Château de gudanes warmly and cordially presents its estate for your fête de mariage celebration…

“What greater things is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined for life?”

Mary Ann Evans

Félicitations

We are delighted to fulfil your dearest wishes for your most special day. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations for your engagement and it is an honour that you would entrust the Château with this most special celebration of your love and togetherness.

We thank you dearly for your interest in knowing more about celebrating your union at the Château. It is our hope that this page shares with you all of the essential information that you shall require.

And so, without further ado let us share with you the fairytale that awaits...

Become Part of a hISTORICAL legacy

Upon celebrating your wedding at Château de Gudanes we invite you to become part of the distinguished history of this most enchanting place. Surrounded by the past each salon has its own unique stories and secrets to share.

The Château was once upon a time host to the most extravagant of 18th Century events, welcoming nobility and notability of the greatest important including esteemed writers and philosophers Voltaire, Diderot & Rousseau. Your union together shall be steeped in history and become part of a long and esteemed legacy of the grandest of events.

let us create your very own french fairytale

Whether for a few nights or a week long takeover, in honour of your celebration we present to you the keys of the Château with full privatisation of the estate, garden and grounds.

We offer a fully inclusive wedding experience, tailored to your wishes, in which we warmly invite you to celebrate your union at the Château and stay along with your guests to further enjoy the magic and beauty of the south of France.

Our thoughtful and attentive team will consider each and every detail to ensure that your most special day and stay with us is organised without worry on your behalf and so that you experience a most memorable celebration - each day filled with feasts of delicious French fare and exciting adventures.

Our team shall treat every aspect of your stay and the day of your union with the upmost care and thoughtful attention to detail. Throughout the planning process, from fairytale to reality, our gracious team are warm and welcoming so that you feel entirely at ease and at home even before your arrival.

once upon a dream…

Discover the setting of Château de Gudanes nestled amongst the mountainous valleys of the Pyrenees in the heart of the south of France. Walking up the ancient carriageway, through grand iron gates, it is almost as if you are being transported into a dream.

The neoclassical style of the Château offers a truly romantic setting in every season. Whether surrounded by luscious green mountains in the spring and summer, framed by golden and red leaves in the fall or frosted in snow in the winter…

the château salons

The inside of the Château, although still undergoing restoration, features the elegant opulence of the 18th century juxtaposed with the gracefulness of age and patina. Offering an abundance of settings for your wedding photography.

On the day of your union we are able to create the celebration of your dreams in any combination of our enchanting spaces. Perhaps you may wish for a ceremony upon the grand staircase, appetisers and aperatifs en plein air in a magical location in the Château gardens followed by a candlelight dinner in the gold gilded Salon de Musique… The choice of setting for each part of this most special day in your lifetime is entirely at your discretion, though we are of course able to offer suggestions should you wish.

the château bedrooms

Upon your arrival the bedrooms at the Château are dressed in freshly cut flowers from the gardens and richly perfumed Trudon candles adorn the fireplaces. The beds are draped in antique monogrammed linens, ruffle trim pillowcases and floral sheets. Old wares and antique furnishings decorate the room…

As a boutique venue the Château is able to host weddings with guest lists of up to 18 people (including the wedding couple), who shall be warmly received to stay in 8 beautifully decorated French furnished bedrooms.

For the soon to be newlyweds, we reserve the room of your choice. We then arrange the accomodation so that two, or sometimes three, of your guests share each room. This does mean that couples will have their own bedroom whereas, depending on your number of guests, solo guests may be sharing with a friend or two.

Although some bedrooms may be shared, the rooms are as large as 702m and so they do allow for abundant space and privacy and we always carefully consider who we place to share with whom based upon your guidance.

dressing room & bathrooms

At the beginning of 2019 the Château Bathrooms were completely renovated in true 18th Century fashion - with elegant fittings and fixtures, delicate floral wallpaper adorning the walls and sumptuously textured towels that add the perfect finishing touch.

There are three shared bathrooms at the Château each with a shower, toilet and washbasin. One of these bathrooms also has a bath. In addition to these shared bathrooms there are a further two separate powder rooms, one on the ground floor and another on the first floor.

