If you're searching for a fabulous destination wedding venue in France, then we have some luxury gems to share with you. A country known for romance, good food and wine, France is where you will also find breathtaking wedding venues ranging from rustic exclusive-use chateaux to luxury five-star boutique hotels hidden in the rolling French countryside. The south and southwest of France in particular is a heart centre for incredible venues, so it's little wonder it's such a popular wedding destination for couples from both Ireland and the UK. All the properties below have been visited by the One Fab Day team, recommended by our Real Wedding couples, or have been the location for one of our inspirational styled photoshoots - any of these venues will have your guests saying "ooh la la, what a wedding!" long after they arrive home. Without further ado, here are the best luxury wedding venues in France, so you can get planning your dream destination big day.
Best Wedding Venues in France
Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa
WHERE: Situated in the town of Cognac, home of the famous French brandy, including Hennessy, in the southwest of France on the Charente River, it is 1.5 hrs from La Rochelle airport and 1hr 50 from Bordeax airport.
THE VENUE: The town's only five-star hotel, this protected heritage building dating back to 1838 was an ageing Cognac warehouse in the heart of the town. In 2018 it was transformed into a cool, contemporary riverside haven decorated in the nuanced earthy, warm colours found in Cognac, with destination weddings in mind. There are so many well-thought out sapces to devise a multi-event celebration. The culinary jewel in the crown is the Michelin-starred Les Foudres restaurant, which sits within enormous 100-year-old brandy barrels, and can also host weddings of up to 60 guests - the dream wedding meal experience for a gourmet couple! Be sure to sample Chef Paolo Boscaro's delectable menu infused with local delights and a nod to his Italian heritage, even for pre- or post-wedding private dining, or ask for one of the Michelin dishes to be served as part of your reception meal menu.
SPECIAL FEATURE: Outside of the main ballroom, the moodily exquisite jazz bar, Le 1838, with its own cognac library, can host smaller weddings of up to 110 guests and oozes character. The rooftop bar with it scool industrial style roof frame and festoon lighting, and incredible panoramic views over Cognac also begs to be used. For day two, there's also a fabulous terrace area by the outdoor pool or more casual dining at La Distillerie. We have to mention the amazing Glamour Room with styling stations designed especially with bridal party prep in mind, and a pampering interlude should be added to the itinerary - the spa recently won the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens award.
Guests: 200 | Sleeps: 150 | chaismonnethotel.com
Domaine Des Etangs
WHERE: Situated in rolling countryside outside the teeny rural village of Massignac, near Limoges, it's a two-hour drive from Bordeaux airport or 2.5 hours from La Rochelle airport.
THE VENUE: This hidden oasis is so secret that even the locals don't know it's there! The lovingly-restored 13th-century chateau has somewhat of a Medieval feel, with its fairytale turrets, and is set on 2500 acres of preserved parklands. The eponymous 'etangs' refer to the picture-perfect lakes that surround it, and a trip on the row boats from the idyllic boathouse offer the perfect romantic moment. The chateau's decor is sympathetic to its rustic roots, while also filled with curios and art to spark the imagination. This is carried throughout the entire property which is somewhat of an outdoor art gallery with impressive, large works of art dotted all over, making for some truly stunning wedding portraits. Guests can stay in the chateau, but the luxurious cottages in the woodlands are on the scale of Grand Designs - you even have the use of electric cars to get around should you want to nip up to the heated outdoor pool, floating tennis court or panoramic gym! A renovated former stables beside the chateau houses the elegant Dyades Restaurant with a menu that highlights herbs, flowers, fruit and vegetables from the kitchen garden.
SPECIAL FEATURE: The chateau's attic has been transformed into a chic games level, featuring plush furniture against exposed brickwork and wooden beams, with pool and card tables, and a lounge area where you can screen movies. There are so many child-friendly elements on-site too, including a playground and bicycles.
Guests: 90 | Sleeps: 58 | domainedesetangs.com
Chateau de Lartigolle
WHERE: Perched on one of the highest points, just outside the town of Auch, about 50 minutes from Toulouse in southwest France.
THE VENUE: An 18th century chateau hidden away in the French countryside, that is perfect for a romantic but relaxed wedding just like our Real Wedding couple Stephanie and Niall. Each room is individually-designed and stunningly decorated, and there's a chilled-out pool area with fantastic views and tennis courts, so there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied, over the three-day hire for exclusive use. You have the choice of having the ceremony on site, or at a beautiful local church. Drinks are had in the garden terrace off the impressive dining room, overlooking the rolling hills of the Gers countryside. But we love the idea of dining under the stars in the courtyard!
