Kim, Kanye kick off pre-wedding festivities at French chateau

Kanye West and his bride-to-be Kim Kardashian lunched today at a French chateau owned by iconic designer Valentino, kicking off a marathon celebration expected to culminate in the wedding of the year.
The 33-year-old reality TV star, one of the world's most recognised faces, and her rapper beau were accompanied by their baby and Kardashian's mother Kris Jenner to the bash at Valentino's historic estate.
The Chateau de Wideville lies west of Paris. The sleepy hamlet where it is located was abuzz as several black sedans rolled into the magnificent property and journalists scrambled to catch sight of the celebrity pair.

A source involved in the event said the couple had requested that the cars transporting their entourage be sprayed with Chanel perfume inside.
Kim Kardashian sported an ornate lace gown with a plunging neckline while Kanye West, 36, was togged in a dark blue suit matched up with a black leather shirt.
A helicopter hovered over the chateau, whose origins go back to the 17th century, but few turned up near its imposing gates to catch a glimpse of the couple.

After lunch, the couple were scheduled pay a private visit to the Chateau of Versailles, easily France's best known palace and home to France's "Sun King" Louis XIV.

They had originally wanted to get married there but were denied permission. (AP)
Kardashian and West have rented out the 16th-century Fort Belvedere in Florence for a celebration tomorrow, fuelling speculation that this could be their wedding.
Of the handful of people gathered around Valentino's property today, was a local woman taking a quick lunch break.