Château de Jalesnes
- SLEEPS: 65
- CAPACITY: 180
PRICE FROM
SLEEPS
65
CAPACITY
180
A Renaissance château reborn for spectacular wedding celebration, Château de Jalesnes sits at the heart of the Loire Valley on a 22‑acre private estate of forests, formal French jardin, and a serene heated pool. Originally built in 1610 and meticulously restored, the château delivers that fairytale blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort, giving destination weddings a cinematic backdrop with every practical convenience.
Designed for multi‑day takeovers, Jalesnes offers exclusive use, a reception capacity of up to 180, on‑site accommodation for up to 65 guests across 17 suites, and a choice of luxurious character-rich spaces: a historic chapel with stained glass, interconnecting salons for dining and dancing, terraces, a chestnut grove for open‑air moments, and beautifully kept lawns for pool parties and relaxed afternoons. With bilingual coordination, in‑house staffing, licensed bar service, and flexible catering options; from welcome barbecues to formal banquets, the château turns what might’ve been a single wedding day into an immersive experience for you and your guests.
About Château de Jalesnes
Château de Jalesnes has welcomed nobles, royals, and distinguished guests over the centuries. Every corridor and courtyard tells a story; from the grand entrance hall with its stone staircase and intricate mosaics to the vaulted chapel adorned with stained glass by Bordereau of Angers.
Manicured jardins à la française flow into woodland trails and picnic lawns, while the moat, orchard, and permaculture garden add rustic charm. Guests can stroll through the chestnut grove, swim in the 20‑metre heated pool, or enjoy quiet moments in the sun terrace that overlooks the forest and formal gardens.
The interiors are equally inviting, featuring interconnecting salons with fireplaces and parquet floors, a tranquil library, and a Club Salon ideal for wine tastings or intimate gatherings.
Multiple reception spaces allow couples to create a fully personalised celebration. The vaulted chapel provides a breathtaking setting for ceremonies or concerts, while the salons can be reconfigured for dinners, cocktail hours, or dancing beneath glittering chandeliers. Outdoors, the formal lawns and terraces host everything from alfresco feasts to open-air concerts and firework displays. Each space, from the smallest salon to the grand banquet hall, carries the château’s signature blend of heritage, sophistication, and warmth, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for you and your loved ones.
Château de Jalesnes is captivating year-round. Spring brings blossom-filled gardens and mild days ideal for outdoor ceremonies. Summer offers long golden evenings by the pool and celebrations under the stars. Autumn bathes the forest and vineyards in rich colour, while winter transforms the château’s salons and chapel into intimate candlelit spaces. Each season reveals a different side of the Loire’s natural beauty.
Ceremonies
Few places capture the romance of the Loire like Château de Jalesnes. The château offers a collection of distinctive ceremony settings, each unique with its own character and atmosphere. Ceremony settings include:
- Front Terrace – A favourite for welcome dinners or ceremonies, the terrace offers a breathtaking backdrop framed by the château’s Renaissance façade and views over the formal gardens.
- Chestnut Grove – Exchange vows surrounded by nature beneath the sweeping canopy of centuries-old trees for a serene and romantic woodland atmosphere.
- Moat – Choose this dramatic and slightly whimsical location for a truly unforgettable ceremony or vin d’honneur set within the château’s historic dry moat.
- Hunting Lodge – Hidden within the forest, this secluded stone tower creates a fairytale backdrop for couples seeking intimacy and storybook charm.
- Chapel – Make your promises beneath the soaring vaulted ceiling and exquisite stained-glass windows of the private chapel, illuminated by natural light and rich in history.
For a religious service, the chapel’s vaulted architecture, de-mountable stage, and minstrel gallery create an ethereal, cathedral-like ambience. The chapel seats up to 85 guests, while outdoor locations can accommodate up to 180 for larger celebrations.
Each ceremony at Jalesnes is uniquely tailored by the château’s bilingual coordination team, who handle setup, décor, seating, and timing to perfection.
Elegant ceremony furnishings, from arches and altar tables to gold or white plinths and baskets for petals or favours, are included in every package. Couples are free to customise their setting with floral installations, candles, or live musicians such as a harpist or string quartet, making each moment as personal as it is breathtaking. Whether under the open sky or within ancient stone walls, ceremonies here embody the spirit of French romance.
Receptions & Celebrations
At Château de Jalesnes, receptions flow effortlessly from ceremony to the reception, with each setting offering its own atmosphere, from formal elegance to relaxed French countryside charm. The château’s range of reception spaces allows couples to design the celebration after the ceremony that feels both grand and personal:
- Grand Banquet Hall & Interconnecting Salons – Host an elegant seated dinner or cocktail-style celebration in the château’s grand interior. The interconnecting salons feature parquet floors, high ceilings, chandeliers, and large windows overlooking the gardens. Retractable oak partitions allow the space to open into a grand gallery for dining and dancing.
- Formal Lawns & Gardens – Perfect for open-air receptions and summer evenings, the manicured lawns provide ample room for long banquet tables beneath fairy lights, live music, and fireworks to close the night. The lawns can accommodate up to 180 seated guests, or possibly more for large marquee celebrations.
- Terrace & Pool Area – Enjoy champagne and canapés with panoramic garden views, or host an elegant cocktail hour by the château’s heated pool. As evening falls, this becomes a stylish space for dancing under the stars or for next-day pool parties.
