Mr & Mrs Smith

Château les Merles

Dordogne, France

Number of people: 30-32

Wow factor

Château les Merles has all the grandeur you'd expect of a 17th-century château, but a uniquely youthful and relaxed atmosphere.

Need to know

The hotel must be reserved on an exclusive basis for at least two nights. No weddings in July/August. Couples who want to do the official wedding ceremony in France must arrange their own priest, minister or civil councillor. The staff can arrange all food, flowers, music and transport.

Inspiration

This venerable château has organised boat trips on the Dordogne, golf on the hotel's own course, tennis tournaments, wine tastings and gourmet cooking classes for wedding guests. The Dordogne is a treasure trove of fine wine and French gastronomy, and the château provides the very best of both; the hotel even has its own vineyard.