12 best wedding venues on the French Riviera
The magical allure of the French Riviera has long attracted visitors keen to experience the glamorous beach resorts, medieval villages and luxury lifestyle. So it's little surprise many couples choose the French Riviera (or Côte d'Azur) for a destination wedding location and there's no shortage of exquisite venues in which to host your dream day (or week!).
The French Riviera covers the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, including Saint-Tropez and Cannes, and the independent microstate of Monaco. The region was a health retreat in the 18th century, and later attracted aristocrats, artists and the 1960s jetset. So where do you start in your search for the perfect place to host your big day? We asked South of French wedding photographer and Fine Art Curation member, Jeremie Hkb to share the 12 best wedding venues on the French Riviera to help you choose.
1. Chateau de Fonscolombe
The 18th Century Chateau de Fonscolombe offers 50 luxury rooms and 12 hectares of tranquil gardens in the magnificent surroundings of Provence. With exclusive hire available, you'll feel like French royalty with access to historic lounges, a private chapel, illuminated fountains and so much more, making this a luxurious home from home for you and your guests.
2. Castel Bay
After laying dormant for ten years, Castel Bay has regained its former glory thanks to a major renovation program. It reopened its doors in June 2021 as stunning wedding venue with several reception areas, three hectare park park and breathtaking views of the famous Almanarre bay and the Giens peninsula.
3. Bastide de Gordes
Perched above the Luberon valley, as if hanging between the sky and the ground, Bastide de Gordes is a timeless stately home. Your wedding party can enjoy precious time together on the huge panoramic terraces, hanging gardens, the Airelles Spa and pools. A true jewel of the region, the golden light of the South shines across Bastide de Gordes to add an extra touch of magic to your day.
4. Bastide du Roy
In the town of Antibes, on the edge of the golf course and the village of Biot, Bastide du Roy appears majestically behind terraces and olive trees. Dating from the end of the 16th century, the residence has a royal history that is still evident today and fused with a creative culture of artists, writers, designers and rock stars. There are several event spaces to choose from, including manicured gardens, a courtyard with pool, and a sun-dappled olive tree pavilion.
5. Château de la Gaude
Nestled in lush greenery on the lands of Aix en Provence, Château de la Gaude is an 18th century bastide with beauty and luxury at every turn. A unique place of life and conviviality, combining the worlds of wine, art and gastronomy in an idyllic country house setting with breathtaking views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain.
6. 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. The château has two pools, one inside and one outside, which you can create a ceremony around, as well as a stunningly beautiful French garden.
7. Chateau de Tourreau
Château de Tourreau is the perfect backdrop for modern fairytale weddings, with its grand facade of white stone and sea foam shutters, which glow with golden light as dusk falls. In this prestigious 20-acre setting you'll find 16 rooms throughout the château and the farm (sleeping 29 guests) with access to sports facilities and infinity pool, and several spots for your wedding including the château courtyard and the patio at the water’s edge.
8. Château Estoublon
Set among enclosed gardens and sun-soaked terraces, Château Estoublon is a 200-acre private estate, close to Eygalières and the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence area, offering a first-class luxury wedding experience. It sleeps up to 20 in 10 bedrooms, and is fully staffed, with chefs, waiter, butler and housekeeping services. A true taste of French luxury living!
9. Château Saint Georges
It doesn't get more fairytale book perfect than Château Saint Geroges, a charming historic venue with luxury accommodation and sweeping mountain views. Nestled in a three-hectare park, this unique Cote d’Azur wedding venue overlooks the medieval town of Grasse, one of the wonders of the region.
10. Hotel Belles 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.
11. Le Mas de la Rose
In a 20-hectare park, planted with pines, olive trees and lavender, the charming and intimate Le Mas de la Rose invites you to escape for a peaceful stay in the heart of nature. Time seems to stand still at this 17th century Provençal farmhouse, which offers everything you need for an intimate wedding, including 11 rooms, an outdoor pool, gourmet restaurant and 180° view of the Alpilles Mountains.
12. Villa Ephrussi De Rothschild
Located between Nice and Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a magnificent palace surrounded by nine themed gardens. With its pink facade and panoramic view, it is considered one of the most beautiful venues on the Côte d’Azur.
