Your fairytale castle…

… with practical advantages!

Everyone knows that we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to chateaus in France. They come in every shape and size, every state of repair (or disrepair). So it’s always a pleasure to discover a place that ticks all of the boxes our clients have when looking for a chateau for their wedding venue.

Easily accessible from Paris via TGV or from London via Ryanair, this chateau is located just a short 20 minute drive from Poitiers. The chateau was originally built in the middle ages, and like many other structures, was added to and modified over the centuries. While many of the guestrooms still have some of the surprising details left over from the medieval period, all of the bathrooms have been elegantly updated! The chateau comfortably sleeps 34 and can accommodate up to 45 if need be – a real plus!

The grounds of the chateau present a variety of choice for your wedding festivities. Will you have your ceremony on the veranda or in the beautiful gothic church just steps away? Will the cocktail be in front of the chateau or in the rustic “chai” (refurbishment planned for 2012)? Will the dinner be in the reception room or outdoors in long tables in the tree-lined alley? So many possibilities to make a memorable day for you and your guests (and always with ample possible back-up solutions in case of inclement weather!)

Nous, on adore!

Loire Valley wedding

The story of this wedding has a happy ending… but there were definitely twists and turns along the way.

Katy and Richie had originally signed with a chateau near Blois. Due to completely unforseen circumstances they found themselves without a venue and out their deposit. A difficult situation for any bride and groom to bear, but they were troopers.

We found them another (and in our opinion much nicer) chateau – one that back in the early days of her engagement Katy had cut out a picture of for her wedding inspiration book. Another stroke of luck – the weather cooperated and they were able to hold the cocktail in the chateau’s back gardens. In the end, a very grateful and relieved bride and groom were finally able to enjoy the wedding they had spent so much effort on making happen.

Photos courtesy of David Bacher

An Easter Tea Dance in the French Countryside

We attended an English Tea Dance at a very pretty chateau in the French countryside last weekend. What are the characterstics of an English Tea Dance you ask? 1) Flowery porcelain tea cups 2) strawberry and cream pastry puffs 3) more than one person in attendance named Nigel 4) a strong Pimm’s punch that loosened up the crowd for mid-afternoon dancing.