Receptions at Jalesnes are renowned for their ambience, polished service, fine Loire Valley wines, and menus crafted by the château’s selected chefs.
Couples can tailor their experience with live bands, dancers, DJs, or classical musicians, while ambient lighting, draped fabrics, and candlelight transform each space into a uniquely romantic setting.
With no curfew, exclusive use of the estate, and full setup and teardown handled by the in-house team, your reception at Château de Jalesnes can last as long as the celebration deserves.
Accommodation
Château de Jalesnes combines that majesty of French historic charm with modern comfort, offering on-site accommodation for up to 65 guests across 17 beautifully appointed suites. Each suite has been individually designed, blending original architectural details with contemporary amenities. Couples and their guests can enjoy the true château lifestyle; waking up to views of the jardin, enjoying morning coffee sips on private terraces, and relaxing in indulgent living spaces.
Accommodation options range from studio suites to spacious three-bedroom apartments, all featuring fully equipped kitchens, generous bathrooms, and luxurious super-king beds that can be configured as twins. Many suites include living and dining areas, making them ideal for families or groups of friends staying for extended celebrations. Accessible rooms are available, ensuring comfort for all guests with accessibility needs.
For the wedding couple, the Les Mariés Suite or one of the roof-terrace suites offers a romantic private retreat with panoramic views over the gardens and Loire countryside. The château’s team also arranges overspill accommodation in nearby Vernantes or Saumur, with transport easily coordinated. Whether guests prefer the convenience of staying within the château walls or the charm of neighbouring gîtes and hotels, every aspect of their stay is designed for ease, comfort, and a touch of French luxury.
Catering
Food and wine are at the heart of the Château de Jalesnes experience, reflecting the richness of Loire Valley gastronomy. Each celebration is designed to feel like a journey through French culinary tradition. From casual welcome lunches to grand wedding night banquets under the stars. The château’s in-house or recommended list of catering providers and chefs work with fresh, local ingredients to create seasonal menus that balance refinement and comfort.
Wedding Dining Highlights:
- Welcome lunches: Begin your stay with a relaxed gathering such as a barbecue, paella night, pizza party, or regional buffet. The front terrace and gardens make the perfect setting for an informal evening of music, laughter, and fine wine.
- Wedding Banquet: A served four-course gourmet banquet with curated wine pairings. Menus may feature regional classics such as confit duck, Loire river fish, or artisan cheeses, all presented with modern flair.
- Canapés & Cocktails: Following your ceremony, guests are welcomed with signature cocktails, local Crémant de Loire, and gourmet canapés, often paired with live cooking stations for a touch of theatre.
- After-Party: Midnight appetizers, a full bar, and signature cocktails keep the celebration alive into the early hours.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Enjoy a continental breakfast served daily, or upgrade to a hot brunch featuring pastries, meats, cheeses, fruits, and French coffee. Perfect for wedding mornings or farewell gatherings.
- Lunch Options: Light grab-and-go meals are provided for bridal preparations, keeping the day seamless and stress-free.
The château’s licensed bar provides an extensive selection of French wines, Champagne, spirits, and custom cocktails.
Activities
On-Site
- Heated Pool & Sun Terrace
- Gardens & Forest Walks through 22 acres of parkland and woodland trails.
- Outdoor Games & Firepit Evenings including pétanque, table tennis, and lawn games.
- Wine Tastings & Private Dinners hosted in the Club Salon or under the chestnut trees.
- Cycling & Picnics with bikes and gourmet hampers provided.
Nearby
- Wine & Gastronomy Tours of Loire vineyards and local producers.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides over the valley’s rivers and châteaux.
- Cultural Excursions to nearby Saumur, Chinon, or Angers.
- River Adventures including private cruises or canoeing on the Loire.
- Historic & Artistic Events such as markets, concerts, and exhibitions.
Couples can contact the château’s coordination team to create personalised itineraries, combining leisure, local culture, and authentic French charm for a bespoke multi-day experience.
Location
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, Château de Jalesnes sits just outside the village of Vernantes and 20 minutes from Saumur, one of the region’s most picturesque towns. The château’s central position makes it ideal for destination weddings, with excellent connections by air, rail, and road.
The château’s team can arrange shuttle transfers or private collections from local airports and train stations, ensuring smooth travel for you and your guests.
- By Air: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Nantes Atlantique Airport and 2 hours from Tours or Poitiers airports. Private helicopter transfers can also be arranged directly onto the estate’s lawns!
- By Train: The nearest TGV stations are Saumur (20 minutes) and Angers (50 minutes), both with direct links to Paris.
- By Car: Easily accessible via the A85 motorway with ample on-site parking for guests and vendors.
The château is fully equipped with disabled access, including a lift to upper floors and accessible suites. The estate is child- and pet-friendly, offering both comfort and flexibility for all guests.
Details
- MIN STAY: 2
- EXCLUSIVITY
- CAPACITY: 180
- SLEEPS: 65
- BEDROOMS: 17
- LICENSED FOR MARRIAGE
- RELIGIOUS FACILITIES
- SAME SEX MARRIAGE
- ON SITE PLANNER
- IN HOUSE CATERING
- LICENSED BAR
- BRIDAL CHANGING ROOM
- FIREWORKS PERMITTED
- SOUND SYSTEM
- WIFI
- PARKING
- DISABLED ACCESS
- CHILD FRIENDLY
- PET FRIENDLY
- POOL
Wedding Packages & Pricing
- ACCOMMODATION
- CATERING
- RECEPTION