More and more of them are succumbing to the crazy desire to unite in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes. Although many are from Auvergne, many brides and grooms come from the four corners of France and the world. Enough to inspire the owners of places conducive to magic.
Since the announcement of its restoration, the Château de Chignat has been the subject of all conversations. To the point of becoming the next “the place to be” for lovers of weddings or exceptional events.
And we must admit that its owners pulled out all the stops. With breathtaking decoration and ambiance. A Riviera-style lounge bar, enhanced with an Afghan door inherited from Nureyev, has been imagined. It abuts an immense wooded terrace at the heart of which nestles a 17-metre-long swimming pool heated to 28 degrees.
A glamping area (the contraction of glamor and camping), equipped with lodge tents, adds a country and relaxed spirit to the two immense reception rooms, just as unusual. One called “Dame Jeanne” in reference to her generous collection of glass carboys, adjoins the “Watering Can Room” and its 104 rooms. Or the very intimate “Canadian Room” whose walls have been decorated with 19th century Canadian postal car panels. Everywhere, detail arouses curiosity.
A unique experience
“We want to provide a unique experience. Our DNA is of course conviviality with huge tables to celebrate love and friendship, but also mind-blowing choices of decoration,” laughs Karine, sales manager of the place.
Eight bars with a strong personality will be installed on the estate. It is therefore impossible to become dehydrated. Alongside the crystal chandeliers, the guinguette-style garlands create a contrast. In Chignat, the refined will be cleverly offbeat. There will be surprises in every corner of the castle. The sensual Romy Schneider rubs shoulders with a washed-out Captain America, under an unexpected green ceiling.
“Here, we don’t take ourselves seriously. We break the classic codes of the castle. The spirit of sweet madness is running rampant… and the wow effect is guaranteed,” jokes Faustine, the owner.
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A large family home
A few kilometers away, near Usson, another castle attracts exceptional weddings. Its name: Bois Rigaud. Capable of accommodating 120 people seated, compared to 300 for Chignat, Bois Rigaud seduces future brides and grooms with its clever mix of stone and modernity with a family spirit so dear to its buyers.
For François, site manager, the magic of the place is sure to work. “The future spouses generally arrive on Friday with their family and friends. And, each time, they make the place their own. It’s a bit like the big family home that everyone dreams of,” analyzes the conductor of weddings.
Many buildings complete the main building. A container bar installed in the gravelled courtyard at the foot of the castle evokes a small village square on which it is good to linger. The garden and its tents spread around a century-old yew tree or this immense banquet table offering a view of the Cantal and Cézallier mountains are all settings ideal for celebration and union. A former hayloft, with a floor paved with terracotta tiles, the reception room is also eye-catching. “Here, nothing is written in advance. The bride and groom personalize their wedding. Bois Rigaud belongs to them.” Capable of accommodating 40 people, this little corner of paradise is equipped with volleyball, pétanque, a sauna, a 17-meter swimming pool and a gym.
New beautiful wedding reception venues in Auvergne this summer
A bohemian chic spirit
In the same vein, the Gîtes du Berger, located at a place called “La Bussière” in Saint-Georges-de Mons, are popular with lovers of unique moments. Former farmers, Christine and Bernard have given a second life to the family farm, capable of accommodating 75 guests.
In a bohemian chic spirit fashioned from wood, linen and raw materials, the accommodation and reception areas exude authenticity: “We have designed the premises while retaining their soul”.
The names of the spaces pay homage to the ancestors. The houses of Jeanne, Joséphine and Berthe, or even Félicie’s tiny house, echo Bernard’s mother, aunts and grandfather.
And it is installed on bales of straw that the guests generally witness the union of the bride and groom in the old, carefully flowered sheepfold. At the heart of this timeless haven of peace, ponies, donkeys and goats watch over the ceremonies. While waiting for the glasses to clash or for a game of pétanque to improvise…
Carole Eon
