Along with its popularity as a holiday destination, the South of France is also a major draw as a wedding location, with the region offering spectacular settings for couples planning their big day.
From sun-drenched vineyards to elegant historic estates, the area has become a favourite for elevated destination weddings, combining beautiful scenery with fine food, warm weather and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. If you’d like to make sure your special day lasts long in the memory for you and your guests, we’ve picked out some of the best wedding venues that the South of France has to offer.
Château Destinée
Set on the banks of the Dordogne River, Château Destinée is a restored 17th-century estate offering a romantic and highly private setting for destination weddings. Located in Saint-Seurin-de-Prats, around an hour from Bordeaux and close to Saint-Émilion’s vineyards, the château sits within three hectares of parkland and can host up to 100 guests. With 21 ensuite bedrooms, five apartments, a riverside terrace, orangerie, historic barn and 14-metre pool overlooking the water, it offers couples an elegant indoor-outdoor venue where the whole celebration can play out in one magical place.
21 Rte de Lamothe, 24230 Saint-Seurin-de-Prats / www.chateaudestinee.com
Château Rose
Perched above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in Grimaud, Château Rose is a newly revived 19th-century château offering Riviera glamour in a relaxed, romantic setting. With panoramic terraces, gardens, a rooftop, pool and Mediterranean restaurant, it gives couples a striking backdrop for the whole celebration. Ceremonies can unfold with sea views below, followed by cocktails on the terrace and dinner at La Baie des Voiles, led by Michelin-starred chef Christophe Chiavola. With 18 rooms and suites, on-site lodging for 40 and space for up to 200 guests, it is ideal for an elegant South of France wedding.
592 Chem. des Mûres, 83310 Grimaud / www.hotelchateaurose.com
Château de Paraza
Looking out over the Canal du Midi, in Languedoc, lies the vineyard wedding venue of Château de Paraza, the lone entry of its kind in our selection. The historic chateau, renovated in the 17th century, enjoys scenic views from its pine-covered forests and olive groves to the vineyards, offering extensive views of the Pyrénées Mountains. With a choice between the chateau’s garden, courtyard, greenhouse, terraces, and reception hall within the heart of the wine cellar, couples have a chance to celebrate in style amid the vines.
1 rue Viala, 11200 Paraza / www.chateau-de-paraza.com
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
When looking for a modern-style wedding venue, one cannot find much better than the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, which is situated within a modern early 20th century styled villa surrounded by nine themed gardens that offer an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea. The name of this particular venue should also ring a bell, as the villa was built by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, who is a member of the well-known Rothschild banking dynasty. The villa is located on the French Riviera, near Nice and Monaco.
1 Av. Ephrussi de Rothschild, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat / www.villa-ephrussi.com
Château de Sanse
The rolling vineyards and green forests make up the scenic surroundings of Château de Sanse, where this rural retreat finds its best expression when it hosts a wedding. Situated in the small town of Sainte-Radegonde, in the picturesque Bordeaux countryside, the location includes an old manor house, a splendid orangery, a quaint barn, and beautiful gardens – all reserved exclusively for weddings. This allows couples to marry in a natural environment, have a candlelit dinner in the courtyard, and dance until dawn beneath the starry sky.
2624 Sanse, 33350 Sainte-Radegonde / www.chateaudesanse.com
Chateau Saint Jeannet
Located about 10km northwest of Nice, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Cote D’Azur, this medieval fortress will give your best man plenty of ammunition for jokes about battening down the hatches. The venue is a popular choice with those seeking an intimate but dramatic wedding location, with just 15 en suite bedrooms and some lavish amenities including a spa, large swimming pool (also available for pool parties), solarium, hammam and jacuzzi. For a real statement entrance, there’s also a helicopter landing area.
320 Chem. du Château, 06640 Saint-Jeannet / www.chateausaintjeannet.com
Villa Djunah
With its chic lounge, DJ-driven dance club that parties until late at night, this wedding venue situated on the seafront between the centre of Cannes and the historic Antibes is a perfect place for people who have a love for pleasure. However, despite such party potential, the venue also provides opportunities for a refined celebration with its roof terrace offering beautiful views, garden areas, a terrace overlooking the sea and a private beach providing many opportunities for rest and Riviera-style elegance to provide good pacing of the event.
1 Boulevard Charles Guillaumont, Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes, 06160, Provence-Alpes-Côte / www.villadjunah.com