For the wedding couple, should they wish we have a beautiful bedroom with a fourth, small bathroom ensuite including a washbasin and bath.

The Château also has a spacious dressing room fully equipped with power outlets, mirrors and delicate lighting. The perfect setting for capturing your moments readying yourself for the day of your union.

fine dining & entertaining

At Château de Gudanes we offer warm and welcoming French entertaining and fine dining. Each new day brings the possibility of a different setting, a different menu and a different dining experience. From leisurely breakfasts, royal banquets by candlelight, alfresco dining in the Château Gardens, traditional afternoon tea and evening aperitifs.

During the planning process, we invite you to work closely with the Château Culinary Team, both chefs de cuisine and chefs de pâtisserie, to ensure that every aspect of your culinary experience, both the menus and dining setting, are entirely personal to your own tastes. This of course includes your wedding cake and desserts!

The fresh produce that we use is lovingly nurtured and grown on the estate. If not, it is carefully cultivated by local growers and producers.

The region in which the Château finds its home is the oldest wine and sparkling region in the country, and so it is only fitting that most of the beverages at the Château are locally mixed and made. Each evening during aperitifs hour we like to showcase a different signature beverage, with alcohol and no alcohol choices.

In the Château Bar the fridges are filled to the brim (and will be refilled throughout your stay) with various wines, sparkling, aperitifs and liquors (as well as water, juices, sodas, Château-made botanical sirops and Orangina).

We hope that you would servez-vous as you would in your own home!

sample itinerary

4 night Fête de Mariage Celebration

Day of Arrival

• Your fairytale begins in Toulouse where we shall collect you and your guests. A luxury private car is reserved just for the soon to be newlyweds

• Following this shall be your arrival at Château de Gudanes upon which we shall introduce our team and welcome you with a sparkling toast

• The presentation of the guest quarters will then begin followed by a short initiation to Château’s amenities

• Picnic luncheon in the Château Jardin 

• Afterward, a historic tour of the interiors of the Château

• The tour will conclude with traditional, French cocktails in the Salon de Rose

• ‘Be Our Guest’ welcome dinner by candlelight in the Salle À Manger

Fête de Mariage

• This most special day begins with in room, private breakfast for the couple so that they may enjoy a moment together before the celebrations commence

• Meanwhile, your guests shall enjoy a servez-vous style traditional, French breakfast in the Salon de Porcelaine

• Visit the morning markets followed by a gentle guided walk around the neighbouring villages visiting historic churches and picturesque places along the way

• Light alfresco lunch is served on the back terrace

• Should they wish the wedding couple shall then adjourn to separate suites as they begin readying themselves for the ceremony. Afternoon tea shall be served to each, and the wedding party joining them, in their own suite

• As the congregation gathers together downstairs the wedding couple may wish to join together for a first look in the Petit Vestibule

• The ceremony shall be held on the grand staircase decorated in glowing candlelight 

• Following a celebratory sparkling toast guests shall be welcomed into the gold gilded Salon de Musique for cocktails and canapés

• An intimate dinner by candlelight shall then be held in the Salon de Printemps in celebration of the couple’s union. Followed by a grand presentation of desserts and cutting of the cake in the Salle à Manger

• Dance the night away! The Château Bar shall be open until the early hours of the morning…

French Market Day

• Servez-vous breakfast to be held in the Salon de Porcelaine with our Château patisserie chefs serving freshly made crêpes from their very own crêpe cart!

• Followed by a mid-morning departure to visit markets in the medieval village of Mirepoix, stopping along the way for some antiquing and photos of beautiful landscapes and sunflowers

• For luncheon we shall dine at another stunning château followed by time to leisurely explore the estate…

• Upon returning to the Château, in the afternoon there will be a short restoration lecture followed by the opportunity to assist with the restoration of the 18th Century frescoes in the Salon de Printemps, which was once upon a time the Château’s original dining room

• L’heure d’aperitifs to be held in the Château Bar sharing a selection of locally made aperitifs 

• Dinner shall be served on the front terrace followed by an outdoor French film soirée

Jour d’Aventure

• A breakfast surprise awaits… accompanied by a make your own mimosa station!

