France - Château de Bagnols

The Château is privately owned by Lady Hamlyn, who bought it in 1987 and spent four years lavishly restoring it to its former grandeur. More than 400 specialist builders and craftsmen rose to the challenge, while hundreds of specially commissioned items now complement the private collection of antique furnishings inside. One of the traditional manufacturers of Limoges porcelain made the blue-and-white armorial china, the 18th century-style glass was hand-blown in Alsace, the table linen was made in Northern Ireland and the silk for the cahir covers comes from Lyon.

The relaxed atmosphere makes it feel like a private home, and if couples have around 50 guests staying for their wedding, they can have the luxury of the whole place exclusively to themselves. The Château de Bagnols opens for Easter every year and closes just after New Year on 2 January. The region is beautiful for celebrations at every season, but summer weddings are truly special as it is the height of romance to have cocktails in the gardens facing the Beaujolais hills

Nonresidents cannot have a civil wedding in France unless they have been resident in the country for one month before the wedding. Most nonresidents who 'get married' at the Château tend to arrange a civil wedding at home before flying out to hold the blessing at Château de Bagnols. Alternatively, it is possible to have a religious wedding in the 15th-century church of St Blaise in the pretty village of Bagnols. The church accommodates up to 70 people and there is not charge, though a donation is welcome. The only obligation is either to come with your own priest, or to visit Bagnols several times beforehand in order to meet the local priest to make the necessary preparations for the service.

For couples wishing to have a wedding blessing ceremony in the Château, the spectacular Grand Salon, with its 17th-century frescoes and Italian Renaissance-style trompe l'oeil decor, accommodates around 70 guests. For alfresco ceremonies, the gardens in front of the Château, restored to their 18th-century elegance with a lavender terrace and spectacular views, offer a wonderfully romantic setting.

Wedding receptions can take place in the Salle des Tonneaux, the Château's impressive wine cellar, which easily accommodates up to 80 people for drinks and canapés among its rows of 19th-century wine barrels, all illuminated by candlelight. Alternatively, the Cuvage, a huge room containing ancient wine presses where formerly wine was made, makes a spectacular venue. Its decoration is typical of the region, with a majestic fireplace and wine presses dating from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Candlelit wedding breakfasts for up to 120 guests feature great spit roasts cooked in the huge open fireplace. Other summer alternatives include an alfresco wedding lunch in the garden under the ancient lime trees.

Couples can end their reception with a dramatic firework display to music, or make a memorable exit (or entrance) by hot-air balloon over the Château and Beaujolais region, available early morning or evening. A helicopter is also available.

There are also additional wedding services on offer to make the day feel really special, including a horse-drawn carriage to transport the bride and groom to and from the church or to arrive at the Château in aristocratic style.

Beautiful flora decorations can be provided either in a country theme with sweet peas, anemones and freesias, or if the couple prefer, more traditional displays of ivy and roses. Music plays an important part in creating the special atmosphere here, and the château can arrange a classical quartet with musicians from the Lyon Conservatoire, a pianist and choir, a jazz trio, a rock band or a DJ. Dancing in the inner courtyard can be arranged or guests can be entertained by medieval-style jesters.

The cuisine at the Château is of the highest standard: the hotel holds a Michelin star, and Lyon is renowned as the gastronomic centre of France. Regional and seasonal specialities typically available for a wedding feast include lentil and sausage salad, whole suckling pig with a spicy honey glaze, and fruit poached and Beaujolais wine, served chilled with caramel ice cream.

The Château has 21 spacious bedrooms and private suites, all individually furnished with hand-picked antiques and silk damask drapes; many also have original wall paintings and four-poster beds. All rooms have very distinctive characteristics; wedding couples might like to request the stunning 18th-century lit à la turque, the Madame de Sévigné Suite with its Mogul-inspired decor, or The Chapel Room where the sumptuous bed with 17-century columns is set in a charming alcove with wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of St Jerome. The sitting room of the Appartement des Bouquets, meanwhile, boasts stunning Renaissance wall paintings depicting birds and flowers.

A number of the rooms are located in the Residence, the original stable buildings. These rooms are more rustic in style, though still grand and all having four-poster beds. Room 15 has a private terrace overlooking the valley. All the bathrooms feature luxuriously large baths in which to lie back with your loved one immersed in the heady aroma of the complimentary rich lavender bath essence. For a regal touch, original 'thunder boxes' or WCs are concealed by old-fashioned elaborate thrones or seats which make a memorable feature.

For any bride who has ever dreamed of tying the know in a medieval castle, Château de Bagnols is the answer. A French country wedding in the grand surroundings of Château de Bagnols is sure to bring alive the age of chivalry in which the castle originated. All that's required, of course, is a damsel and a knight in shining armour - the Château will do the rest.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO
May to September.

CEREMONIES
Blessings at the Château after either a civil ceremony at home or a religious ceremony in the local church.

PRE-WEDDING RESIDENCY
One month for civil weddings, no residency required for religious weddings.