1. Accommodation

– How many bedrooms do you have ?

We have 17 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms in the main chateau, all of which being fully refurbished to the highest standards. All the beds and linens are brand new and very comfortable. We also have 3 new rooms in the outbuildings

4 other rooms are being renovated to increase the capacity to 50 guests (see description in Bedrooms). They are not part of the basic package but can be hired on top.

 

– Do I have to book all the rooms when hiring the reception venue ?

We prefer that all the bedrooms be booked at the same time but you can split bills with your guests and we will charge them on an individual basis through our online platform (please note that in this case the discounted bulk rate cannot be applied).

– Do you have heating ?

Yes all the buildings were fully refurbished recently. Heating, plumbery, electricity and Internet systems are all brand new. All the guests can have a shower at the same time with unlimited hot water (which is not guaranteed in other old castles!).

Air conditioning is usually not required as Burgundy is benefiting from a dry and warm (not too hot) climate but the rooms in the outbuildings are equipped with air conditioning.

– What are the accommodation options for extra guests above 50 ?

Beaune being the wine capital of Burgundy, it is a very touristy region with many hotels, b&bs and houses to rent. A list is available in the Other accommodations page. New b&bs are opening every year, we even have two big b&bs on our street, they are 5 min walk from the chateau and can accommodate 40 extra guests. Our cousin also own a chateau b&b with a capacity of 30 guests in a nearby village

2. Outdoors and activities

On-site : tennis court, outdoor pool, giant trampoline, swings, bicycles, clay pigeon shooting, cooking classes, wine tasting courses etc

For the tennis court: we advise you bring your own equipment but you can buy buckets of balls on site and we can lend a few old rackets

– Is the pool heated ?

The pool is heated in March-April and October but does not need heating from May to September as the weather is sunny and warm then. We provide pool towels.

Off-site (see the activities section of the website) : sight seeing, wine tours, water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking etc

Burgundy is well known by foodies and wine lovers for being the second region after Paris for Michelin star restaurants. And Beaune is the most touristy area in Burgundy with a plentiful of sightseeing options and local markets.

You can also check our welcome book for a list of recommended shops and activities around the Chateau.

3. Events

– What kind of functions do you cater for ?

The venue can be rented on an exclusive basis for weddings, holiday breaks and corporate events. There is no time limit for party.

– What is your max capacity ?

200 guests can be seated in the Orangery (in a single room). The gardens have unlimited capacity for cocktails. We also hire marquees for larger functions. 

– What type of ceremonies are allowed in your venue ?

Our Chapel can host fully official Christian ceremonies (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox etc).

We can also host symbolic blessings in our Chapel or in our gardens. We can give you the contact details of priests and celebrants who came in the past.

4. Catering

Our resident chef and his team are very talented. Our chefs were trained in the best restaurants . We can cater welcome BBQs, brunches or sophisticated meals. Our chefs are using fresh produce including organic vegetables, herbs and fruits from our gardens.  We can also offer an all inclusive full boarding package like for any other holiday resort so you have a complete visibility on your food costs before your stay and food costs can be charged upon your guest bills too.

5. Wines

We can suggest wines to pair with your meals or you can bring your own bottles if you are knowledgeable about wines. Burgundy is one of the best regions worldwide to source great wines at affordable prices. You can bring your own bottles too (with a cork fee).

6. Equipments

– What kind of equipment is provided for large events ?

The chateau kitchen is fully equipped for up to 40 guests which is the basic capacity (crockery, fridges, dishwashers, coffee-machines, kettles etc). Specific equipment can be hired for larger numbers.

Our partnering rental company Jolibazaar is offering several packages for big functions (for example classical white package, rustic, gold and French country) and can order other colors/materials upon request We also provide a Weber BBQ. There is a pool house with restrooms, a changing room, a shower and a fridge.

We can also hire: special lightings, vidéoprojectors/screen, plasma tv, microphone, paperboards or any other sound and light equipment.

7. Dining areas

There are two dining rooms in the main chateau, a big banquet hall in the Orangery (for up to 180-200 seated guests) and two terraces. The first one is in front of the Orangery and the other one is facing the pool and is used for everyday catering / welcome BBQs and farewell brunches. There is a giant shade to protect you from the sun which can be hot from May to September.

