Domaine d’Essendiéras
- SLEEPS: 300
- CAPACITY: 250
PRICE FROM
SLEEPS
300
CAPACITY
250
Domaine d’Essendiéras; uniquely expansive, electrically atmospheric, unmistakably French. This fairy-tale châteaux venue holds centuries of heritage and today offers exceptional hospitality and unforgettable luxury wedding packages. Encompassing 360 hectares of countryside, orchards, and woodland, this private estate is anchored by two lovingly restored châteaux dating from the 16th and 19th centuries. With full-service wedding support, extensive accommodation for up to 300 guests, an array of on site activities, and the choice of several wonderful ceremony and reception spaces, this is a destination wedding venue designed perfectly for multi-day stays.
About Domaine d’Essendiéras
The estate was once home to French academician André Maurois and is said to have welcomed literary figures such as Marcel Proust. Its châteaux are complementary in character: the Vieux Château is a 16th-century jewel with preserved stonework, beamed ceilings, and a bridal suite set in a medieval tower; while the Grand Château offers a more opulent 19th-century vision, complete with sweeping staircases, stately terraces, and panoramic viewpoints.
The estate sprawls across landscaped gardens, both formal and wild, surrounded by meadows, forested trails, orchards, and tranquil ponds. It’s a venue that feels like its own village, with spaces thoughtfully divided across courtyards, terraces, and open clearings. A stay here over several days feels immersive, allowing wedding parties to settle in, explore, and enjoy the rhythm of French country life. With space to accommodate up to 300 guests across its suites, gîtes, and group lodgings, and capacity for receptions of up to 250, Domaine d’Essendiéras lends itself to full-weekend affairs or destination weddings with a holiday atmosphere.
Indeed, the atmosphere throughout is one of relaxed elegance, historic, but not pretentious; refined, but very welcoming. Exclusive hire is available for weddings, ensuring privacy and undisturbed flow. A professional in-house team manages the guest experience from planning through to execution, freeing couples to focus on celebration.
Ceremonies
Ceremonies at Domaine d’Essendiéras are as varied as the landscape. Outdoor options include the Jardin du Vieux Château, a leafy and secluded lawn bordered by old stone, ideal for romantic vows under a French sky; the terraced lawns of the Grand Château with wide-open views; and the estate’s distinctive pagodas with their bubbling fountains and architectural framing. Each setting is elegant without excess, inviting personalisation while drawing on the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The estate’s experienced in-house planning service helps couples coordinate every aspect of their day, from ceremony layout to floral installations and logistics. They also assist with sourcing trusted local suppliers, arranging guest itineraries, and crafting a celebration that reflects each couple’s style.
Receptions & Celebrations
Receptions here unfold utilising the variety of atmospheric spaces. A vin d’honneur is often served on the Grand Château’s elevated terrace, where golden hour sunsets and picturesque landscape provide an effortless backdrop.
Your wedding dinner may take place in the Clubhouse, a restored barn with timber beams, large windows, and a built-in dance floor, or in the Pagodes garden pavilion for an alfresco experience with a festive summer tone. The venue’s flexibility allows for seamless transitions between each phase of the day; ceremony, cocktails, dinner, and dancing – without ever feeling rushed or too compartmentalised.
Late-night festivities can continue until 6 a.m., with quality lighting, sound systems, and ample space to dance. The following day, couples often host a relaxed brunch by the pool or in one of the estate’s many green spaces, creating space to unwind and connect before guests depart.
Accommodation
Accommodation is one of Domaine d’Essendiéras’ great strengths, offering flexibility, scale, and charm. The estate can sleep up to 300 guests across a mix of historic rooms, modern apartments, fully equipped holiday homes, and rustic-chic gîtes. Many lodgings are grouped around courtyards or tucked into quiet corners of the estate, offering both privacy and proximity.
The Grand Château and Vieux Château host elegant suites with views over manicured gardens and the Dordogne hills. Several gîtes include private pools and terraces, while La Guichardie, the group lodging, accommodates up to 36 in a mix of interlinked homes ideal for larger parties or extended families.
There is also a small lakeside camping area with private facilities, ideal for guests who prefer a glamping-style experience, and a range of accessible accommodation for guests with mobility considerations. The variety ensures everyone in your party is comfortably housed, whether they seek a hotel-style suite or a countryside cottage.
Catering
Culinary offerings at Domaine d’Essendiéras are centered around quality and regional flavour. The estate’s chef and catering team work with couples during the planning process to create custom menus that reflect both tradition and innovation. Ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible, with a focus on seasonal produce, Périgord’s regional specialties, and dishes guaranteed to delight you and your guests.
Couples can choose from a range of, or combination of, dining formats; from multi-course seated dinners to cocktail receptions, sharing platters, or late-night dancefloor fuelling bites.
Dining can be hosted in formal banquet settings, beneath fairy-lit canopies, or around fire pits for a more laid-back affair, the versatility of the spaces here is really unlimited to suit your vision.
And the wine list of course favours the stunning wines of the region, but with the option to customise selections to suit your taste. Couples are welcome to supply their own champagne or spirits, with corkage arrangements available.
A brunch buffet or garden barbecue is often hosted the morning after the wedding, offering a casual and joyful finale to the festivities. Dietary requirements and international preferences are easily accommodated by the modern and inclusive catering team.
Activities
On Site:
- Heated outdoor swimming pools (shared and private)
- 9-hole golf course with driving range and putting green
- Tennis and padel courts (indoor and outdoor)
- Over 25 km of hiking and cycling trails through the estate
- Petanque, beach volleyball, and full-sized football pitch
- Lakeside fishing (carp and trout) and pedal boats
- Pony rides and a dedicated children’s play island (seasonal)
- Wine tastings, cooking classes, and guided walks can be arranged on request
Nearby:
- Brantôme: an island town with riverside abbey and canal-side cafes
- Excideuil and Thiviers: lively market towns with authentic local produce
- Canoeing and kayaking on the Isle River
- Visits to prehistoric cave sites and medieval castles
- Wine tours and truffle hunts across the Périgord Noir and beyond
The estate’s team can help arrange excursions or suggest itineraries for guests extending their stay.
Location
Proximity: Tucked in the peaceful Périgord Vert countryside, just outside the village of Saint-Médard-d’Excideuil, and around 45 minutes north of the regional capital Périgueux.
Nearest Airports: Limoges International Airport – approx. 45 minutes by car; Brive-Souillac Airport – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes; Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport – approx. 2 hours by car
By Train: High-speed trains (TGV) run from Paris to Limoges and Périgueux. From either station, the Domaine is accessible by car in around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Transfers can be arranged upon request.
Transfers: Private transfer services and car hire can be arranged through the venue
Parking: Extensive on-site parking available for both guests and suppliers
Disabled Access: Yes. Selected accommodations and event spaces are accessible; confirm specifics with the venue team
Child-Friendly: Yes. The estate is equipped with play areas, child-friendly pools, and safe outdoor environments
Additional Services: The estate offers a full suite of additional services, including decoration setup, housekeeping, linen and laundry, pre-arrival grocery stocking, concierge planning assistance, and on-call support throughout your stay
Details
- EXCLUSIVITY
- CAPACITY: 250
- SLEEPS: 300
- ON SITE PLANNER
- IN HOUSE CATERING
- BRIDAL CHANGING ROOM
- PARKING
- CHILD FRIENDLY
- PET FRIENDLY
- POOL
Wedding Packages & Pricing
- ACCOMMODATION
- CATERING
- RECEPTION
