The ultimate list of the best wedding venues on the French Riviera / Côte d’Azur – map included
Welcome!
If you’re here, it’s because you’re considering the French Riviera for your wedding, wether it will be a destination wedding in France or an elopement.
Planning a destination wedding can sometimes feel overwhelming, and as you’re ready to find the perfect place to host your big day, you’re presented with so many options, you can’t decide which one will be the best for you.
This is why I created this ultimate list of the best wedding venues on the French Riviera (or Cote d’Azur). This is not a sponsored list of any kind, I just gathered all the informations I had learned after shooting more than 150 weddings for 7 years, and I compiled them for you.
So, let’s dive in!
1) What is the French Riviera / Côte d’Azur?
The French Riviera is the most southern part of France, located right by the mediterranean sea. It boasts with beautiful sea views, perched villages, beautiful yellow streets and seaside walks you will remember.
Landscape
The French Riviera, or “Côte d’Azur” in French, is a small part of the coastal region by the mediterranean sea in France, that spreads from Toulon to the Italian border. It is part of the administrative French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Provence-Alps-French Riviera). It is famous for its beautiful coastal villages, like Saint Tropez, Cannes and Menton, as well as beautiful cities like Nice and the Principauté de Monaco. You’re also in for a treat if you’re looking for quaint villages overlooking the sea, perched on top of magnificent hills, whose streets smell like a beautiful summer day. But let’s dive in!
First things first, here is a map of the venues I will talk about in this article, so you can locate them first. Looking for a place close to the Nice airport? Done. Prefering the coastal area and its beautiful villages? Done. More up for a place in the little Estérel Massif or the Maures Massif? Well, here they are.
Weather
It’s always sunny on the French Riviera. I mean, not litterally, but with more than 2700 hours of sun per year, it’s part of the sunniest region of France. The temperatures rarely go below zero, and can climb really fast during the hottest months of summer (July and August). However, this is also the moment when the sea temperature reaches its highest, so it’s really up to you to decide what you would like to experience. Generally, the best months to visit the French Riviera are during spring (April and May) when the weather is nice and warm, the trees beautiful, and the sun is always out. Fall is also a nice season but it might rain more than Spring.
Access and transportation
The main airport is located in Nice, and is easily reachable with international flights. If you prefer to land in Paris, the TGV (high speed train) travels from Paris to Nice in a whopping 3 hours and a half. After that, you will either have to rent a car or have a chauffeur drive you to the venue, as the local transportation is scarce and difficult.
Local life
The sea is a big part of the local culture. Mediterranean food is generally inspired by fish and lamb, and uses only olive oil for cooking. Grilled vegetables and soups are a good thing to try (like the Pesto Soup or the Bouillabaisse). Don’t hesitate to also try the local wines!
2) Châteaux wedding venues on the French Riviera
Chateau des demoiselles
A private estate in the North of the French Riviera
Sleeps 14
Chateau Saint Georges
Also known as Le Petit Versailles
Sleeps 14
Chateau de Castellaras
Founded on an historic site in the hills behing Cannes, with a panoramic view
Sleeps 24
3) Luxury wedding venues on the French Riviera
Chateau de la Messardière
A 5-stars palace on the coast
117 rooms
Hotel Sezz
A luxury hotel with one of the most beautiful pools of St Tropez
37 rooms and suites
Domaine du Mont Leuze
20 villas in a 13 hectares estate
Sleeps 90
Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo
Timeless elegance, lasting memories
278 rooms and suites
Chateau de la Chevre d’Or
An exceptional view on the Mediterranean sea
44 rooms and suites
Villa Belrose
Hotel set on the hills with a view on the sea
38 rooms and suites
Hotel Cap Estel
Set right on the sea, on a location unique in France
18 suites
Chateau Eza
A luxury boutique hotel on the French Riviera
14 rooms and suites
Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat
100 years of Grand Design
132 rooms and suites
Hotel Belles Rives
A beautiful palace that brings back to life the sweet frenzy of the Roaring Twenties
43 rooms and suites
4) Wedding venues on the French Riviera that are perfect for a reception outside
Bastide St Mathieu
An 18th century venue in the middle of olive fields
6 rooms and suites
Chateau Saint Martin
Hilltop retreat amidst nature and art
46 rooms and suites
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A beautiful estate with 9 lush gardens
Reception only
5) Wedding venues on the French Riviera with breathtaking views
Lou Casteou
A beautiful chateau located in the stunning esterel mountains
15 rooms
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
Step into this timeless legend
118 rooms and suites
Chateau de la Napoule
A medieval castle right by the sea
Reception only
And that’s it for the list of the best wedding venues on the French Riviera / Cote d’Azur.
If you know a place you would like to see added in this list, please leave a comment and let me know! I hope you found this list helpful to plan your wedding on the French Riviera, and if you need more informations, please contact me and I’ll happily help you.
How to plan your peaceful elopement with me
I.
Schedule a non-sales call
Everyone truly hates sales calls (me included) so I refuse to fo them. We simply chat about what your dream day and travel plans look like to see if we’re a match!
II.
Book your date
We find the perfect date together and you’re officially booked!
III.
I’ll plan your dream elopement
From itinerary planning to vendor suggestions all the way to helping you with permits, I plan everything.
IV.
Live your adventure
You live a peaceful, meaningful wedding day on an itinerary that’s custom created just for you.
V.
Relive this day forever
I deliver your pictures and your choice of album from my collection, to remember this adventure, and share it for years to come.
Let’s plan your peaceful elopement
Where you can be you. Feel. Breathe in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket list dream.
Need more inspiration for your elopement?
Check out this brand new article about the best places to elope IN THE WORLD
