Best wedding venues in Provence and the French Riviera
Dreaming of getting married in France? Provence and the Riviera are probably high on your list of locations, right? From the stunning scenery to the historic architecture; the gourmet cuisine to the delicious local wine, both regions are absolutely perfect for fine art weddings.
There is no shortage of beautiful French wedding venues and it can be tricky to know where to start your search, so we asked French wedding photographer and Fine Art Curation member, Thomas Audiffren to share his favourite must-see wedding venues in Provence and the French Riviera.
Château de Berne
The Château de Berne is nestled in the Provençal hinterland, at the end of a winding road through forest and olive groves. As a five star Relais et Châteaux, it is the perfect choice for a wedding with many beautiful locations for photo opportunities and guests to explore.
Why we love it
The gastronomy is next level and the property is a wine estate with an incredible rosé. Château de Berne has an heliport for a showstopping arrival.
Villa Baulieu
A property of the Counts of Provence since the 16th century, the greatest Provençal families succeeded each other in Villa Baulieu, which is ideally located between Aix-en-Provece and the Luberon. Located 430m above sea level, in the heart of the crater of the extinct volcano La Trévaresse, this tasteful property offers exceptional rooms with views over the Alpilles.
Why we love it
Villa Baulieu offers a pool and endless gardens, making it a wonderful place for your guests to explore and the perfect backdrop for your wedding portraits. The interior decor is absolutely stunning and the villa is also a wine estate.
Château de Sannes
The oldest part of the Château de Sannes was built in 1603, a few miles from Aix-en-Provence. The enchanting venue and grounds are fit for a fairytale, where time stands still and dreamy days can be spent exploring and sipping the estate wine.
Why we love it
Château de Sannes has two pools, one inside and one outside, which you can create a ceremony around. There's a beautiful French garden in the middle of the venue, and your guests will love sampling the great wines and local produce.
Bastide du Roy
The Bastide du Roy dates from the end of the 16th century, when Henri IV, after buying the Château d'Antibes and its stronghold in 1604, received the Bastide Roy as a wedding gift in 1608. A defined route takes you through the Bastide: first a French garden with a beautiful basin and fountain; then a circle garden for the ceremony followed by a Spanish garden and, finally, the front of the Bastide with a pool and the option of an amazing outdoor dinner.
Why we love it
Bastide du Roy is an art lovers dream with works absolutely everywhere. The venue has a huge tent on site so your event always has a plan B in case of rain or bad weather.
Fun fact: Mick Jagger rented the Bastide during the summer 1971 and the Rolling Stones recorded Exile on Main Street between La Bastide du Roy and the Nellcôte Villa in Villefranche.
Photo with wedding table (above): Planner: Superplanner Wedding | Flowers: La Blonde et le Barbu Design | Rentals: Be Lounge and Maison Options
Château Saint Martin and Spa
Château Saint Martin and Spa is a five star hotel in Vence and the perfect choice for a serene Côte d'Azur wedding getaway with family and friends. Indulge in relaxing spa therapies to a soundtrack of tranquil birdsong and you're sure to leave feeling refreshed and recharged.
Why we love it
Château Saint Martin and Spa is a quiet venue with endless gardens and a pool with breathtaking views on the Baou cliff near Vence. There are myriad ceremony spots, including a 12th century chapel, and a panoramic terrace for an unforgettable wedding brunch.
Hotel Belle Rives
In 1925 F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald set down their trunks on the French Riviera and succumbed to the charm of a residence called Villa Saint-Louis in a cove of Cap d'Antibes. It is here that he wrote his masterpiece Tender is the Night, transforming the Villa Saint Louis into a resort for wealthy Americans discovering the pleasure of decadent parties and sea bathing. In 1929 the villa became the five star Hôtel Belles Rives.
Why we love it
Hôtel Belles River is nestled on the coast with an exceptional view of the Mediterranean The elegant decor evokes The Great Gatsby vibes and the interior corridors are designed to emulate a ship with unique scenery.
Ceremony image credits: Planner : Superplanner Wedding | Floral design: La Blonde et le Barbu Design | Rentals: Maison Options
Chateau de la Napoul
Located in Mandelieu-la-Napoule on the Mediterranean coast, Château de la Napoule originates from medieval times when the Villeneuve family erected a fortress on the site. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history and it was not until 1918 that a couple of American artists acquired the ruins of the fortress and decided to rebuild it.
Why we love it
As a château in the heart of the French Riviera, Château de la Napoule is a very unique venue that is perfect for fairytale wedding. Treat your guests to cocktail hour with sea views at the top of the ramparts, enjoy a moonlit dinner in the castle courtyard and explore the gardens for your couple photo session.
Event credits (above right photo): Planner: Shades Waves | Flowers: Sisters and B | Rentals: Maison Options
