Wedding Venues in Provence

A Guide to Destination Weddings in Provence

Why Get Married in Provence?

Provence offers a variety of exceptional reasons to choose it for your wedding destination.

• Stunning natural beauty: From lavender fields and vineyards to Mediterranean beaches, the landscape is breathtaking and diverse.
• Rich cultural heritage: Explore historic cities like Aix-en-Provence with its stunning fountains and Avignon with its papal history, or head to the Côte d’Azur for a glamorous coastal wedding.
• Mediterranean climate: The region offers warm weather and sunny days, perfect for both outdoor and indoor weddings.
• Luxury and rustic options: Whether you envision a chic ceremony in Cannes, a coastal affair in Saint Tropez, or a rustic celebration in Antibes, Provence has something for every taste.

When to Get Married in Provence

The Mediterranean climate in Provence offers a variety of seasons to choose from, depending on your preferences.

• Spring (April–June): Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Lavender starts to bloom, and the weather is warm but not too hot—ideal for an outdoor ceremony.
• Summer (July–August): The warmest months, with temperatures between 22°C (72°F) and 33°C (91°F). Lavender is in full bloom, but be prepared for higher crowds and prices.
• Autumn (September–October): A perfect time for vineyard weddings, with temperatures ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 27°C (81°F) and fewer tourists.
• Winter (December–February): Milder temperatures (8°C–15°C/46°F–59°F), ideal for a more intimate indoor wedding.

Types of Wedding Venues in Provence

Provence offers a diverse selection of wedding venues to suit various tastes.

• Châteaux and Estates: Elegant venues such as Château de Tourreau and Château de Robernier are ideal for a fairytale wedding.
• Vineyards: Provence is known for its wine production, and vineyard weddings like those at Château Gassier offer a romantic and rustic atmosphere.
• Coastal Venues: For those who prefer a seaside wedding, locations like Nice or Cassis offer stunning views of the Mediterranean.
• Hilltop Villages: Provence’s beautiful hilltop villages like Gordes and Lourmarin offer picturesque, historic settings for your big day.

Popular Villages in Provence

Provence is home to several charming villages that provide stunning backdrops for a wedding.

• Gordes: Known for its medieval stone houses and dramatic views of the Luberon Valley, Gordes is perfect for a romantic countryside wedding.
• Roussillon: Famous for its vibrant ochre-colored buildings and hillsides, it’s one of the most photogenic villages in the region.
• Les Baux-de-Provence: Known for its medieval château perched on a rocky hill and breathtaking views of the Alpilles mountains
• Lourmarin: A quaint, Renaissance-style village surrounded by vineyards, ideal for a relaxed, intimate wedding.
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: A charming village filled with art galleries and narrow streets, perfect for couples seeking an artistic atmosphere.

Things to Do in Provence for Wedding Guests

Provence offers plenty of activities for guests to enjoy before and after the wedding.

• Explore lavender fields: Visit the famous fields in Valensole and Sault during lavender season for stunning photos.
• Wine tours: Provence is renowned for its wines, with vineyard tours available in areas like Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• Visit the Calanques: Enjoy the Mediterranean coastline with boat trips or hikes around the Calanques National Park.
• Discover historical sites: Explore Roman ruins in Arles and the Palace of the Popes in Avignon.
• Relax at the beach: Spend a day on the beaches of Cassis or the French Riviera.

Where Are the Best Lavender Fields in Provence?

Lavender fields are one of the region’s most iconic features and perfect for wedding photos.

• Valensole Plateau: The largest and most famous lavender field in Provence, located near the town of Valensole.
• Sault: Known for its stunning purple fields, Sault offers a tranquil and scenic setting.
• Luberon: This region is dotted with lavender fields, offering a more intimate and secluded option for your wedding.
• Gordes: A beautiful village surrounded by lavender fields, perfect for an idyllic countryside wedding.

Food and Wine in Provence

Provence is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, which is sure to delight your wedding guests.

• Bouillabaisse: The famous seafood stew of Marseille, perfect for a wedding feast by the sea.
• Pan Bagnat: A Provençal sandwich filled with fresh ingredients like tuna, tomatoes, and olives.
• Lavender honey: A local delicacy, perfect as a gift or wedding favor.
• Local wines: Provence is known for its rosé, especially the Côtes de Provence AOP, which is perfect for a wedding toast.
• Truffle and olive oil: Provence is home to some of the best olive oils and truffles in the world, offering rich flavors for your wedding banquet.

Getting to and Around Provence

Provence is well connected, making it easy for your guests to travel to and around the region.

• By air: Marseille Provence Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport are the main international gateways, both offering direct flights from major cities.
• By train: High-speed TGV trains connect Paris and other major French cities with Provence in under 3 hours.
• By car: Renting a car is recommended to explore the region’s hilltop villages, vineyards, and coastal beauty.
• Public transport: The TER PACA regional train network offers convenient access to major towns and villages in the region.