Castle Wedding Guide

Château de Challain outside

Welcome to Chateau de Challain, the “Petit Chambord”.

Completed as a private residence 1854, this magnificent chateau is the jewel of Anjou.Now hosting an Elegant Bed & Breakfast as well as Fairytale Wedding Venue. The Castle provides guests with luxurious suites for their Romantic holiday getaway in France. Designed for superior comfort, each room is brightened by the charm and elegance of a glamorous era.

Come visit, and step inside a fairytale.

In the 19th century, the Count and the Countess of La Rochefoucauld-Bayers constructed on their La Potherie Estate, a new grand castle in the neogothic style. They chose a very famous architect from Paris, Louis Visconti. He was famous since he designed the Louvre extension. They asked him to design the new Chateau to replace the 16th century one and asked Rene Hode a famous architect from angers to build the castle. The construction began in1848 and was finished in 1854. The design was a  classic arrangement one rectangle with 4 towers, very large-60 meters long, 37 meter deep and 47 meters high- 120 rooms on 5 levels with an abundance of limestone sculptures made by Jacques Granneau, student of David D’Angers.

For the interior, they chose the same style as the outside, neogothic. This original decoration is unique in the Loire Valley, wood sculptures, gothic paneling and furniture to accent the rooms along with large fireplaces and French painting on the ceilings.

At the death of her husband, Ida de la Potherie, Countess of la Rochefoucauld-Bayers finished the construction of the Castle and continued to finish her and her husbands dream.
She built many outbuildings starting with the Stables in 1859, then the modern farm and the vegetables garden in 1870. In memory of her husband she built Monplaisir tower in 1875, the entrance and the romantic garden designed by the Count de Choulot in 1882. All this architectural construction in the village made this place one of the great private French residence in the 19th century. Because of the ambiance of the total property the Castle Chateau de La Potherie was named the  “neogothic jewel in Anjou” or  “The Petite Chambord”.

Situated on beautiful grounds, the Chateau complex makes up one corner of a small village, which also has shops, a cathedral, and many summer events. The Chateau is now open for both overnight guests and day visitors, and also hosts wedding receptions and other events, your chateau holidays in France.

The Chateau de Challain is located only thirty minutes outside the town of Angers in the Loire Valley, the region of Castles, and only one and a half hours from Paris by TGV (High Speed Train). The Castle is easy to get to from England and Ireland by flying direct into Nantes airport. The Castle is situated at the corner of a quaint village in the western Loire Valley region of France. The ultimate destination for your destination Castle Wedding or Romantic Bed & Breakfast holiday in France.

Weddings

You have decided to have a Castle wedding congratulations. A destination Wedding is a unique experience with many concerns but rest assured we here at Chateau de Challain have our wedding co-ordinator ready to make your Castle wedding a day no one will forget. As you step through the doors of Chateau de Challain the story of your fairytale Castle Wedding begins.

Our Brides have no Empire and are not Royalty and have no Court. And yet, on this day, she will have the most memorable of days ,
She lives in a palace where ladies in waiting carry out her every wish. Hair and Make up is applied to her glowing face while chefs of the world prepare the celebratory feast fit for a King & Queen but made just for her. So it is easy to see why she can say she is a princess for the day…..

For 2 days and two nights everything within the magnificent castle walls are exclusively yours.This is where your personal dreams and wishes are given wings – fulfilled by the personal yet discreet attentions of those who strive to make your destination wedding dreams come true.The bells will chime to summon the princess to join her prince – some will meet under the hand painted ceiling of the Castles intimate chapel, others will choose the village church and yet more will whisper their “I do’s” under the graceful oak trees in the sumptuous gardens – but wherever they meet for this wedding day the surroundings will weave a spell upon all that behold them for the rest of their lives.

One reason to have a destination wedding in France is the food & wine. So forth comes the courses of decadent fine food accompanied by wine from the castles wine cellar full of lavish French wines from the Loire Valley. A castle wedding held at the destination of Chateau de Challain will continue for each couple Many happy ever afters.

Chateau de Challain- for your very own Once Upon a Time Castle Wedding.

Château de Challain Wedding

Wedding enhancements.

Jazz
Fireworks
Chateau partners
Period Theatre
Hairdressing
Make up artists

The Suites

At the Chateau de Challain all of our accommodation has been refurbished to a standard that offers the grand design of the nineteenth century, with the luxury of today’s building technology,all conveniences are available at the chateau. Each suite includes robes, slippers,a hairdryer, private w/c, bath and tea & coffee making facilities. We aim to make your holidays in France truly memorable. Click the links below for a description of which accommodation suite to spend your Chateau holidays or Castle wedding in France.

Empress suite

The Empress suite is one of the latest suites to be renovated to our exacting standards at the Chateau de Challain.

The Tower Suite

In the tower you will discover a room of silk, a king size canope bed (220cm)  with silk curtains to close yourselves in. A fire place filled with candles sets the mood. A spare room for a third person with a table to have that first cup of coffee, as you wake up to a view of the lake. The bathroom is aged marble.
The suite also has a fireplace with candles, a separate w/c and a shower.

Toile de joile

Another very recently renovated suite in the Chateau de Challain.

Holding with the tradition of France we have covered the walls in a warm green Toile to make this suite relaxing to all. Having a full view of the lake, the south sun warms this room. The Toile du Joie has a King size canopy bed with the most comfortable mattress as the rest of our rooms. The Sink basin is in the main room also having a generous size shower in a separate room you have all the comforts of home.

Royal Suite

Only reservable via request to the manager.

Fit for a king! The original master bedroom is available with all the authentic furnishing. The Canopy bed is handcarved oak standing fourteen feet tall. A second bedroom with two twin beds is connected by a dressing room and bathroom. This suite makes you feel as if this is your chateau.

Romance suite

You can’t escape the feeling of romance as you enter this suite, which includes a grand silk bed, full bath, and separate salon for quiet, intimate meals. Experience historic luxury as you sip champagne, read poetry, and soak in a giant clawfoot tub, surrounded by fresh flowers and french manor charm.

Madame Rochefoucauld suite

The beauty of this room is the hand painted ceiling dating back to the year 1854.The view outside the grand window is of the south lawn and a 2 Hectar Lake. Enjoy a soak in this suite’s oversized tub situated next to a handcarved fireplace. An ajoining room has a beautiful sled bed filled with pillows.

Château de Challain Suites

Dining at the Chateau

An Enchanting Atmosphere.

Guests marvel at the cuisine that Chateau de Challain has to offer. With our on-site chef, a full wine cellar from local vineyards as well as fresh regional produce, every meal is a new opportunity to savor the best tastes of the Loire Valley.

Overnight guests wake up to a full breakfast each morning, served from 8-12 am. Please reserve your Dinners in advance.

Château de Challain Dining

Château de Challain Contact information / Location

The chateau
Challain-la-Potherie
49440
France

Tel: 02.41.92.74.26
Int: + 33 2 41 92 74 26
Email: chateauchallain@aol.com