



Chateau Challain
France




What's included?
The price reflects the approximate lowest cost for an exclusive 1-night rental of the entire venue, typically during the off-season. Please note that prices are subject to change at the venue’s discretion. We recommend contacting the venue directly to confirm up-to-date pricing.
- SLEEPS: 50
- CAPACITY: 120
What's included?
The price reflects the approximate lowest cost for an exclusive 1-night rental of the entire venue, typically during the off-season. Please note that prices are subject to change at the venue’s discretion. We recommend contacting the venue directly to confirm up-to-date pricing.
- 50
- 120
PRICE FROM
What's included?
The price reflects the approximate lowest cost for an exclusive 1-night rental of the entire venue, typically during the off-season. Please note that prices are subject to change at the venue’s discretion. We recommend contacting the venue directly to confirm up-to-date pricing.
SLEEPS
50
CAPACITY
120
PRICE FROM
What's included?
The price reflects the approximate lowest cost for an exclusive 1-night rental of the entire venue, typically during the off-season. Please note that prices are subject to change at the venue’s discretion. We recommend contacting the venue directly to confirm up-to-date pricing.
SLEEPS
50
CAPACITY
120
Rising proudly on the storybook landscapes of France’s Loire Valley, Chateau Challain is an architectural masterpiece built for fairy tale weddings of extravagance and grandeur. With its soaring turrets, manicured gardens, and over 72 acres of private woodlands, lakes, and grounds this fully serviced château offers couples the opportunity to host a lavish, all-inclusive destination wedding in one of the most impressive French chateaux.
About Chateau Challain
Originally completed in 1854, Chateau Challain is one of the grandest private homes of 19th-century France, affectionately known as the “Neo-Gothic Jewel of Anjou.” This enchanting chateau was designed as a symbolic homage to time itself: its four towers signify the seasons, its twelve turrets the lunar months, twenty-six spiral staircases for each fortnight, and 365 windows to mirror every day of the year. This architectural poetry serves as a poignant backdrop for couples whose own milestone moment deserve such historic grandeur.
Spanning 7,600 square metres of interior space, the château’s ornate interiors include grand salons, hand-painted ceilings, carved marble fireplaces, rosewood paneling, and a magnificent staircase worthy of a cinematic entrance. The estate also features 72 acres of private parkland: woodlands, manicured gardens, lakeside bridges, a floral gazebo, and quiet glades.
Every inch of the property has been restored with meticulous attention to historical accuracy and modern luxury. Under the stewardship of the Nicholson family, Chateau Challain now includes bridal preparation suites, a spa room, the beautifully renovated Coach House with its own event space, and comprehensive in-house services to streamline your wedding planning and delivery.
Weddings
Ceremonies
Whether you envision a traditional religious ceremony, a symbolic celebration in nature, or a personalised ritual that reflects your own story, Chateau Challain offers breathtaking settings and personalised service for ceremonies of all kinds. At the heart of this offering is Cynthia, the château’s resident planner and creative director, who brings two decades of experience to every celebration. From your first enquiry to the final farewell, she and her team will be with you every step of the way.
Ceremony locations include:
- The Chapel – This intimate neo-Gothic chapel on-site is ideal for small, reverent services with up to 20 guests.
- The Dome Gazebo – Overlooking the lake, this romantic outdoor option accommodates 120+ guests for a ceremony surrounded by manicured gardens and mirrored water.
- The Memorial Tower and Woodland Glade – For couples drawn to natural beauty, these tranquil spaces are ideal for symbolic vows and bespoke rituals.
- Church of Challain-la-Potherie (add-on, €3,000) – Directly opposite the château, this 18th-century church can host religious ceremonies and be styled to your taste.
Ceremony packages also include the use of the beautifully appointed Bridal Suite, choose from iconic rooms like The Romance Suite, The Tower, or The Empress. Each suite is designed to support those quiet, personal moments leading up to your ceremony, with spacious dressing areas, elegant four-poster beds, and picturesque views.
Every detail, from floral design to music and guest seating, is handled with warmth, flair, and professionalism. Whether you choose the Platinum, Gold, or Intimate Affairs package, ceremonies at Chateau Challain are immersive and deeply personal; infused with the creativity and care of a team who believes in bringing your vision to life.
Receptions & Celebrations
From five-course French feasts to grand garden parties, wedding receptions at Chateau Challain are nothing short of epic. The château’s many indoor and outdoor spaces offer versatility for every phase of your celebration. Begin with a welcome BBQ or rehearsal dinner in the gardens, followed by cocktail hour on the terrace or lakeside, a lavish seated dinner in the grand dining hall or on the lawns, and late-night dancing in the Coach House dance hall or beneath the stars.
Reception packages include seasonal canapés, French cheese boards, delicate amuse-bouches, mains made from locally sourced ingredients, and exquisite desserts. The château also hosts hog roasts, Champagne brunches, and themed banquet dinners.
