly spectacular day trip for those craving wilderness and wonder. Trophée d’Auguste (La Turbie): This imposing Roman monument, also known as the Trophy of Augustus, stands in the village of La Turbie and dates to around 6–7&nbsp;BC . It was built by the Romans to celebrate Emperor Augustus’ victory over 45 Alpine tribes and the peace he brought to the region . Originally a 164-foot high cylindrical trophy crowned by a statue of Augustus, it still towers above the village even in its partially ruined state. You can visit the site to see the remaining core and reconstructed portions, along with a small museum explaining its history. The monument’s terrace offers “imperial” views – a panorama over the Riviera that stretches from the mountains to the sea . Standing here, it’s easy to imagine the power Rome projected with this trophy, announcing dominance over the land and providing one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the Côte d’Azur. Rocca Sparvièra (1&nbsp;hr north of Nice, above Coaraze): A true ghost village hidden high in the mountains, abandoned since the&nbsp;XVIIth century and wrapped in legend . Perched on a 1,100&nbsp;m spur, Rocca Sparvièra (“Rock of the Sparrowhawk”) today is little more than tumbled stone walls and the ruins of a chapel – yet it exerts a powerful atmosphere. Its crumbling ramparts and arches, perched in splendid isolation, “evoke more a Tibetan lamasery than a village in the Alpes-Maritimes” , as one guide notes. In its heyday, this fortified hamlet had hundreds of residents, a castle, and a church . According to local lore, Queen Joanna of Naples once sought refuge here in the 14th century; after her children were tragically killed, she cursed the village (“one day on your ruins no rooster will crow”) and fled . Not long after, Rocca Sparvièra fell victim to plagues and earthquakes, and by 1723 it was completely deserted . Hiking up to these forlorn ruins is both eerie and exhilarating – you’ll stand amid roofless stone shells open to the sky, with eagle’s-eye views over forested valleys in every direction. It’s a place where history, myth, and the beauty of raw nature converge to send shivers down the spine.

The magical medieval village (on the site of an old roman fort)

Gourdon

Things to Do

There are five villages called Gourdon in France, but only one on the French Riviera. Use the zip code 06620 or this <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/eEAkoMQoK8ZWCyuC9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a> to ensure you arrive at the right wedding! By Air: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), the nearest international airport, is 40 minutes away by car.Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is 2 hours away by car and 3 hours by train.Paris airports are about 6 hours away by train. By Train:Plan to arrive at Nice station (about 30 mins by car from Grasse) or directly to Grasse, which is where most wedding hotels are. The last (few) miles:From the airport or train station you can take an Uber or rent a car - see the Getting Around tab.

Travel

The main event will take place in Gourdon (zip code 06620), a charming medieval town that unfortunately lacks hotels. We strongly recommend staying in or around Grasse. Many guests will stay at <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/hotellesarmoiries.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotel les Armoiries</a> (150-200 EUR/night), <a href="http://www.lesjasmins.fr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Particulier des Jasmins</a>, <a href="https://www.auberge-gorgesduloup.com/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Auberge des Gorges du Loup</a>, <a href="https://www.booking.com/Share-WCHlf7z" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Le Clos des Senteurs</a> (120-150 EUR/night), or <a href="https://www.cascadeparfumee.fr/reservations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cascade Parfumee</a> (420-570 EUR/night). Let us know once a given hotel is fully booked so we can delete it from here. If you need help with arranging accommodation, please feel free to <a href="mailto:michal@michalkosinski.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">email us</a>.

Accomodation

The wedding venues - the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/KN7cbkESVJENNkAB8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">house of Virginie and Bernard in Grasse</a> and the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/4mt8v6b1Qj9mLDi1A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Village and the Chateau of Gourdon</a> - and the hotels we recommended are within a 20-minute drive from each other. We reserved <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/vLjYNeBGQ1G5cx6L6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this exact parking lot</a> next to Gourdon.

How to Get to the house of Virginie and Bernard

Shuttles

Shuttles will pick up and drop off guests before and after the wedding. If you would like us to pick you up and drop you off, please ensure that you are listed on <a href="https://tinyurl.com/floandmeow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this spreadsheet</a>. We will add pick-up times there once the list is complete. Nikol Toteva (+359 88 265 2660) will be responsible for shuttles on the big day. If you are staying on the farm (Gites de Gourdon / Ferme de la Ferrage) - you do not need a shuttle, it's a 7-min walk. There is also Uber (although the number of available vehicles is limited).

RENTAL CARS

If you feel so inclined and want to explore the area before or after the wedding weekend (we really encourage it, and hope to co-organize and join a road trip!), renting a car may be a good idea. There are plenty of car rental options. Sharing a car between 4 or a van between 6 people may be a good idea. If you are interested in car-sharing, join this <a href="https://chat.whatsapp.com/LJcnV6hKi2SLKwOxkoDJjp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wedding Car Share WhatsApp group</a>.

Getting Around

It is a French wedding and a French bride, so we all need to dress nicely. Different outfits will be required for different sub-events. Avoid stilettos: plenty of lawns and cobblestones in the castle.&nbsp;

International Guests Welcome Dinner (Friday)

Burning Man Poolside Brunch (Saturday Morning)

Attire: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/22236591907022864/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Burning Man</a>. Bring swimwear. You will want to jump in the pool.

Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Party (Saturday evening)

Dress code: Creative Black-Tie Dress up, be fabulous, be yourself. Elegant and Eccentricity!

Survivors' Brunch (Sunday Morning)

Attire: Poolside Party. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/22236591907022864/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check this Pinterest link for more ideas</a>. Bring swimwear. You will want to jump in the pool.

Dress Code

Our Story

An elegant and romantic southern wedding. And a fall wedding. Think elegant, southern, cowboy, boho, chic and check the Pinterest link below for outfit inspirations Thr bride wishes to remind (the gentlemen) that there is an emphasis on “chic” in the “chic cowboys” dress code. Definitely do not take any advice on attire-related issues from the groom. He shall promptly return his newly-purchased gun belt and revolver.

Pinterest link

<a href="https://pin.it/14QoiYS" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for outfit inspiration</a>

Moodboard

TALENTS

You are talented and our second best gift after your presence, would be that you bring something to the ceremony: a poem, a flower, a dance performance, a workshop, a DJ set, a burlesque show... Anything at all!

COVID19 

Please be covid vaccinated and tested before the event

Q + A

Gifts?

Your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for, and we do not expect any other gifts. Yet, if you wanted to contribute to our honeymoon, you can use this <a href="https://www.paypal.com/pool/9cgq3vhP0M" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PayPal pool </a>or Flo's EUR account: FR76 1009 6188 1600 0894 1620 144

Floriane & Michal

Floriane & Michal

Gifts??