Take the road less traveled. These wedding venues in the south of France are hidden gems because they are not the mainstream choice and most people don’t know about them.
WHY IS THIS LIST IMPORTANT?
Great question. My name is Gaby Chiha and I’m the photographer behind Chiha Studios wedding photography.
I’ve been a fine art wedding photographer since 2014 so I have extensive experience with weddings. I’m American and moved to France in 2023. I’m also part French and speak French fluently so I can easily navigate the world of wedding venue research here in France.
I want to pass down my knowledge to future couples so that you can have that ‘WOW’ wedding of your dreams.
With this list, you can leave the stress of wedding planning BEHIND you. Get inspired and excited! This list is going to help you have the most spectacular wedding of a lifetime. Happy reading.
RANKING CRITERIA
When it comes to the best wedding venues in the south of France this is what we’re taking into account-
1. On the French Riviera
2. Amazing, unobstructed views
3. Close to a charming town
4. Close to the sea
5. Lodging on-site or nearby
6. Doesn’t break the bank!
2023 BEST 8 ‘HIDDEN GEM’ WEDDING VENUES IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
DOMAINE DU MONT LEUZE
Location: Villefranche-Sur-Mer (also known as Villefranche)
Views: You’re elevated on a hilltop with completely unobstructed views overlooking the French Riviera
Lodging: Yes
Parking: Yes
Description: This wedding venue in the south of France is truly a hidden gem.
It’s one thing to have your wedding on the French Riviera… it’s an entirely different thing to feel like your wedding is suspended above the sea and floating above the French Riviera with some of the best views of the region you could possibly get.
This is the Domaine du Mont Leuze.
Located in the heights of Villefranche-Sur-Mer, this wedding venue is in an extremely ideal location. You’re a 15 minute drive from the beach in Villefranche and you’re also right next door to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Nice, and Eze – which are all MUST-visit places on the French Riviera.
Domaine du Mont Leuze is situated in a natural and wooded setting, with an estate house, terraces, gardens, helipad and lots of parking.
The venue has accommodation for 30 people total: two suites, three studios and two villas.
EDEN PLAGE MALA
Location: Cap d’Ail, France
Views: Directly on the beach!
Lodging: In town
Parking: Above the cove, street side parking
Description: Eden Plage Mala is a restaurant and wedding venue located in Cap d’Ail. When it comes to wedding venues in the south of France, this is an excellent option for a private beach. This beach town is located just 8 minutes from Monaco or 25 minutes from Nice. It’s in a very ideal location on the French Riviera.
The venue is located on a private beach down in a cove. There is only 1 other venue that shares this beach space so it really feels secluded and special!
If you want your wedding ON the beach, this is where you should come.
You can arrive by foot or by boat!
LES TERRASSES D’EZE
Location: Eze, France
Views: Up on the hills of Eze, overlooking the sea
Lodging: Yes
Parking: Yes
Description: Les Terrasses d’Eze is a hotel and wedding venue in the south of France that overlooks the sea and is next to a charming medieval village.
Having a wedding at Les Terrasses d’Eze is amazing because there are breathtaking views over the Mediterranean sea and you’re just a few minutes away from the main village of Eze. This is important to note because Eze is arguably the MOST quintessential medieval hill-top village that is a MUST-visit when you come to the French Riviera.
Les Terrasses d’Eze has a dedicated wedding team that will help coordinate and organize your perfect wedding day.
You can have your wedding ceremony outdoors on their green esplanade overlooking the sea.
Pre-dinner cocktails can be at their Lounge Bar Terrace for more incredible outdoor vibes.
Dinner is indoors in their reception room, but still with incredible views.
The wedding reception can hold a maximum of 120 guests. A minimum number of room bookings is required, depending on the season.
RESTAURANT LA PINEDE
Location: Cap d’Ail, France
Views: Right on the coast
Lodging: In town
Parking: Yes
Description: La Pinede Cap d’Ail is a restaurant and wedding venue in the south of France perfect for casual or laidback couples.
Cap d’Ail is a must-visit town for you and your guests when you come to the French Riviera. While there is no sand beach at this wedding venue, the views are simply stunning – you’re still directly on the sea. One of the best highlights is the incredible sea-side walk that stretches throughout the town. It’s also a great place to go swimming.
THE MAYBOURNE RIVIERA
Location: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Views: East and west across the French Riviera (see photo above)
Lodging: Yes
Parking: Yes
Description: The Maybourne Riviera a luxury wedding venue in the south of France. As an outdoorsy person myself, I’m typically concerned about a ‘hotel wedding.’ But let me tell you – this is no ordinary hotel. It’s perched on the cliffs above Monaco and is an architectural beauty. They have arguably the #1 best views overlooking the French Riviera looking east and west across the coast depending on what side of the hotel you’re on. This wedding venue will certainly wow and amaze you and your guests.
CHATEAU DE LA NAPOULE
Location: Mandelieu La Napoule, France
20 Minutes from Cannes
Views: Stunning French castle. Directly on the mediterranean sea.
Lodging: No
Parking: Street parking
Description: Having a french chateau AND being directly on the mediterranean sea make this wedding venue in the south of France a RARE gem. Usually you have to choose – chateau OR on the sea. Here you have both. Your guests can stay right in the charming small town of Mandelieu la Napoule, or a short distance away in Cannes. You can create an amazing wedding experience here.
Unfortunately, there’s no current website for the chateau and there is very little information on the internet on how to organize a wedding here. Which, makes this place much more secluded and less crowded. But in turn, it means you must contact a wedding planner to organize a wedding here.
If you’re interested in this wedding venue, you should consult my article on the top wedding planners for the south of France.
LA RESERVE DE LA MALA
Location: Cap d’Ail, France
8 Minutes to Monaco or 25 Minutes to Nice
Views: Private beach in a secluded cove
Lodging: In town
Parking: Street parking
Description: This wedding venue is a restaurant and private beach down in a beautiful cove. The only other venue on this private beach is Eden Plage Mala. You can arrive by foot or by boat. This wedding venue in the south of France is perfect for couples who want to be ON the beach but don’t need the wedding to be too fancy.
BLUE BEACH
Location: Nice, France
Views: Right on the beach
Lodging: In town
Parking: Street parking
Description: Nice is a must-visit destination on the French Riviera. Blue Beach is on the list for best wedding venues in the south of France because it’s a restaurant and venue directly on the beach in downtown Nice. You’re close to everything and have great views. It’s a relaxed atmosphere. Just make sure you’re aware in advance, this is not a sand beach. It’s a pebble beach.
WHERE ARE THESE WEDDING VENUES LOCATED?
The south of France is a very large region, so we are going to focus on wedding venues just on the French Riviera. This part of the south of France is a sliver of heaven on earth.
The French Riviera is called the Cote d’Azur in French. You may often hear people say Cote d’Azur when speaking in English, but don’t get confused. They are one and the same.
The French Riviera is a world famous region and thus you will find world class wedding venues here. The coastline is in the south east of France along the Mediterranean sea that stretches 550 miles long.
NOW THAT YOU HAVE THE BEST WEDDING VENUES
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE THAT DON’T BREAK THE BANK –
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
