Photo by Simply Lovely
Domaine d’Essendiéras
- TYPICAL BUDGET
€20k - €60k
- SLEEPS
300
- CAPACITY
250
Set across 360 hectares of countryside in the Périgord Vert, Domaine d’Essendiéras feels closer to a private village than a single wedding venue. Two châteaux—the 16th-century Vieux Château and the more expansive 19th-century Grand Château—anchor the estate, surrounded by woodland, orchards, and open meadows. The scale here allows for a slower, multi-day celebration, where guests settle in and move between spaces over the course of a weekend. With accommodation for up to 300 and a dedicated in-house team overseeing each event, the experience is structured but unhurried. The atmosphere leans relaxed and welcoming, with a strong sense of place rooted in the Dordogne landscape.
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
Additional information
Weddings & settings
Ceremonies
Ceremonies at Domaine d’Essendiéras are spread across the estate, with each setting offering a different relationship to the surrounding landscape. The in-house team supports couples throughout the planning process, coordinating layouts, styling, and logistics while working with a network of trusted local suppliers.
The variety of spaces allows couples to choose between more intimate, enclosed settings or open viewpoints across the countryside.
Jardin du Vieux Château
A secluded garden framed by historic stone walls and mature greenery. The setting feels enclosed and calm, suited to ceremonies with a more intimate atmosphere.
Grand Château Terraces
Positioned to overlook the rolling landscape, these terraces offer a more open setting with wide views across the estate. Particularly suited to larger ceremonies.
Pagodes Garden Pavilion
An architectural focal point within the grounds, with structured lines and surrounding water features. A distinctive option that brings a different visual rhythm to the ceremony.
Each space can be adapted to suit the scale and style of the day, with indoor alternatives available if required.
Photo by Simply Lovely
Photo by Simply Lovely
Receptions
Receptions at Domaine d’Essendiéras are designed to unfold across multiple spaces, allowing each part of the day to feel distinct without losing continuity. Guests often begin with a vin d’honneur on the terrace of the Grand Château, where views stretch across the surrounding countryside.
Dinner can be hosted in the Clubhouse—a restored barn with exposed beams and a built-in dance floor—or outdoors within the Pagodes garden for a more open, summer setting. The transition from dining to dancing is straightforward, with spaces already equipped for sound and lighting, allowing the evening to build naturally.
One of the defining aspects of the estate is its flexibility. Large guest numbers are accommodated comfortably, and celebrations can continue late into the night, with music permitted until early morning.
The following day often shifts to a slower pace, with brunch held by the pool or in one of the estate’s open lawns—extending the celebration while giving guests time to unwind.
Staying on Site
Accommodation is a central part of the experience at Domaine d’Essendiéras, with space for up to 300 guests across a wide range of settings. The estate offers a mix of château suites, apartments, and countryside lodgings, allowing guests to choose between more formal or independent stays.
Château Suites
Located within the Grand and Vieux Châteaux, these rooms overlook the gardens and surrounding landscape, combining historic features with a more refined finish.
Gîtes & Private Houses
Spread across the estate, these self-contained properties include kitchens, terraces, and, in some cases, private pools—suited to families or small groups wanting more autonomy.
Group Accommodation
Larger lodgings, including La Guichardie, are designed for extended groups, with multiple bedrooms arranged across connected spaces.
Additional options include a lakeside camping area with private facilities. The overall layout allows guests to stay close to the celebration while still having space to retreat, creating a balance between shared moments and privacy.
Photo by Frances Mary Sales
Photo by Frances Mary Sales
Food & Atmosphere
Dining at Domaine d’Essendiéras is shaped around regional produce and the culinary traditions of the Dordogne. The in-house chef and catering team work closely with each couple to develop menus that reflect both the setting and the structure of the celebration.
Meals can take different forms depending on the tone of the event, from multi-course seated dinners to more relaxed formats such as sharing platters or cocktail-style receptions. Outdoor dining is often set beneath open skies or within the estate’s gardens, while indoor spaces provide a more contained setting when needed.
The wine selection draws heavily from local producers, with the option to tailor choices or include personal selections. Couples are welcome to supply their own champagne or spirits, with corkage arrangements available. Bar service can be adapted across the event, from aperitif-led evenings to later, more informal moments.
The approach is flexible but considered, with a focus on quality ingredients and a natural flow between food, setting, and atmosphere.
Real Weddings at Domaine d’Essendiéras
Other Information
Activities
The scale of the estate allows guests to fill time beyond the wedding itself.
On-site
- Heated outdoor pools
- 9-hole golf course with driving range
- Tennis and padel courts
- Walking and cycling trails across the estate
- Lakes for fishing and pedal boats
- Cooking classes and wine tastings on request
Nearby, guests can explore towns such as Brantôme, visit local markets, or take part in canoeing, vineyard tours, and truffle-focused experiences across the Dordogne.
Location & Accessibility
Domaine d’Essendiéras is located in the Périgord Vert, just outside Saint-Médard-d’Excideuil, surrounded by countryside while remaining accessible from key transport hubs.
- Nearest airports: Limoges (approx. 45 minutes), Brive (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), Bergerac (approx. 2 hours)
- Access: Best reached by car; train connections via Limoges or Périgueux
- Parking: Extensive on-site parking available
Despite its scale and privacy, the estate is straightforward to reach, making it practical for large groups travelling from within France and internationally.
Photo by Simply Lovely
Contact the venue
Gallery
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