Wedding Venues in Nouvelle Aquitaine

A Guide to Destination Weddings in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Why Get Married in Nouvelle-Aquitaine?

This region offers a dynamic mix of romantic landscapes, rich culture, and wedding venues suited to every couple’s vision.

• Diverse scenery: Choose between Atlantic beaches, rolling vineyards, forest hideaways, or mountain villages.
• Cultural depth: Marry in a place where Basque, Occitan, and French traditions intersect.
• World-class wine: Celebrate surrounded by Saint-Émilion, Médoc, or Cognac vines.
• Historic charm: Medieval towns, Romanesque churches, and Renaissance châteaux add a timeless touch.
• Gourmet appeal: Treat guests to foie gras, oysters, truffles, and regional wines.

When to Get Married in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Seasonal variety allows couples to choose between sunny beach weddings, vineyard celebrations, or cozy winter escapes.

• Spring (April–May): Mild weather between 59–72°F (15–22°C) with blooming countryside and fewer tourists.
• Summer (June–August): Warm and sunny, ranging from 68–86°F (20–30°C). Ideal for outdoor celebrations and coastal venues.
• Autumn (September–October): Comfortable temperatures from 64–77°F (18–25°C) with golden vineyard landscapes and lower prices.
• Winter (November–March): Cool to cold, ranging 46–59°F (8–15°C) in most areas, and colder with snowfall in the Pyrenees.

Types of Wedding Venues in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s vast geography offers options from coastal retreats to inland châteaux.

• Châteaux & manors: Dordogne, Bordeaux, and Charente are dotted with fairytale estates.
• Vineyards & wine estates: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Cognac offer vineyard ceremonies with tastings.
• Beachfront villas: Biarritz, Arcachon, Royan, and Île de Ré are ideal for ocean-view weddings.
• Mountain lodges: Pyrenean settings in Béarn and Basque Country for nature-loving couples.
• Rustic farms & bastides: Ideal for relaxed countryside celebrations in Lot-et-Garonne or Limousin.

Popular Villages in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Charming towns and villages across the region offer scenic ceremony spots and guest excursions.

• Saint-Émilion: UNESCO-listed wine village with ancient architecture and vineyards.
• La Rochefoucauld: Home to a fairy-tale château and charming riverside views.
• Espelette: Known for its iconic red peppers and vibrant Basque identity.
• Domme: A hilltop bastide in Dordogne with panoramic views and cobblestone streets.
• Ainhoa: One of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” in the Basque foothills.

Things to Do in Nouvelle-Aquitaine for Wedding Guests

Perfect for destination weddings, the region offers experiences for every kind of guest.

• Wine tours: Explore Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks, Cognac houses, or Jurançon cellars.
• Beach escapes: Surfing in Biarritz, sunbathing in Royan, or oyster tasting in Arcachon.
• Historic sites: Visit the Lascaux cave paintings, Romanesque churches, and medieval towns.
• Nature & hikes: Hike the Pyrenees, canoe the Dordogne, or explore the Landes Forest.
• Wellness retreats: Spa towns like Dax and Eugénie-les-Bains offer pre-wedding relaxation.

Food and Wine in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

From land to sea, the culinary richness of the region adds unforgettable flavour to weddings.

• Local specialties: Duck confit, foie gras, truffles, Bayonne ham, and Limousin apples.
• Seafood: Arcachon oysters, Basque squid, mussels from Aiguillon Bay.
• Cheeses: Ossau-Iraty, Chabichou, and Mothais-sur-feuille.
• Sweet treats: Basque cake, canelés from Bordeaux, walnut tart from Périgord.
• Wine pairings: Celebrate with Bordeaux reds, Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, and Irouléguy wines.

Getting to and Around Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Well-connected by air, rail, and road, Nouvelle-Aquitaine makes travel easy for international guests.

• By plane: Bordeaux-Mérignac, Biarritz, La Rochelle, Limoges, and Bergerac airports connect to Europe.
• By train: High-speed TGV from Paris to Bordeaux (2h15), plus links to Poitiers, Limoges, and Bayonne.
• By car: A10, A63, A62, and A89 autoroutes offer road access across the region.
• By bus or river: Coach networks and river cruises (Garonne, Charente, Dordogne) for scenic travel options.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s Famous Wine Regions

Wine lovers will find some of the world’s most prestigious appellations for a vineyard wedding or honeymoon.

• Bordeaux: Legendary Left and Right Bank appellations—Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Graves, Sauternes, and Pomerol.
• Cognac: World-renowned for brandy production and vineyard estates ideal for events.
• Bergerac & Monbazillac: Smaller, charming vineyards in the Dordogne, perfect for rustic wine weddings.
• Jurançon: Basque foothill region known for sweet and dry white wines, close to Pau.
• Irouléguy: Unique vineyards in the French Basque Country, ideal for intimate ceremonies.
• Pineau des Charentes: A fortified wine perfect for toasts, produced in Charente and Charente-Maritime.