Chateau de Bournel, in Burgundy, epitomises the fairy tale wedding venue. The estate boasts extensive Versailles style gardens, an 18 hole golf course plus 2 superb castles! The first is an 18th century chateau with a unique roof of diamond patterned glazed tiles which hosts the hotel and restaurant of the estate. The other, from the 19th century, is in a magical neo-Gothic style. This will play host as your unique wedding venue.
Domaine de Bournel, steeped in history, has belonged to the same family for the last 600 hundred years and we appreciate the fact it is very much a place with family values and a high degree of hospitality at its heart.
Step inside the chateaux and be prepared to be wowed by the lavish interiors: the sumptuous pieces of art, rich tapestries, chandeliers and high ceilings create a majestic regal atmosphere.
For your ceremony, gather in the consecrated chapel on-site, whose murals replicate the famous frescos of St. Francis Cathedral in Assisi. The chapel can sit up to 25 people. If you plan to have more guests, rendez-vous in the church of the village, only 700m away, that can sit up to 250 people.
You could also decide to have your blessing in the enchanting gardens adorned with fountains, floral arches and even secret passages!
The wedding celebration and dinner will take place in the neo-Gothic Chateau, under superb cistercian style arches.
In terms of sleeping capacity the domaine can sleep up to 54 people. There are 15 rooms (sleeping 30-40 people) in the hotel in the 18th century castle, only 300m distance from the wedding venue. Plus there are 7 rooms in the neo-Gothic castle, sleeping 14 people. The bedrooms are exquisite with their curated period furniture and provide all the modern comfort.
For your event, you could decide to hire just one of the chateau, or both.
Let’s also mention that this venue is ideally located and within easy access from London, Paris (2h30) and Switzerland (1h30 from Basel).
The owners, Ilaria and Gaspard are the last descendants of this Family Estate and live between Paris and their Chateau, with their growing 3 little kids, horses, chickens and a beautiful black Labrador. After a career in fashion between NY, Paris and Milan, Ilaria, also yoga teacher and life coach, is now the event manager of the Domaine. She speaks perfectly English, French, Italian and Portuguese.
Things to do nearby: it goes without saying that this venue is perfect for those wanting to play a round of golf during their stay in France. If you’re into equestrianism, there are stables on site. You’ll also be ideally located to explore the beautiful Burgundy/Franche-Comté country and its medieval villages, by hiking, canoeing or biking. This is the land of the famous cheese “Comté” and home to the well-known Rondchamps Chapel constructed by LeCorbusier (for architecture passionates).
If you’d like a swim, head to the Lake of Bonnal only 10 min away, where you can access the public beach or spend one night in the splendid eco-lodges of the natural domaine (tree houses and floating lake houses @Coucoocabanes).
Finally, for a day trip, why not opting for a wine tour in the sunny vineyards of Monts de Gy?
Wedding photos kindly provided by Flora and Grace
