Take A Trip To The Château Of Love

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Purple Summer's Château de Candie is a captivating hotel and wedding venue that combines historic charm with contemporary comforts. Surrounded by stunning gardens, rows of vibrant grape vines, and breathtaking views of the Chartreuse mountains, you’ll be transported to a world of timeless allure.

Stay in one of the 25 extraordinary rooms and suites, all uniquely decorated with their own individual style. During my stay, I checked in to The Tower, a three-floor suite divided into a bedroom, lounge and a spacious bathroom. The suite is adorned with wood panelling, textured wallpaper and antique furnishings; the charming aura bursts from the walls, creating a warm ambience. The Tower is the ultimate wedding suite for your big day and as a special gift to the couple, it’s included within the wedding package price. Get ready with your wedding squad, enjoy a glass of bubbly, and prepare to say ‘I do’ in a calming atmosphere. With delightful backdrops dotted in and around The Tower, it’s a picture-perfect base. Imagine strutting down the vintage staircase while getting photographed, you’ll feel like a true VIP.

Alpine Bliss

Beyond the walls of the château lies the picturesque city of Chambéry. Stroll through the old town and discover the rich history of the area as you savour the local cuisine or perhaps enjoy a peaceful amble amidst the natural beauty.

Photography: Art Prism

A 15-minute drive from the château and you will arrive at the largest natural lake in France, Lac du Bourget. This destination is perfect for families, whether you want to enjoy water sports in the shining sun or simply relax by the gleaming lake, it’s a true gem that offers something for everyone. Located on the banks of Lake Bourget, you can find Le Lido restaurant, an informal environment where you can appreciate exquisite cuisine with a side order of breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. After recently being restored back to its original structure, Le Lido now blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings whilst still radiating its original charm. The menu is a reflection of the restaurant's commitment to its environment and local produce as the chefs use the freshest ingredients sourced from the nearby region, including fish from the lake. The warm sunshine and gentle breeze from the prime terrace seating created a superb setting to eagerly await the flavours of such mouth-watering authentic produce for lunch. For the starter, I devoured the heavenly Deep-fried Reblochon cheese, before moving on to the main course where I opted for the tender Fillet of Beef, accompanied by a scrumptious pepper sauce. Even after feeling full, I couldn't resist the Tea Gourmande dessert, which included four mini desserts and a cup of tea. It was a divine way to conclude my meal at Le Lido.

After the day’s adventures had unfolded, the glistening outdoor pool was calling my name. The serene poolside setting is perfect for unwinding, with comfortable sunbeds and beautiful gardens bathed in sunlight, it's the ideal spot to relax after a day of activities. To soothe pre-wedding jitters, indulge in a haven of well-being and make use of the services available. The tailored massage, using premium essential oils, provides a tranquil sanctuary for you to feel refreshed, recharged and ready to float down the aisle on your special day.

Get Hitched

The scenic views of the distant snowy mountains accompanied by the peaceful atmosphere make the idyllic Purple Summer's Château de Candie the ideal wedding venue to live out your fairytale fantasy. In the summer months, tie the knot around the alluring fountain in the Château park and dance the night away on the terrace, while choosing from the range of drinks packages available. The cocktails 'à la carte' would be a wonderful addition to your celebration, making your summer wedding on the lawn magical and unforgettable. The picturesque scenery and top-notch service create a setting that elevates your big day to the next level of elegance. If you're seeking an indoor venue to host your wedding, the Salles Des Glaces reception hall is a fantastic option. It can accommodate up to 120 guests for a seated wedding reception or up to 150 guests for a drinks reception. This space is perfect for hosting an extravagant event on which you can put your own unique stamp. Admire the natural sunlight shining through the French doors, and use the stunning backdrops to capture your special wedding moments with loved ones.

Photography: Amandine Vanhove

The experienced events team will do their utmost to personalise each wedding to the couple's specific preferences. From the moment you say "I do" during the ceremony, to the tasty wedding breakfast, and all the way to the grand reception, you can leave every little detail in the hands of the team. Whether you’re planning an elopement within the quaint walls of the château or a striking ceremony in the vineyards, this versatile wedding venue will ensure you have a timeless celebration. For the ultimate event, the ‘Privilege Option’ package offers exclusive hire of the entire estate. The estate sleeps up to 60 guests and can cater for weddings from 120-150 guests. Exclusive hire basis from 15,000 €.

Photography: Ophélie Devèze

Gastronomic Delights

One of the highlights of my time in Chambéry was the gastronomic journey I experienced. Purple Summer's Château de Candie boasts three exceptional restaurants: La Cantine, L’Orangerie and a Champagne and oyster bar. The newly renovated La Cantine radiates the style of the château, with traditional features such as wood panelling and velvet seating juxtaposed with contemporary touches. Experience a variety of authentic homemade dishes, prepared using the freshest, local produce. Immerse yourself in the flavours of the traditional cuisine, infused with an international twist, creating an affordable yet delectable dining experience that will leave you craving more.

Photography: Art Prism

The star of the show has to be the Champagne bar, conveying a more modern feel to the surrounding décor. As you enter, you are greeted with an immense flute glass chandelier, that blends seamlessly with the bar. The bar itself is embellished with copper detailing and sleek black stalls, making it the perfect spot for wedding celebrations. During my stay, I sampled a selection of Champagne during a tasting session led by the knowledgeable Sommelier, we even had the opportunity to taste their Viognier wine, made from grapes grown in their on-site vineyard.

Photography: Art Prism

On our final night, we had the pleasure of indulging in the semi-gastro dinner at the château. Suited for couples planning their wedding day, each couple can select and sample a variety of courses, prior to their wedding breakfast, ensuring only the very best, carefully selected dishes are served to their guests. We began this exceptional culinary experience by choosing 4 appetisers, ideal for the cocktail reception. With three menu types available: Château, Candie, and Baron, we decided to opt for the Candie menu, which included a starter, fish course, main course, cheeses and dessert. The cherry on top of this foodie experience was the option to taste a wedding cake sample for dessert. With seasonal cake menus available, providing a plethora of flavour options to choose from, I couldn’t resist the dark chocolate, caramel and toasted almond combination. The beautifully curated dishes, paired with an accompanying fine wine formed a truly unforgettable dining experience.

In A Nutshell

You may not associate spending your summer months in the Alps, however with clear skies, a warm climate and fewer crowds, the Alps offer endless opportunities for both exploration and relaxation. The historic architecture, delectable dining and exceptional service at Purple Summer's Château de Candie make it an impeccable destination for a peaceful staycation or an exquisite wedding venue with your true love - you will be made to feel like royalty!

Photography: Art Prism

Nightly rates at Château de Candie start from € 200 per room on a Bed and Breakfast basis. For more information and to book, please visit: purplesummer.com/destinations/accommodation-in-the-french-alps/