Schedule
About the venue
Written by Dermot Keenan (le papa de Lucy) :
Lucy and Nick look forward to sharing the Chateau de Venon with you, a beautiful and ancient building known locally simply as “The Chateau.”
The Chateau first appears in historical records in 1670, although its origins are much older - perhaps dating to the 1100’s when it is known that the village of Venon existed. The views from The Chateau then were wildly different, but equally breathtaking as today.
In 1670, the owner was Jean-Baptiste de Mistral de Montmirail, who later sold The Chateau to the thirty Sisters of the Visitation, a religious order still present today in Grenoble.
The Chateau survived the French Revolution, when it was sold at auction to Madame de Chaléon. Another local survivor of The Revolution is the famous Oak of Pressembois, a tree older than The Revolution and classified as a national monument.
The current owner Madame Joelle Cartaux (incidentally French Champion figure skater from 1969 to 1971) invests her time and the proceeds from weddings in the restoration of this beautiful building - one of the many reasons Nick and Lucy decided to celebrate their marriage here.
Travel & Accommodation
Travel from the UK
The wedding venue is situated outside Grenoble.
Flying from UK
We suggest flying into either Geneva or Lyon St Exupery Airport.
Lyon is slightly closer to Grenoble than Geneva
Train from UK
The journey from London St Pancras to Grenoble takes 7 to 8 hrs.
There’s a change in Paris from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon by taxi or metro
See more info on
Car Rental
Car rental is possible from Geneva or Lyon Airports and Grenoble train station.
Public transport from the airports to Grenoble
Shuttle buses run from Lyon Airport taking you to Grenoble train station.
These are fairly frequent and operated by several companies.
Shuttle buses from Geneva are run by several companies
Depending on your arrival time in Geneva or Lyon, travel by train to Grenoble is an option.
Onward travel from Grenoble
Car hire offers the easiest option to reach accommodation outside Grenoble.
Taxis from Grenoble Station are available.
Accommodation advice
We'd recommend booking accommodation as early as possible as gites and hotels tend to book up during the summer months.
Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions about where to stay!
Les Mésanges Hôtel Restaurant, Route des Mésanges, Saint-Martin-d'Uriage, France
Ten minute drive from the venue and close to Uriage.
Grand Hotel & Spa Uriage, Place Déesse Hygie, Saint-Martin-d'Uriage, France
Located a 15 minute drive from the wedding venue in Uriage. Uriage is a beautiful spot with plenty of amenities (bars, a couple of restaurants, takeaway pizza and shops). Uriage is also home to a casino and a spa if you fancied doing something a little different. Also close to tennis courts and a golf course.
Website to help find flat rentals / gites in Uriage or St Martin d'Uriage
The following website has some helpful links to flat / gite rentals in the area.
Gite de France
If you'd like to experience staying in a French gite, the Gite de France has plenty of options for you to browse.
Two bedroom gîte for rent
Two bedroom gîte for four people to rent in St Martin d'Uriage located a five / ten minute drive from the wedding venue. Situated near the village which has a swimming pool, restaurants, bar and local store.
A couple of minutes walk from Lucy's parents house.
Gite Chlorophylle
Gite for four people (can accommodate up to six on request).
Located a little higher up the mountain but only a ten minute drive from the wedding venue. Note that access will require a hire car.
Gîte des Bonnets two bedrooms (5 people)
A two bedroom Gite for max five people. Located a 12 minute drive from the wedding venue and a 10 minute drive from Uriage. Only 20 minutes from the local ski resort Chamrousse and five minutes from St Martin d'Uriage (the closest village).
Beautiful views of the mountains!
Camping Du Buisson, Chemin des Buissons, Saint-Martin-d'Uriage, France
Camping located a 15 minute drive from the wedding venue and 5 / 10 minute drive to the village of St Martin d'Uriage. Perched a little higher up the mountain it has stunning views over the valley and a great spot to enjoy walks / other activities in the area. Offers space for tents and camping cars / vans, a mobile-home, yurt (4 to 6 people) and a glamping option for four people (one double bed and two single beds).
Air bnb
There's lots of house, flat and room rental options on air bnb in the areas of St Martin d'Uriage, Uriage and Venon.
Studio rental in Uriage two people
Studio to rent in the heart of Uriage, a ten minute drive from the wedding venue. Plenty of amenities in the area.
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions.
Where is the venue?
The ceremony and reception will be held at the Château de Venon located approximately 10km from the city of Grenoble. Link to Google Maps:
The Château is situated on the Belledonne mountain chain in the neighbouring village to Saint Martin d'Uriage where Lucy grew up.
The historical building is the former house of the bishops of Grenoble and has been lovingly restored by its owner to welcome weddings during the summer months.
For more information visit:
Where should I stay?
Information on accommodation is available on the travel and accommodation page.
Given their proximity to the wedding venue we recommend staying in the areas of Uriage or Saint Martin d'Uriage. Both have a selection of restaurants, shops and bars, as well as hotels, air bnbs and gites.
If you would rather stay in the city, Grenoble is located a 25 to 30 minute drive away. Please note that it can get very hot in the city in summer.
Let us know if you're unsure where to stay. We're more than happy to help find a suitable option for you.
What will the weather be like?
Welcome to the south of the Alps. Temperatures in late June can be high, ranging between 25 and 32 degrees during the day. The wedding venue is perched at approx. 300 metres of altitude, meaning it can sometimes get a little chilly at night. Summer clothing will be required but plan to bring a jacket just in case.
Are kids welcome?
Yes! Children and babies welcome.
Where should I park?
There is plenty of free parking at the venue.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
The wedding ceremony and vin d'honneur will be held outdoors* and the reception will be held indoors. (*weather dependent).
What kind of shoes should/shouldn't I wear?
The ceremony will be held in a garden on grass, so we'd recommend wearing sensible shoes.
What time will dinner be served?
The schedule for the day will operate on French times, meaning the ceremony will take place at the end of the afternoon and we will be sitting down for dinner at approx. 8pm. Please note that the ceremony will be followed by the vin d'honneur - a buffet with drinks and a selection of canapes.
If you're bringing your children and you would like them to eat earlier, please let us know.
What is there to do in the area?
Whether you enjoy hiking in the mountains, swimming in lakes or trying out new food, there is an abundance of activities to enjoy in the area.
What is the dress code?
Semi-formal summer attire.
Taxis
We will be organising a taxi service for travel back to accommodation from 11pm until 3am.
The taxi will charge 5euros per person in cash. Please ensure you bring cash with you as there are no cash machines in the area.
Please let us know if you will need a return taxi to your accommodation.
Will Stanley be coming and can I bring my dog?
Instead of joining us on our big day, Stanley has opted for a lovely break in the Somerset countryside. He'll be missed but unfortunately it will not be a dog-friendly event.
Whom should I call with questions?
Please call or message Lucy (+44 7 756 675 069) or Nick (+44 7855 458 835) with any questions.
Gifts
Travelling to France to celebrate with us is enough of a gift. However if you would like to give a gift, a small contribution towards our honeymoon will be greatly appreciated. X
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