8. Vendors and wedding planning

We have wedding packages but we prefer to arrange bespoke events that are perfectly fitting your personality and budget. Besides the catering, you can bring your own vendors including external event planners who are very welcome. If you live abroad or do not speak fluent French, we can also offer give recommendations for event planning agencies and share a list of reputable vendors (photographers, videographers, wedding planners, florists, hair dressers, make up artists, dis, musicians, etc).  We believe that the satisfaction of our clients is the most important thing to achieve for us. Please note that many vendors will request their meals to be added onto your bill (for example djs, photographers/videographers, wedding planners etc).

9. The history of the Chateau

– How old are the buildings ?

The buildings are dating back to the 18th century (replacing a former fortress) except for the Chapel which is a more recent construction (though it is actually inspired by the middle age style). Our facilities are modern but the ancient charm of the buildings was preserved.

– Who are the owners ?

You can read our “About us” page for more information about our family. The Chateau has been our family holiday home for 400 years.

10. References and pictures

– Where can I find reviews about the property ?

You can check testimonials on our website (guestbook section).  If you check external websites, please make sure that the postal code (71270) is the same to avoid confusion with several other venues also named “Chateau de Varennes” or Varenne (Varennes-Sauveterre or Varenne-Jarcy or Varennes-le-grand) but who have lower standards than we do^^

– Where can I find recent wedding pictures ?

You can find pictures and videos in our real wedding page or on our blog and you can also get more recent news by following our instagram or liking our Facebook page => you will also find recent testimonials and press features. We can also put you in touch with former couples if you would like to get direct references.

– Where can I find press features regarding the property and weddings that were planned there ?

In the press section and on our blog : we were already featured in many reputable magazines, blogs and TV shows including Style me pretty, French wedding style, Junebug weddings, Hello magazine UK (celebrity weddings), Oui magazine, Mariée magazine, Residence (for our interior design), Vogue, etc

The Chateau de Varennes was named by CNN and luxworldwide among the top ten best wedding venues in the world together with Plaza Hotel in New York city and Skibo castle where Madonna got married. We hosted celebrity weddings like for Harry Maguire, the Captain of the English football team.

– Do you speak English ?

Our team is fully bilingual (French/English). We are experts of destination weddings and we already planned weddings for international couples. French suppliers usually do not speak English and our wedding planning team can help you liaise with them if you booked the wedding package.

– What makes you different from other holiday villas and wedding venues ?

It is well known that France is offering a better value alternative to hosting your wedding in the UK or neighboring countries. For example, you can get a chateau rental (including accommodation) for the same price as a reception room rental alone would cost in the UK. But many French chateaux will not be offering flexibility or high standards of comfort because refurbishing such large properties is requiring huge investments that many owners cannot afford.

Hence there are actually less quality venues than in the UK and prices tend to rise according to the demand/supply curve, especially in the Southern regions of France where prices are much higher in peak season (between May and September). On our side, we are always trying to provide a better quality price ratio vs other similar venues while you will also be enjoying a warm and dry climate from Spring to Fall. As it is always difficult to speak for oneself, we suggest you request our brochure through our contact form to get a sense of what previous clients have said about choosing us vs other French chateaux or holiday villas.

11. Rates and viewings

Our pricing is depending on the season, guest numbers and the level of service you request. Viewing by prior appointment only. Please contact us on Email Chateau de Varennes .net for getting a quote and an appointment for a viewing. If you live overseas and cannot fly for a viewing, you can watch this video tour. The majority of our clients book the venue from afar and they come later for a food sampling session combined with hair/make up trials.

FAQs for guests are addressed in this file : Guest FAQs

If you are a couple searching for a wedding venue, please read our wedding-related FAQs

For guests preparing their stay at the venue, please read our House rules before or upon your arrival

Most of the questions should be addressed in these Faqs but if you cannot find the answer or if you see something that does not seem logical (it can happen!), please feel free to contact us on Email Chateau de Varennes .net

 

Real weddings
Our team of professionals will help you plan your beautiful dream wedding
Chapel
The Chapel can host religious or non religious weddings
Orangery
One of the most beautiful reception halls in France.

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