Rustic French Wedding Retreat in the Chalosse Region
30/05/2023If you want nothing more than to relax in the French countryside before, during, and after your wedding, then the quaint and charming Chateau Duviella might be the perfect location for you. Situated right in the heart of the Chalosse region just outside the village of Samadet, this Maison de Maître was built in the 17th century and boasts a fascinating history.
For couples, it offers a rustic and relaxed venue to exchange vows. A far cry from the glamour and glitz of some of Southern France's most imposing chateaux, the Chateau Duviella is perfect for a unique, rustic, and authentic rural wedding experience.
So why should couples wanting to enjoy a rustic or boho-inspired wedding in France choose the Chateau Duviella?
Rustic Charm Meets Countryside Experience at Chateau Duviella
While it may have the chateau title, the main manor house building is of a Maison de Maître design and was often frequented by Henri IV and Louis XIV (Louis the Great) on their travels between Pau and Paris.
Today it has been extensively renovated and boasts electric blue door and window shutters, classic interior styling, and 16 beautifully-appointed bedrooms. Further bedrooms in the barn, cottages, and other outbuildings bring the total on-site accommodation capacity up to 34 people.
There are also four acres of manicured lawns, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and several terraces for entertaining and relaxing. There's also a recently renovated barn, which offers the perfect location for a wedding reception.
When you hire this place for a wedding, you have exclusive access to the entire property for up to a week, during which time you will be able to make all the changes you need to make it your own unique wedding celebration. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the nearby region, hike, cycle, and play various on-site games.
There's something for everyone with a petanque court, a playground, a playroom for children, table tennis, a billiards table, and a darts board. So no matter what age or activity you're into, there's likely something here to make your day.
The whole site exudes a welcoming and family-friendly ambience from the moment you set foot through those gates. If you're after a slice of authentic countryside romance, Chateau Duviella is your place.
So how might you plan a perfect wedding celebration for yourself and your loved ones here?
Planning the Perfect Wedding Celebration at Chateau Duviella
Given this is a "blank canvas" venue, there are so many options for you to choose from. For the ceremony, we would recommend picking a spot within the plentiful grounds to erect a wedding arch and arrange chairs for your guests in any layout you want.
Many couples opt to perform a symbolic ceremony on the lawn immediately in front of the house. With the striking blue shutters and imposing front door, the photos of you walking down the aisle surrounded by your guests will look pretty impressive.
If you wish, you could choose to wed under one of the many imposing and beautiful trees within the four acres of grounds. If you were to marry in the early evening, decorating the trees with an array of fairy lights and uplights would add a real touch of elegance and a sense of magic to your exchange of vows.
No matter how or where you choose to do the ceremony, the most obvious spot for the following cocktail hour is the grassy area in front of the cottages and converted barn. It's a space that naturally lends itself to entertaining, and we recommend some rustic touches to remain in keeping with the nature of the setting.
Repurposed whiskey barrels and old umbrellas can be used as sporadic focal points. At the same time, large and vibrant floral walls (hung from the outdoor balconies of the adjoining outbuildings) will mesh nicely to complete the boho-rustic look here.
For your wedding dinner and dancing, you have two options. The first is the newly refurbished reception barn, which already boasts some fairy lighting and a blank space to decorate as you see fit. The other is to leverage the incredible outdoor space here and hire a wedding stretch tent marquee. For summer weddings, an open-sided design will work well, allowing the breeze to cool down your guests before the night of partying begins.
Irrespective of your chosen location, we would suggest long wooden tables and chairs complete with pastel floral centrepieces and glass lanterns to maintain that rustic feel.
Lastly, you'll need to hire the services of a DJ or a local band, as well as any associated technical equipment, since this is a DIY venue. Disco lighting, wireless uplighting, sound system hire, and dance floor rental will likely be on the agenda, irrespective of your specific entertainment choices and the specific location of your wedding reception.
Enjoy a Quaint and Intimate Wedding at Chateau Duviella
If you want a destination wedding to "get away from it all," we recommend choosing Chateau Duviella. From its rustic charm to its expansive outdoor space, there's plenty to do and see on and off-site, and this venue offers as authentic a slice of rural France as you'll find.
At Fête24, we are on hand to help you create the perfect wedding at this fantastic venue. From rustic/boho vibes to classic French country wedding themes, we can supply you with the perfect wedding décor and technical equipment to make your day a success.
By providing everything you need under one roof, you can save time, streamline costs, and have the wedding of your dreams here at Chateau Duviella. From the fairy lights to the wedding arch, rest assured that we have you covered
So don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help make your dream wedding a reality.