Introducing Chateau de Courtomer

Are you dreaming of a stunning Chateau wedding in the French countryside? If so, you will definitely want to consider the beautiful Château de Courtomer for your choice of venue. Situated amidst lush greenery in the picturesque region of Normandy in France, Chateau de Courtomer is an idyllic, romantic residence that is perfect for destination weddings!

In this article I am going to cover:

• A brief history of Chateau de Courtomer
• Chateau de Courtomer for hire
• Why Chateau de Courtomer is the perfect wedding venue for your big day in France
• Accommodation available for the bridal party & guests
• Normandy and the Surrounding Area
• How to get to Chateau de Courtomer

Read on to learn more!

A brief history of Chateau de Courtomer

Chateau de Courtomer is a stunning 18th century property with a design inspired by Louis the Sun King’s Palace of Versailles. The chateau was constructed on the site of an 11th century medieval castle and incorporates many features of the ancient structure, including some of the original vaults, arches, and moat. The estate also boasts a Protestant temple and an egg-shaped 18th-century ice house, providing plenty of unique historical features to discover. There is also a separate bright Orangerie designed to grow citrus fruit in colder climates.

In the past, the estate has been home to descendants of the first noble Lords (“seigneurs”) and by relatives with associations to Ruinart – the famous Champagne house in France. The chateau was taken over in 2005 and lovingly restored by Elizabeth Bonner. Her desire was to preserve the original history and beauty of the chateau while seamlessly integrating modern amenities.

Chateau de Courtomer for Hire

Beyond hosting their own business & family gatherings on the estate, the Bonner family warmly welcomes guests from around the world to enjoy the allure of the chateau.

The expansive 360-acre estate is made up of open parks, enchanting woodland, and lush farmland that provide the perfect setting for privacy and seclusion. The chateau is available for exclusive hire for weddings, events, retreats, honeymoons, parties, and vacations and offers an endless range of possibilities for your celebrations.

Why Chateau de Courtomer is the perfect wedding venue for your big day in France

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect setting in France to celebrate your destination wedding – Chateau de Courtomer might just be what you’re looking for. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be struck by the perfect symmetry of the chateau; it really does have the wow factor and lends itself perfectly to those dreaming of a romantic wedding!

The Chateau has played host to many couples from across America, the UK, and around the globe, giving them their dream destination wedding experience. The chateau is available for weekly and long weekend hire, making it perfect for those multi-day wedding celebrations. There are various locations to choose from around the estate for all elements of your wedding, including the rehearsal dinner and day after party.

Bride and grooms can exchange vows in the beautiful outdoor space overlooking the impressive chateau, or in the stunning reception room, with your formal wedding breakfast in the Chateau’s large dining room or light and airy Orangerie.

For bigger weddings or larger groups, the extensive sprawling lawns offer the perfect spot for a marquee or stretch tent. Your guests can sip on cocktails as they explore the wonderful grounds around the Chateau, taking in the rich history and beauty of the estate.

The chateau is a dream for wedding photographers as the scope for photography is vast. The tones and colors are generally neutral throughout and fit with many wedding color themes. Each room benefits from large windows allowing lots of natural light to flood in – creating a bright and airy space for your special day. But perhaps the most stunning aspect is the ornate grand staircase – which is the perfect location to show off the beautiful train of a wedding dress.

Accommodation available for bridal party & guests

There’s lots of accommodation on offer for you and your guests. Private rooms are available at the Chateau, with additional accommodations offered at the nearby rustic farmhouse.

The chateau sleeps fifteen guests and features a range of eight bedrooms & eight bathrooms arranged over the 1st & 2nd floors, with multiple reception rooms, a dining room, and a kitchen on the ground floor.

The farmhouse is just a short stroll from the Chateau and offers further accommodation for nine guests, with three en-suite bedrooms, an open kitchen, and a dining/seating area.

The lovely Heather and Beatrice manage the estate, a friendly, bilingual team who can assist with any requirements you have.

Normandy and the Surrounding Area

There are many exciting places to visit, all within a short drive of the Chateau. You can discover the Civilian Museum, William the Conqueror’s castle in Falaise, and the market town of Mortagne-au-Perche.

If you love to browse independent French shops, make sure you visit the old town of Bellême, where you will find a range of shops selling crafts and antiques.

Just north of the Chateau, you can experience the Pays D’Auge, an area famous for its cheese, cider, Calvados, and authentic half-timbered houses.

For car enthusiasts, Le Mans 24-Hour circuit and the Porsche Experience Center are just a short drive away and an absolute must-visit.

If you’re feeling the need to take a break and relax, the swimming lake at Soligny-La-Trappe is just 20 minutes from the Chateau and is tucked away in the heart of an ancient pine forest.

Normandy is also known for having some of the best gardens in France, which are definitely well worth a visit, including the magnificent Monet’s Garden.

Those who want to immerse themselves in the region’s history can visit the WWII landing beaches at Mont Saint Michel or visit the impressive Bayeux Tapestry, which illustrates the events preceding the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Further Afield

If you wish to extend your trip and explore more of what France has to offer, I would highly recommend a stay in the French capital of Paris. The romantic city of lights is only around 170km east of Chateau de Courtomer and offers a great option as a city trip add-on for a pre-wedding photo shoot. Check out the Top 21 photo locations in Paris for couples on my blog HERE.

When it comes to your honeymoon, why not head down to the cosmopolitan cities of Montpellier, Marseille, and Nice in the south of France? With its stunning views, sandy beaches, and miles of glistening coastline, the French Riviera is the perfect spot to escape with your loved one for a relaxing break after saying ‘I Do.’

How to get to Château de Courtomer

When traveling from overseas, the best way is to fly to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. From there, you can choose to drive to the chateau by rental car or travel by train.

If traveling by car, the journey will take around 2 hours and 35 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle to get to Chateau de Courtomer.

If you plan to get to Courtomer by train, the closest station to the chateau is L’Aigle. The train ride should take about one and a half hours. From the station, the chateau is only a 25-minute taxi ride away. Pre-booking your taxi is advisable to ensure a seamless arrival.

In summary

If you are planning a wedding in Europe and Normandy sounds like the perfect destination, Chateau de Courtomer is an excellent choice! Whether you want an intimate celebration or a large wedding, this magical venue has everything you would expect from a dreamy French chateau. What’s more, the romantic charm and beauty of the French countryside will perfectly accentuate every moment of your special day, making memories of a lifetime. The only limit is your imagination!

If you are looking for a European destination wedding photographer with experience photographing at Chateau de Courtomer, I would love to learn more about your plans. Contact me HERE for more information on the destination wedding photography packages I offer.

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