• Early morning departure for a hiking expedition throughout the valley. Or, stay at the Château to rest and enjoy a relaxing morning…

• Luncheon is served in the Salle à Manger

• After some time to relax following hiking and lunch, there will be a sweet cooking class with the opportunity to learn from our Le Cordon Bleu Château Patisserie Chefs in the dedicated pastry kitchen 

• Aperatifs are served on the front terrace

• A formal farewell dinner shall be held in the Salon de Printemps

• Followed by after dinner drinks served under stars and an adventure into the Château’s Basement for an intriguing mystery…

Au Revoir Nos Amis

• Light breakfast is served in the Salon de Porcelaine followed by time to prepare for your departure. We welcome you to visit the Château Cuisine to order an omelette au fromage

• Once everyone is ready we shall bid you farewell and guests shall depart together for Toulouse while the newlyweds will enjoy the comfort of returning to the city in a private, luxury car

• Don’t forgot your departure picnic bags for some delicious, Château-made delights to enjoy during your ongoing travels!

It is with our pleasure that we hope to curate a personal itinerary in celebration of your union

THE FINER DETAILS

Full privatisation of Château de Gudanes for your Fête de Mariage includes:

• Two planning meetings in advance of your arrival with the Château Team,

• Two planning meetings in advance of your arrival with the Château Culinary Team,

• Joint return transport for wedding guests from Toulouse to the Château,

• Return transport from Toulouse to the Château for the wedding couple in a private luxury car,

• Sparkling toast upon arrival with three exceptional options for guests to choose from - either sweet, dry or no alcohol,

• Hand-written welcome letters and gifts from the Château addressed to all guests,

• Shared accommodation and shared bathroom facilities for between 12 to 18 people (including the wedding couple),

• Be our guest and choose from a selection of activities to experience the magic of the south of France in your own way and create and curate your own personal itinerary for your stay! The number of activities included will depend upon the duration of your stay. Activity suggestions include: visits to local farmers’ markets, antique stores and historical sites, other beautiful châteaux and French gardens, sweet and savoury cooking classes, yoga, hiking, canoeing, horse-riding, an outdoor Château French film soirée, learning about and assisting with the restoration of the Château’s 18th Century frescoes and more! 

• Historic tour of the Château,

• Use of the Château Dressing Room and steamer for your special garments,

• Tea and coffee station, also presented with a selection of French biscuits and seasonal fruits, for you and your guests to enjoy throughout your stay,

• Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, delectable desserts and delicious treats in between prepared by international and local chefs at the Château, as well as all dining throughout the region during your stay. The Château Culinary Team is experienced in catering for a wide variety of different dietary requests, requirements and allergies. And so, please do just let us know of the needs of your guests,  

• Selection of fine wines, sparkling and no alcohol options paired with each meal during your stay,

• Complimentary fully stocked bar filled to the brim (and refilled throughout your stay) with sparkling, wine, spirits, beer and various non-alcoholic beverages. Also setup with a soda stream, 

• Sparkling toast following your ceremony with alcohol and no alcohol options,

• Use of the Château’s facilities including tennis court, pool and wifi,

• Dance floor illuminations & fog machine,

• Use of the Château’s Sonos Music System. We welcome you to share your playlists with us before your arrival,

• Complementary laundry facilities,

• Departure picnic bags for your ongoing travels,

• And many other thoughtful and special details created just for you, including calligraphy place cards!

Our made to measure amenities include*:

• Styling of the Château to your preferences,

• Floral compositions throughout your stay and for the day of your union,

• Haute cuisine and beverages created to your own personal tastes,

• Further wedding planning in addition to the planning already provided.

*As the above items are made to measure amenities, please kindly note that should you have simpler requests the pricing of these will be included in our starting rates. However, should your wishes be a little grander there may be an additional price for the amenities listed above.

Accompaniments by request are an additional price:

• Horse drawn carriage rental for the day of your ceremony, 

• Fireworks display, 

• Local and international musicians available upon request including string quartets, pianists, harpists and French choirs,

• Babysitting service.

Should you wish, we are also able to provide recommendations for and assist in the organisation of:

• Makeup and hair styling for the day of your ceremony,

• Photographer,

• Videographer. 