Beverages flow freely with inclusive packages featuring house wine, beer, Champagne, and spirits, with extended open bar options available until 1am. Children drink free throughout the weekend, and every room is stocked with tea, coffee, and refreshments.
Entertainment is fully customisable, from harpists and quartets for your ceremony to jazz bands, DJs, choirs, or even fire-breathers and circus performers to liven up the party. Optional upgrades include firework displays, horse-drawn carriages, drone videography, and masquerade balls, ensuring your event can be as traditional or wildly imaginative as you wish.
Accommodation
Chateau Challain offers a total of 21 guest bedrooms across the estate, sleeping up to 50 guests in style. These rooms are split between the main château and the newly renovated Coach House. The main château’s suites blend classical French charm with comfort; each room uniquely styled with four-poster beds, high ceilings, vintage oak furnishings, ornate fireplaces, and luxurious ensuite bathrooms. Bridal favourites such as The Romance Suite, The Empress, The Kings Suite, and The Tower offer elevated experiences with adjacent spaces for bridal party preparations.
The Coach House contains 10 double ensuite bedrooms and includes its own private bar and dance hall, making it ideal for housing larger groups, after-parties, or additional guests within the château grounds.
If your guest list exceeds the sleeping capacity, Chateau Challain’s planning team can assist with sourcing nearby accommodation and coordinating transportation for off-site guests, ensuring all attendees are seamlessly integrated into the celebration.
Breakfast is included with all rooms, and pets and children are warmly welcomed.
Catering
Dining at Chateau Challain is an immersive experience in the heart of French gastronomy—a celebration of flavour, craft, and indulgence that elevates every moment of your wedding. All wedding packages include a thoughtfully prepared rehearsal dinner, a showstopping full wedding banquet, and hearty breakfasts for overnight guests. Menus range from opulent multi-course feasts served in the château’s formal dining rooms to alfresco roasts, lavish cheese buffets, and convivial garden lunches.
In-house chefs craft seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients that showcase the best of French culinary tradition with a contemporary twist. You can expect refined offerings like mis en bouche, foie gras, fresh seafood, roasted duck, and hand-selected cheeses, all beautifully plated and paired with sommelier-recommended wines. Your wedding cake—custom-made to suit your style—adds a sweet and personal touch to the occasion. Dietary preferences and requirements are welcomed and catered to with finesse.
Drinks flow generously, with all events featuring unlimited house wine and beer. Optional Champagne upgrades, artisan cocktails, and curated spirits can be added to your celebration. The château’s bar is open until 11pm as standard, with late-night extensions available until 1am for those who want to keep the revelry going. Suites are stocked with refreshments, and private tastings with the chef and mixologists can be arranged in advance to fine-tune the celebration to your palate.
Whether you’re dining under a chandelier or toasting with a coupe of Champagne beneath the stars, mealtimes at Chateau Challain are designed to be long, joyful, and filled with love—the kind of experience that will stay with you and your guests forever.
Activities
Extend the celebration with curated on-site experiences and bespoke entertainment options.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides around the estate
- Professional firework displays or fire shows
- Themed dinner parties: masquerade, medieval, 1920s Gatsby-style
- Archery, skeet shooting, or hot air balloon rides
- Makeup artists and stylists in the Makeup Room
- Lakefront cocktail hours or Champagne picnics
- Spa services, including massages and facials
- Boat rides, garden tours, and guided nature walks
Beyond the château, guests can explore nearby vineyards, visit other local châteaux, enjoy wine tastings, or explore quaint French towns. Airport transfers, babysitting services, and cultural outings can also be arranged through the château team.
Location
Proximity: Located in Challain-la-Potherie, in the heart of the Loire Valley, Western France
Nearest City: Angers (45 min)
Train: Direct TGV from Paris to Angers (approx. 1.5 hours), followed by a short transfer
Airports:
- Nantes Atlantique International Airport (1 hr 15 min)
- Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (1 hr 45 min)
- Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (3 hr 15 min by car or 1.5 hr TGV to Angers)
- Paris Orly International Airport (3 hr by car or 1.5 hr TGV to Angers)
Transfers: Car hire or private transfers recommended
Parking: On-site guest parking available
Disabled Access: Yes, though inquire directly for specific needs
Child-Friendly: Yes – children are welcome and drink free all weekend
Pet-Friendly: Yes – pets are welcome in accommodation
Additional Services: Full planning team, in-house photography/videography, bar service, bridal prep spaces, spa/massage room, fireworks permitted, costume/theme specialists, extended celebration facilities
Details
- MIN STAY: 2
- EXCLUSIVITY
- CAPACITY: 120
- SLEEPS: 50
- BEDROOMS: 21
- RELIGIOUS FACILITIES
- SAME SEX MARRIAGE
- ON SITE PLANNER
- IN HOUSE CATERING
- LICENSED BAR
- BRIDAL CHANGING ROOM
- FIREWORKS PERMITTED
- WIFI
- PARKING
- CHILD FRIENDLY
- PET FRIENDLY
- SPA FACILITIES