Seaside wedding in the Var: villa, château or wine estate?

A ceremony facing the sea, drinks at sunset, dinner beneath the pines: a seaside wedding is the stuff of dreams. On the Var coast, the venues that make it possible are sought after and few in number. Here are the three main types of venue, the addresses in our selection and the points to plan for.

The Var coast at a glance

The Var has more than 400 kilometres of coastline, including its islands. From Bandol to Saint-Raphaël you will find coves, headlands, the Toulon harbour, the Giens peninsula and, offshore, the Îles d'Or: Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant. The reception venues in our selection are around Toulon and on the coast at La Londe-les-Maures.

The villa facing the sea

In Le Pradet, Domaine Rocabella is a Belle Époque villa with swimming pools, gardens and access to private coves. Its offer includes accommodation for your nearest and dearest, with around 86 beds: it is the choice for a wedding stay over several days, for up to 150 guests. The budget reflects this, from around €37,000 with two nights for 32 people.

Who is it for? Couples who want to bring their loved ones together for a whole weekend, in an exclusive-use setting, without having to organise transport between the venue and hotels.

The château overlooking the harbour

In Toulon, Les Pins Penchés is a 17th-century château surrounded by a park of palm trees that slopes down to the sea. The venue seats up to 400 guests and offers menus from €70 per person, with the hire fee quoted on request. There is no accommodation on site, but the city has plenty of hotels.

Who is it for? Large weddings that need space and in-house catering, with a spectacular view over the harbour.

The wine estate with a view

For a balance between Provençal charm and the sea on the horizon, Château Maravenne, in La Londe-les-Maures, has an open-air theatre looking out to Porquerolles and vaulted rooms for the dinner. It seats up to 160 guests, 250 outdoors, and sleeps 29 people in guest rooms and holiday cottages.

Who is it for? Couples who want the sea as a backdrop without giving up vines and old stone.

Can we get married on the beach?

A symbolic ceremony on a public beach is tempting, but the shoreline is part of the public maritime domain: you need permission from the local council, which is rarely granted in summer, when the beaches are very busy. The simplest solution is a private venue with a sea view, plus a photo session on the beach before or after the ceremony.

Points to plan for by the sea

The wind

The coast is exposed to the wind, notably the mistral in the west of the department. Plan weighted decorations, securely fixed shade sails and, above all, a sheltered plan B for the ceremony and the drinks reception.

Heat and sun

In high summer the sun stays strong until late afternoon. Hold the ceremony at the end of the day, provide shade and water for your guests, and think about fans.

Traffic

The coast roads are very busy in July and August, especially at weekends. Plan your guests' arrival times and book shuttles if the hotels are far away.

Fireworks and lanterns

In summer, forest fire prevention strictly regulates the use of fire in the Var. Fireworks and sky lanterns are often banned or require permission: check with the venue and the town hall before planning them.

Sunset photos

Sunset over the sea is a highlight. Depending on which way the venue faces, the sun will set over the sea or behind the hills: ask during your visit and time the couple's photo session accordingly. Our photographers page has more advice on photos.