Nestled on the banks of the River Coly between Sarlat and PĂ©rigueux, Manoir d’Hautegente is one of our favourite riverside wedding venues in the Dordogne. This elegant 13th-century manor, built around a former mill and surrounded by 15 hectares of gardens and countryside, has belonged to the same family for over 400 years. Today it welcomes couples looking for an authentic French wedding in a setting that feels wonderfully intimate, combining the refinement of a 4-star manor hotel with the warmth of a family home. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed wedding weekend where exceptional food, peaceful surroundings and genuine hospitality take centre stage, this is a venue well worth discovering.
Your wedding day at Manoir d’Hautegente
Picture yourselves saying “I do” beside the river, with the former mill creating a wonderfully romantic backdrop for your ceremony. The “vin d’honneur” could take place in the meadow or within the manor itself, before moving into the three elegant adjoining reception rooms for dinner, accommodating up to 90 guests.
For larger celebrations, a marquee can be installed in the estate’s spacious park, with the Manoir team taking care of the logistics surrounding its installation and dismantling. Tables, chairs, furniture and table linen are all included in the venue hire, allowing couples to focus on enjoying the celebrations rather than organising the practical details.
On the day after, couples are encouraged to continue the festivities over a brunch and a dip in the pool, making the most of a full wedding weekend together.
Wedding catering at Manoir d’Hautegente
Food is very much at the heart of the experience here. The manor’s chef works directly with each couple to create a personalised wedding menu, taking the time to discuss ideas and preferences before inviting them for a complimentary tasting for two.
Wedding menus begin at €65 per person for a three-course meal, with wines selected from the manor’s own cellar. We particularly like the flexibility offered here, allowing couples to create a celebration that feels both refined and relaxed without unnecessary complexity.
Sleeping capacity at Manoir d’Hautegente
Manoir d’Hautegente offers accommodation for up to 43 guests, allowing your closest family and friends to enjoy the entire wedding weekend together. The manor’s 17 individually decorated bedrooms each have their own character and retain the timeless charm of the historic building whilst offering all the modern comfort.
When they’re not celebrating, guests can enjoy the secluded swimming pool hidden amongst the greenery, wander through the gardens or simply relax beside the gently flowing river. To make your stay unforgettable, the Manor also offers well-being rituals in its space dedicated to relaxation. The peaceful setting encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the sort of long, convivial wedding weekend that destination weddings in France are all about.
Why we chose Manoir d’Hautegente
What truly won us over is the soul of this place. Few French wedding venues can claim to have remained in the same family for over four centuries, and that continuity is reflected in every aspect of the experience. There is no sense of staying in a hotel or simply hiring an events venue; instead, you’ll feel as though you’ve been invited into a beautiful family home where hospitality comes naturally.
Combined with thoughtful in-house wedding planning, a dedicated team and a spectacular riverside setting, Manoir d’Hautegente is a wonderful choice for couples looking for a blissful yet elegant Dordogne wedding, where exceptional food, genuine warmth and beautiful surroundings come together perfectly.
