The Southwest of France is a haven for lovebirds, boasting stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine, and exceptional wedding venues. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a dreamy honeymoon, this region has it all. We’ve curated a list of the best luxury wedding venues in the area, perfect for making unforgettable memories. If you’re looking to prolong your celebration or simply explore this charming part of France, we recommend renting a car to discover its hidden gems.
From the picturesque coastline to the unspoiled countryside, here are the must-visit hotspots on your honeymoon adventure in the Southwest of France, accompanied by your better half and your sense of adventure.
Where Island Life is Très Chic
After the whirlwind of wedding planning, a tranquil getaway with your partner is just what you need. The picturesque Île de Ré, a short drive from La Rochelle airport, offers the perfect setting for relaxation and romance. This charming island is dotted with quaint villages, salt marshes, and vineyards, and its laid-back atmosphere is infectious. One of the best ways to explore Île de Ré is by bike, as the island’s scenic greenways make it easy to get around.
The 18km-long and 5km-wide island is perfect for a leisurely ride from one end to the other, with stunning views of the coastline and picturesque villages along the way. Be sure to stop at an oyster farm or two to sample some fresh oysters and enjoy the breathtaking sunset views. For a truly luxurious experience, consider staying at Le Clos Saint Martin, a discreet boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Historical Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This stylish villa-style hotel boasts pastel-shuttered rooms with terracotta tiles and calming white walls, as well as a sensational Spa by Clarins overlooking a private garden with an outdoor jacuzzi and plunge pool. It’s easy to while away the days lounging by the pool or in your room, basking in your post-wedding glow. As you unwind on this idyllic island, be sure to indulge in some Cognac, the perfect accompaniment to a romantic getaway.
Michelin-Star Dining in Cognac
As you leave the coast behind and venture into the picturesque French countryside, get ready to be enchanted by rolling hills, quaint rural villages, and a rich history. Cognac, with its world-famous brandy, is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique experience. This charming town on the Charente River is home to almost 200 distilleries, but it’s the big four – Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell, and Rémy Martin – that offer unforgettable tasting and tour experiences.
After working up an appetite from all that sampling, indulge in Cognac’s delightful eateries as you stroll through cobbled streets lined with houses dating back to the 15th century. Poulpette is a hidden gem offering Michelin-standard fare without the star, with a constantly changing menu featuring fresh market ingredients. For a truly unique dining experience, look no further than Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa.
This luxurious five-star hotel and wedding venue offers world-class service in a stunning heritage building dating back to 1838. The crown jewel is Michelin-starred Les Foudres restaurant, which sits amidst enormous brandy barrels, creating a theatrical setting for an exceptional dining experience. Chef Paolo Boscaro’s delectable menu features local delights beautifully crafted, such as brill with roasted clams and pigeon with beetroot and red berry.
For a romantic evening, head to the moodily exquisite jazz bar, Le 1838, with its own cognac library. Alternatively, the rooftop bar, Le Ginguet, offers breathtaking panoramic views over Cognac while you enjoy the sunset and pre-dinner cocktails. Don’t miss the opportunity to rejuvenate at Le Spa, which has already received a prestigious Condé Nast Johansens award. The indulgent Taste of the Cellar treatment is the perfect way to revive your senses.
Culture Stop and Photo Op
Head to Angoulême, a hilltop town with a flair for the artistic, where comic book enthusiasts and Formula One fans converge. Every September, the town hosts the Circuit des Remparts rally, featuring vintage cars racing along its historic, winding roads – a familiar setting if you’ve seen Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, which was filmed here.
In the spring, the International Comics Festival draws nearly 200,000 visitors, with an added bonus: 25 enormous murals adorning the town’s walls, waiting to be captured by camera. Explore these visual gems on foot using a handy app and meander through the medieval cobblestone streets, lined with bars and cafes. Stop by the grand Marché des Halles, a 19th-century food market offering street-style seafood platters, duck magret, artisanal pâtés, and sausages.
As you wander, consider visiting Domaine des Etangs.
A Chic Country Hideaway
Imagine escaping to a hidden gem where even locals might not know it exists. Domaine des Etangs, nestled in the rural village of Massignac near Limoges (just 2 hours from Bordeaux Airport or 2.5 hours from La Rochelle Airport), embodies romance. This lovingly-restored 13th-century chateau is set amidst 2500 acres of preserved parklands, boasting fairytale turrets and sweeping lawns.
The castle’s decor perfectly balances rustic charm with artistic flair, featuring curios and art that spark the imagination. This whimsical atmosphere permeates the entire property, which has been transformed into an al fresco art gallery with impressive large-scale works of art scattered throughout. Take a complimentary bicycle to explore the grounds.
Choose from luxurious chateau accommodations or secluded woodland cottages on par with Grand Designs, complete with electric cars for easy access to the heated outdoor pool, floating tennis court, and panoramic gym. The renovated stables beside the chateau houses the elegant Dyades Restaurant, offering daily set menus that highlight herbs, flowers, fruit, and vegetables from the kitchen garden.
The chateau’s attic has been converted into a chic games level, featuring plush furniture against exposed brickwork and wooden beams, with pool and card tables, as well as a lounge area for movies. The eponymous ‘etangs’ refer to the picturesque lakes that surround it, providing a serene setting for an afternoon on the row boats from the boathouse.
