FRENCH WEDDING VENUES CLOSE TO FERRY PORTS & THE EUROSTAR
Are you looking for the convenience of an easy to get to wedding venue but you still want it to have that French flair? Well in France you can have your gateau and eat it! To help you choose, we have put together our selection of handpicked wedding venues in France located near the French Ferry ports or close to Eurostar stations.
If you plan to have a destination wedding in France from the UK or the Channel Islands (Guernsey and Jersey), you might decide to have your wedding in North of France, to minimise the duration and cost of transportation for you and your guests.
France Northern coast is dotted with various ferry ports that make trips to France easy and affordable. The main ones are in Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg, Le Havre and Roscoff.
These ports are located in the French regions of Brittany and Normandy. Brittany and Normandy are gorgeous areas of France to get married, for their gastronomy, scenic landscape and historical heritage. Plus they will also please couples who are after a real “piece” of France, where authenticy and French traditions mix to give its visitors that classic French experience.
Venues in Northern France are also ideal if you plan to arrive in Calais, Normandy, with the Eurostar.
With 12 yrs combined of experience in venue hunting in France, we have unearthed for you the best French wedding venues within easy access of ferry ports/Calais:
♥ Chateau du Grand Val, 45 min from St Malo
Chateau du Grand Val is a pristine wedding venue surrounded by rolling hills, located near the fortified village of Combourg and a short drive away from Brittany beaches.
The domaine, sitting at the top of a hill, is like its own little island, with lush vegetation framing beautiful buildings: the 15th century chateau, as well as three typical Brittany style cottages that you’ll be able to privatise entirely for your event.
It sleeps up to 35 people on site.
More info on Chateau du Grand Val
♥ Chateau de Josse, 1h30 from St Malo
Chateau de Josse is an elegant neo-gothic French chateau that we love for its tranquility and versatility. Plus it has a beautiful reception hall, with crystal candelabras and polished wooden floors, that will give to your wedding a certain Versailles feel!
Chateau de Josse is located next to La Gacilly, a vibrant village that holds every summer France’s biggest open air photography festival. You will also be a step away from the Broceliande forest (35 km away) or “King Arthur’s forest”, renown as a place of magic and mystery.
Credit photos: Nisha Ravji and Stéphane Le Ludec
♥ Domaine du Pordor, 1h45 from St Malo
Located in Brittany, between Rennes and Nantes, Domaine du Pordor sits at the water’s edge, right at the heart of a 30 hectare estate.
This estate provides an exceptional boho-chic environment with various spaces that can be used throughout your wedding day.
Finally the owners of the chateau have been hosting weddings at Le Pordor for over 20 years so you’ll sure to be in good hands with them!
Intrigued? Then check our website here…
MORE INFO ON DOMAINE DU PORDOR
♥ Chateau Mathilde 1h30 from Le Havre, 1h46 from Caen, 3h from Cherbourg, 2h20 from Calais Eurostar
Chateau Mathilde, in Normandy, epitomises the quintessential “vie de château” experience, with its opulent decor, stunning bedrooms and an enchanting 22 hectare park.
It will be the perfect setting for an unforgettable chateau wedding in Normandy, whether you are dreaming of a decadent, Versailles like party or a boho-chic affair.
Click here to explore further…
Photos by Marine Blanchard Photographie.
♥ Chateau Fleur du Ciel 2h44 from St Malo
Not far from Nantes, Chateau Fleur du Ciel is a stunning mix of medieval, gothic and Renaissance influences and is perfect for a chateau wedding.
Plus there you’ll be able to sleep an astonishing number of guests: no less than 140 people can be accommodated on site! The estate comprises of 5 B&B bedrooms, a self catering gite, a dungeon (yes you heard that right!) and a dormitory for 100 people. We are big fans of the dungeon, its circular bedrooms and large kitchen!
More info on Chateau Fleur du Ciel
Credit photos: Florent Vin and Sebastien Boudot
♥ Chateau Beloire, 3h from St Malo
Made famous by the English TV programme “Escape to the Chateau DIY”, Chateau Beloire, in the Loire Valley, is a perfect setting for a magical wedding, whether you want it lavish or relaxed.
The Chateau has its own in-house wedding planning team and own in-house chef who is well known for preparing mouthwatering, unforgettable food!
Finally the inclusive packages offered by the venue will include accommodation for all your guests.
MORE INFORMATION ON CHATEAU BELOIRE
Credit Photos: Fire and Ice, Jacob and Pauline
Now, here is our top selection of French wedding venues that are a bit further afield but still easily reachable from the ferry ports within the same day ( i.e. less than 5hrs from a ferry port)
♥ No3 The Chateau
No3 The Chateau is a show stopping wedding venue located in sunny Charente, amidst Champagne Cognac vineyards.
Each room is an ethereal delight with high ceilings, comfy beds, soft linens, bateau baths and heaps of light coming in through large windows.
St Malo is 4h45 away by car.
♥ Chateau de Brives
Settled in the Cognac vines, Chateau de Brives is a place brimming with style and love. This wedding chateau strikes a perfect harmony between French traditional character and contemporary chic.
The owners are antique dealers so each room there is replete with the most stunning French antiques and curated pieces of art.
Chateau de Brives is 4h30 from St Malo.
Credit photo: Katy Lunsford and Jonathan Photographe
♥ Domaine du Trèfle
Domaine Du Trèfle was formerly a Cognac estate. It is a collection of seven renovated cottages, set around a large, impressive courtyard.
It also has a party barn with beautiful timbered ceilings scattered with fairy lights and double doors that open out onto the courtyard.
The estate is located 4h45 from St Malo.
If you’d like more details please click the link below…
More info on Domaine Du Trèfle
Credit photos: Thomas Bonnin, Littlewing Photos and Tom Halliday
♥ Chateau de Vallery
Whatever your dream French wedding is, Chateau de Vallery will have the perfect setting for it. If you fancy a lavish, Versailles like atmosphere, then celebrate in the Grande Gallerie, a banquet hall with high ceilings and classic period features.
Wanting something a bit more intimate? Then why not use the incredible Music Room with its painted ceilings, glass walls and astonishing chandeliers.
The Chateau, in Burgundy, is 3h20 from Le Havre and 4h20 from Calais
MORE INFORMATION ON CHATEAU DE VALLERY
Handy travel links to France:
Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg and Roscoff. Plus from Poole to Cherbourg.
Condor Ferries
Condor Ferries sails from Poole, Guernsey and Jersey to St Malo. Plus soon some sailings to Cherbourg.
Eurostar
Eurostar travels from St Pancras to Paris Gard du Nord.
Eurotunnel
Folkstone to Calais.
P&O Ferries
Dover to Calais.
DFDS
Dover to Calais and Dunkirk. Also Newhaven to Dieppe.
Do you need a hand to find that perfect wedding venue in France?
To discover more about any of the venues listed above or if you need help in your search of the perfect French wedding venue, feel free to drop us a message!
French Wedding Venues close to the ferry ports and the Eurostar by Ingrid Chavez
Foodie, chateau hunter and founder of the Chateau Bee Selection.