An Insider’s Location Guide
France is known for wine, beautiful châteaus, the never-ending lavender fields, and, of course, for being one of the most romantic countries. It stands to reason that it is also one of the best wedding destinations in the world.
It’s more than its language of love. France is full of first-class wine, stunning architecture, and art to make you swoon.
But France is a large country, and there are so many areas to pick from. So, where are the most romantic wedding destinations in France?
Top Five Most Romantic Wedding Destinations in France
Paris
Without a doubt, Paris makes my top five list of most romantic wedding destinations in France.
Paris is, well, Paris. It is, after all, the City of Love.
From the first walk down the Seine to laying under the Eiffel Tower watching the lights twinkle, you are hard-pressed not to find the magic of Paris. My favorite places to explore while in Paris are the Champs Elysees (for that Paris shopping), the artistically inclined Quartier de Marais, and the famous Louvre Museum. You can spend days upon days wandering the streets, visiting little cafes, exploring the many art exhibitions, and just soaking in the terrific culture that is Paris.
Paris is magic.
Paris is sophistication.
And Paris is the perfect location for your destination wedding. From a simple and elegant elopement at the Jardin de Tuileries to a larger and more traditional affair at the Château de Villette on the outskirts of Paris, your options are limitless and always unforgettable.
Château de Versaille and Château de Fountainebleau are also romantic, whimsical places of interest that are both on the World Heritage List.
You can also visit the Palais Garnier — The Paris Opera House — which inspired The Phantom of the Opera. As one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, its lavishness and adornment are sure to surprise and inspire. Plus, like in The Phantom of the Opera, it really does have underground tunnels and a lake.
And, perhaps, my all-time favorite Parisian activity is to lose myself for part of a day in an antique book store or have a stroll along the fabled banks of the Seine.
French Riviera
The epitome of grandeur and wealth, the French Riviera is a tantalizingly romantic escape from your everyday life. Known for its popular beaches, clear, mesmerizing water, and yacht days out of a dream, you must consider the French Riviera for your wedding.
Stretching along the dazzling Cote D’azur, you can explore Cannes, Nice, and St. Tropez, along with a whole host of small beachside towns, allowing your wedding to be an experience for all of your guests to remember.
From private villas to famous hotels like the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, you are sure to have your very own Princess Grace moment with your French Riviera wedding.
Two venues in the French Riveria that you must consider are the Château de St. Georges and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Château de St. Georges, perched on a hill overseeing the medieval town of Grasse, is conveniently located outside of Cannes, where the annual film festival is held. With direct views of the Mediterranean and easy access to both Nice and Monaco, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a palatial estate with themed gardens and remarkable decor — making for the perfect wedding destination.
You can’t escape the glamour and prestige found on the French Riviera. And not only that, but it is all so seamlessly interwoven with the history of the area. It is all so intriguing.
Provence
In direct opposition to the busy energy of Paris and the loud opulence of the French Riviera, you will find Provence. A mecca of pristine landscapes, rambling, ancient villages, and delicate, fresh cuisine, Provence is one of the most romantic wedding locations in France for a reason.
From the lavender fields which burst open in color during the peak of summer to the innumerable ruins of castles dotted along the horizon, Provence is a treasure. And I’m not the only one to think this.
It was in these never-ending fields that Van Gogh got his inspiration for masterpieces and it was this region that Picasso called home. When you visit, it is easy to see why they were both so inspired.
Wander the streets of Aix-En-Provence and Avignon and enjoy the local market or visit the national parks and wild horses of the region — and really immerse yourself in the quiet culture of the area.
One of the top reasons for getting married in Provence?
The châteaus.
Charming and elegant, a château is a perfect place to bring your friends and family together to celebrate and experience the French countryside.
A few of my favorite châteaus are the Château de Tourreau, Château d’Estoublon, and Château Robernier.
Burgundy
The Burgundy region of France is one of the main areas synonymous with wine … and with wine always comes romance. From its namesake burgundy wines to rich pinot noirs to buttery chardonnays, you’d have to search hard to find a wine region as beloved as Burgundy, France.
A few of my favorite wine-making estates are the Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Margaux. You can also visit the famed Saint-Emilion, the post-card-perfect French village which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the vineyards that surround it.
And not only can you visit some of the world’s most acclaimed vineyards, but you can find some truly romantic places to have a wedding ceremony.
Like Provence, you have more than a few castles in Burgundy from which to choose as your wedding venue. And also like Provence, time moves a bit slower in Burgundy, allowing you the time and pace to truly soak it all in.
From wine to the never-ending landscapes of vineyards, rolling hills, and medieval castles, Burgundy is truly like stepping into a romance novel … a romance novel with the most memorable wedding ever.
Some of my favorite romantic Burgundy venues are the Château de Varennes and the Château de Fey.
Loire Valley
For another romantic wine region, and one of the top romantic wedding destinations in France, head a bit southwest outside of Paris. Here you’ll find the Loire Valley — a green, charming place full of vineyards, whimsical castles, and delightful Renaissance gardens.
One of the best activities in the region is renting a houseboat and spending time exploring the rivers and canals of the area. Not only could this make for a fun honeymoon but it could be an exceptional pre-wedding event too.
Whereas in Burgundy you will find a lot of rich, full red wines, the Loire Valley is known for its dry white wines like Chenin blanc and Sancerre.
A few of my favorite romantic wedding locations are Château de Jalesnes and Château Chenonceau.
What’s Next?
Now that you have an idea of what the most romantic wedding locations in France are, I recommend sitting down with your wedding planner to pick the area that is best suited to you and your guests.
There are an endless array of places to visit in France and just as many wonderful places to get married.
Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions you have.
Want to explore more? Check out the most romantic wedding locations in Italy.