SPECIAL FEATURE: The wedding feast can be held in the converted chateau cellar with its high-vaulted ceilings, a great rustic alternative in case of, dare we say it, rain! There is also Le Club, an underground party space with a dancefloor in the chateau. Meanwhile, day two celebrations can move to L'Atelier a separate private bar and pool area!
Guests: 120 | Sleeps: 28 (with other options locally) | lartigolle.com
Le Mas de So
WHERE: Situated in the Laudun-l'ardoise region in southern France. The closest city is Marseille or travel from Montpellier is also an option.
THE VENUE: An authentic 19th-century Provençal farmhouse (or mas in French) Le Mas de So was the setting for our own colourful photoshoot which you can see here. This property is a mix of modernity and tradition with indoor and outdoor areas to make the most of - even the woods, where the team are only to happy to set up for dining. From the red terrace and swimming pool area for drinks, to the old exposed stone buildings and olive trees where you can hold your ceremony - it all gives way to luscious views over rolling hills. The farmhouse’s red terrace, an extension of the lounge, is covered by a delicate shade to protect your party from the sun or unpredictable weather, allowing you to take advantage of the outdoors under any circumstances, and it can be transformed as you see fit, for dancing, ceremonies or fine dining!
SPECIAL FEATURE: For larger weddings the bright and airy pavilion space, the L'Orangerie du Mas, is perfect for bespoke bandquet styling.
Guests: 250 | Sleeps: 18 people | lemasdeso.com
L’Abbaye Chateau de Camon
WHERE: Located in southwest France in the old fortified village of Camon, it's also known as Little Carcassone as it's an hour from the Medievel city of Carcassone. Ryanair operate direct flights to Carcasonne airport from Cork, Ireland.
THE VENUE: An ancient Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 10th century forms part of this castle which sits at the foothills of the Pyrénées mountains, so picture a romantic, intimate wedding, in a very grand setting. With its character and warm welcome, Chateau de Camon frequently features on 'best of' lists when it comes to wedding venues in France. It has an intimate dining room with tapestry-like murals, which seats 20 people, ideal for a family gathering the night before. There’s even the old monk's kitchen for a small gathering of 25 people for a truly rustic experience and the owners place emphasis on beautifully cooked traditional fare, and plenty of it.
SPECIAL FEATURE: During the summer months the reception can be held in the beautiful cloisters, while the ornately decorated parlour room would offer a spot for the most exquisite bridal portraits surrounded by antique furniture. Relax the day after by the pool in the large terraced garden.
Guests: 70 | Sleeps: 29 | chateaudecamon.com
Le Domaine de la Rose
WHERE: Further down south in Provence, there are flights available to Avignon-Provence Airport or Marseilles Airport is an hour away by car.
The VENUE: Among the lavender fields, set on a 20 hectare park planted with pines and olive trees, like a 17th-century hamlet, sits Le Domaine de la Rose. This rustic hotel is beyond idyllic - dry stone walls and terraces, and elegant decor with a soft palette that's totally in keeping with the natural surrounds. The food offering is also exceptional with the chef ready to create a menu using organic and local produce, as well as ingredients grown on site.
SPECIAL FEATURE: A 180-degree view of the Alpilles mountain range as you celebrate. Plus, there are great facilities to keep everyone occupied: swimming pool, jacuzzi, golf range, tennis courts and a petanque (boules) court, with plenty of hiking and biking options in the national park in which it's located, as well as child care services on offer - an essential for any guests with kids who want to kick back and relax!
Guests: 150 | Sleeps: 25 | mas-rose.com
Chateau Grange Cochard
WHERE: Situated 45km from the city of Lyon, in east-central France in the Rhone commune, it's 50 minutes from Saint-Exupéry Airport.
THE VENUE: This was the setting for another magical One Fab Day wedding shoot, which you can take styling inspiration from here. Nestled in nature, surrounded by vineyards in the Beaujolais region, the 18th-century castle has an Orangerie that is ideal for either indoor or outdoor ceremonies, and offer a refined and elegant blank space for you to put your own styling stamp on it. It is fully accessible, as is the ground floor of the castle, which is great for guests with additional need. The estate is converting to organic farming to produce handmade, natural red wines, that will be a wonderful addition to your wedding meal.
SPECIAL FEATURE: The wooded park would make for a dreamy setting for an outdoor ceremony, or have it amongst the vines! The garden and the outdoor swimming pool lend themselves to a fabulous cocktail party or as somewhere to relax the day before.
Guests: 200 | Sleeps: 14 | legrangecochard.com
Château La Tour Vaucros
WHERE: Situated in Sorgues, in the heart of Provence in southeastern France, set amongst the Côtes du Rhône vineyards near Châteauneuf du Pape. It's just a few minutes from the idyllic city of Avignon, or Marseille Airport is an hour away by car.
