A Languedocien Jewel, Domaine de Verchant

23 September 2019

Continuing my series on the best wedding venues in the Occitanie region, my next fabulous place is Domaine de Verchant. Located just on the outskirts of Montpellier, Domaine de Verchant is a Hotel, a Spa, a Winery and an event space for milestone events like weddings or anniversaries.

In 1582, Pierre Verchant was given an estate by the Bishop of Montpellier, which was named after him and remained in the family for the next two centuries. Two centuries later, Jules Leenhardt purchased the estate and manor house, built in the heart of the unique grounds, which served as part of the inspiration for the Follies Montpelliéraines. He paid particular attention to organizing this land, even calling eminent Swiss landscape architects of the time, the Bühler brothers. The new owners, the Mestre family, take great pride in making sure their guests are comfortable and the experience memorable.

In the middle of the vineyards, the Domaine or manor house has two large reception rooms to hold a breathtaking events. They regularly hold weddings, cocktail parties, and gala evenings in this old yet remarkably modern place. It is a posh retreat with intimate surrounding and views and vistas onto the outdoor pool, grounds and surrounding vineyard. You can relax, lazing in the sun, with scent of the Mediterranean Sea wafting in the air. It is only 20 minutes to the beach and 10 minutes from the city center, sheltered in vineyards away from the urban bustle of the city, forming a unique and exceptional place. Its great location means easy access to L’Ecusson de Montpellier (the historic centre), La Comédie, Le Corum, the A9 motorway and both Montpellier airport and the TGV Stations. But do keep in mind, if you wish to leave the grounds you will need a car or car service, as the Domaine is located in the countryside.

You can take advantage of the beautiful grounds as the backdrop to your ceremony and cocktail party. Their crowning events jewel, The Prestige Room is an air-conditioned 280 sqm reception room, which combines old world authenticity with modern touches (including the tech), and can seat more than 200 people including a fully equipped dance floor to swing the night away. It also opens onto the gardens and has an addition 200 sqm terrace, with a lovely crystal tent for cooler nights.

They have a second space, the Grand Chai Room, which is just as lovely and also opens onto its private Languedocian courtyard and fountain, and is great for perfect events under 100.

Fountain and terrace outside the Grand Chai Room

An excellent addition to your wedding is that your entire family can stay at the hotel. From hotel’s reception area and lounge, to the restaurants to rooms, the estate achieves a subtle blend of old architecture and contemporary design. The estate has 26 rooms, suites and various luxurious apartments and suites, all air-conditioned. There are also two rooms for people with reduced mobility and a detached villa in the old forge. Each space is unique, furnished with beautiful design, giving each its own character. And with only 26 rooms, it is very friendly and warm.

Verchant’s main restaurant is run by chef Jérôme Bartoletti, seats 100 people and has stunning views of the gardens and infinity pool. The fresh Mediterranean inspired cuisine offers dishes like Langoustines, Salmon Raviolis, Rack of Lamb or fresh Sea Bass and of course there is a superb degustation menu. Reservations are obviously required.

The second restaurant of the hotel, La Plage by Verchant, seats 70 people and also overlooks the infinity pool. The vibe combines top of the line food with great wines, champagnes and innovative cocktails made by talented and handsome bartenders. The operation is also under the direction chef Bartoletti. His food styling is heavily influenced with the Languedoc region and the Mediterranean Sea and it does not disappoint. They hold events here with DJs, bands, tapas, and a whole program over the summer season for their clientele. Events happen most every Friday and Saturday night during the summer seasons. Come here for their famous brunch on Sundays and be sure to book a pool seat to lounge in the sun afterwards.

The third area is seating by the pool, La Plage dans les Vignes (The Beach in the Vineyards). But do note, for customers who are not staying at the hotel, access to the pool is only granted when coupled with a restaurant option either by reserving a table or with a relaxation option.

Domaine de Verchant Spa is like the icing on a cake for weddings. The spa offers a large number of tailored services ranging from facials, to full body scrubs like sea salt and apricots. The spa uses Swiss-made Valmont and French-made Anne Sémonin products, many of which are plant-based. It does not end there either; they also offer full aesthetic treatments. Can you imagine having a spa at your disposal leading up to your wedding weekend?

The huge spa, is of course dedicated to relaxation and wellness but it is so much more. It has an indoor swimming pool on the ground floor which is fitted with a swimming upstream system, a sensational shower, a hammam, 3 saunas, a break room, where relaxation and serenity are the key words.

Continuing on their wellness theme, Domaine de Verchant, has a huge gym with the latest generation of equipment and the expertise of personal trainers.

They also are known for their wine, possessing a winery, which you are welcome to stroll and explore which visiting. Bikes are at your disposal. In the boutique of the winery, you can see the sample the Domaine’s wines, and check out the newly renovate wine cellar crafted from the old wine cellar of the Domain.

In such beautiful natural surrounding the hotel offers many outdoor activities including hiking trails and bikes. It is minutes from Castlenau-le-Lez and the tram.

As a wedding planner, one of my favourite things about Domaine de Verchant, is that it is the ideal setting for events, especially a destination wedding, everything is there for you. From the rooms, to the food, you can have a fairytale spa wedding at Domaine de Verchant in the perfect climate of the south of France with some of the best food and wine in the world.