Please also note that the pricing further excludes you and your guests’ transport from your location to and from Toulouse, personal spending money, personal insurance and wedding insurance. Thank you kindly for your understanding.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Location & Transport

Château de Gudanes is nestled in a little, croissant shaped village set amongst the mountains of the Pyrenees. The closest city to our location is Toulouse, which is about 1 hour 15 minutes drive away. Toulouse is a large city that is easily accessible by train from most locations in France, as well as Spain. The city also has a large, international airport that many airlines fly directly into from around the world. 

As part of your stay with us we provide return transport from a central location in Toulouse to the Château. And so, we would suggest arriving in Toulouse at least one day before your stay with us begins. For this time, we would recommend staying at the Grand Hôtel de L’Opéra, right beside our meeting place. 

On the first day of your stay with us we look forward to meeting at 10am at the front of the Place du Capitole in Toulouse. Once we are all gathered together we will then travel to the Château together. 

On the day that your Experience comes to a close we will be leaving the Château together at approximately 11am, packed with water and biscuits for your ongoing travels. We anticipate arriving in Toulouse at about 1pm. Where possible, we kindly ask that you arrange your ongoing travels to accommodate this timing. Upon your return to Toulouse we are able to drop you and your guests off in the city centre, airport and/ or the train station. 

Planning Assistance

Upon finalising your booking we shall then provide a dossier with further information which we hope shall assist you and your guests with making travel arrangements and in preparing for your time with us.

This dossier shall include the following:

• Toulouse Information Document sharing more about your options to travel to and from Toulouse, as well as further recommendations for accommodation and sites you may like to visit during your time there,

• A Château de Gudanes Information document sharing our contact details, further details about our team members who will be working with you to organise your union and who will be welcoming you onsite, as well as more about the facilities at the Château and in our local village,

• A Recommended Packing List to share with your guests,

• A Confidentiality & Indemnity Agreement that each guest visiting the Château must sign to be sent back to us in advance of your arrival.

PRICING

Price: 7 nights from €5,400 PP

5 nights from €4,400 PP

4 nights from €3,900 PP

3 nights from €3,400 PP

Please kindly note that we require a minimum of 12 guests and have a maximum of 18 guests.

Should you be anticipating a larger guest list, we kindly request that you contact us with further details so that we may assist you. We are able to welcome up to an additional 22 guests to stay in comfortable accomodation close-by within short walking distance of the Château.

Dates: We warmly welcome you to reach out to us via email at experience@chateaugudanes.com to enquire regarding available dates for your union. Merci beaucoup!

PAYMENT & INSURANCE

We require a 50% deposit made by direct transfer through Wise (formerly Transferwise) at the time of booking. This amount will be charged in Euros and the exact currency conversion will be calculated based on the rates provided by Wise. The remaining payment will be due on an agreed upon date before your arrival.

All amounts paid are non- refundable and we kindly ask that you request any refunds through your insurance. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.

terms & conditions

We kindly ask that you follow the link here to view the important terms and conditions of hosting your union and staying at Château de Gudanes.

Please note that by placing a booking you are agreeing with these terms and conditions laid out.

Thank you kindly for your understanding.

MERCI BEAUCOUP

No matter if you decide to join us at the Château or not, we wish to sincerely thank you for your consideration as the venue for your most special celebration.

As with all of the events we host, proceeds from Fêtes de Mariage held at the Château fully assist in the restoration of Château de Gudanes and we sincerely thank you for your support.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information we warmly and cordially invite you to browse our wedding brochure below.

We truly hope that it conveys all of the magic and excitement that we hope to share with you should you decide to hold your wedding with us…

We welcome any further questions that you may have about Fêtes de Mariage at the Château, or exclusive hire of the property for other events, and kindly invite you to contact us at experience@chateaugudanes.com

OUR COUPLES

Dan and Carl’s springtime wedding as featured on Over The Moon and the Château Journal…

Photography courtesy of Essence de la Vie

Erica & Edmund’s wintertime, enchanted forest celebration as featured on the Château Journal…

Photography courtesy of Coralie Monnet