THE VENUE: For couples who are seeking a luxury weekend party vibe, the exclusive-hire Chateau la Tour Vaucros delivers exactly that. Just take a look at our Real Wedding couple Ashley and Scott's big day, which they celebrated with 30 of their nearest and dearest. The property which sits on two hectares, is surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, with two beautiful chandeliered reception halls, and plenty of flexibility to use the other indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception.
SPECIAL FEATURE: While we all like to think we'll have sun for our destination wedding - there is a beautiful Salon d’Eté which opens out on to a terrace, for an indoor-outdoor vibe should the weather not play ball. Guests can stay on site in private houses, and begin the wedding day with a splash in one of the two heated pools!
Guests: 250 | Sleeps: 51 | latourvaucros.com
Chateau de la Valouze
WHERE: Situated in La Roche-Chalais in the Dordogne region in southwest France, 45 minutes from Bordeaux Airport.
THE VENUE: An impressive and romantic French chateau that sits on a 34-acre parkland estate, and looks very much like it could be the set of a Disney movie. Check out our Real Wedding couple Vanessa and Xavier's picture-perfect wedding day here for more. This castle used to belong to used to belong to the family who discovered Manet, Renoir and other art legends, and is exquisitely decorated. The castle itself makes for the most magical background for your outdoor ceremony, as it showcases the venues turrets and gardens.
SPECIAL FEATURE: The chateau boasts a grand reception hall, a beautifully appointed drawing room, a grand dining room, 17 bedrooms and a very chic basement bar, reminiscent of a cool underground 60s jazz club. The Winter Garden, a glass marquee style structure on the west façade of the chateau is where you can enjoy cocktails, intimate dinners and spectacular views of the park at sunset for your satellite wedding events.
Guests: 150 | Sleeps: 61| chateaudelavalouze.com
Domaine du Beyssac
WHERE: Located in Cintegabelle on a hill near the Garonne Valley, just 35 minutes from Toulouse in the southwest of France.
THE VENUE: This unique gem is hidden in a three-hectare park, on an estate which includes a 10th-century abbey, an open-sided wooden barn where you can have your reception, and a large farmhouse which comprises two charming eco-lodges and a reception room. This one is a bit of a blank slate, but the venue co-ordinator can recommend suppliers and caterers who will create a tailor-made menu using ingredients from local artisans. Check out more gorgeous shots from our summer wedding shoot her, which really shows off how wonderful it will look when styled.
SPECIAL FEATURE: The pool surrounded by the walls of the ancient abbey - have you ever seen a more incredible setting? Imagine hanging out there with your loved ones soaking up the sunshine on day two!
Guests: 200 | Sleeps: 30 | abcsalles.com
Hotel Crillon le Brave
WHERE: Situated at the foot of Mount Ventoux in Provence, 25 miles northeast of Avignon or accessible from Marseille also.
THE VENUE: This five-star hotel is perched on the tiny hilltop village of Crillon le Brave surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with views to die for. You have exclusive use of the hotel for two nights, so you need to have a wedding of at least 70 people to book out all 32 rooms. The hotel bedrooms are spread out over seven old village houses connected by bridges, alleyways and hidden courtyards. With the sunny climate, local Cotes du Rhone wines and within striking distance of the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape commune, and fresh local foods such as Mediterranean line-caught sea bass or slow cooked leg of lamb on the menu, it's the perfect mix of laid-back charm meets luxury.
SPECIAL FEATURE: A ceremony can be held on the hotel gardens or at a 19th-century church close by with a panoramic terrace that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding vineyards, olive groves and mountain. Basically, the wedding portraits of your dreams! Also a special mention for the small but perfectly-formed spa on site in the old-stone vaulted stables.
Guests: 120 | Sleeps: 34 rooms | crillonlebrave.com
Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in France...
- Be mindful of the laws and restrictions surrounding getting married in France. To hold an 'official' marriage ceremony in France you need to have been resident in the country for at least 40 days before the wedding date. Most couples choose to get officially/civilly married at home first and then have a blessing/ceremony at their wedding venue in France.
- If you want a church wedding, it's likely that you'll need to bring a priest with you or else have your local priest arrange a French priest to carry out the ceremony.
- Alternatively, if you wish to simply have a marriage blessing, most venues can organise a local English speaking pastor or a celebrant to perform the special blessing on the venue grounds, perfect for a beautiful garden ceremony.
- The language barrier can be an issue so having a wedding planner is ideal. However, you might find that a lot of the wedding venues in France are actually run by English people, which takes away the language and perhaps cultural restrictions. Plus many wedding venues act as wedding planners too, which can eliniate potential headaches and helps with sourcing local suppliers in France at the best prices.
For lots of fabulous inspiration for your destination wedding style take a look at our destination Real Weddings!
