Close to La Rochelle, this elegant residence is the ideal venue for a small, warm and refined wedding.
What if, for an extended weekend, you could put yourself in the shoes of a homeowner with enough space and outbuildings to organize your own wedding? That's the promise of Villa Nymphéa, a vast and splendid manor house located in the commune of La Jarrie, 10 minutes from La Rochelle. For its (real) owners, Sarah and Christian, there's only one watchword: make yourself at home!
With a hectare of parkland, offering welcome shade on hot summer days and plenty of space for a cocktail in the waning sun, the possibilities are endless. And everything is close at hand. Swimming pool, pool house, children's play area, caravan, brazier, bowling green... and villa, of course. Its surprising art deco facade completes the outdoor setting.
Unlikely alliances
Once you've got the keys in your hand, you're in for one surprise after another. The vestibule sets the tone, with a baby carriage from another era in the depths of the room, as if to signify that family is king here. And even though the Villa Nymphéa is rented out almost every week of the year for weddings and seminars, it still feels lived-in. Hence the feeling of being at home here, and if not a guest, at least a passing one.
The dining room and living room seem to respond to each other with a common wallpaper. In the late morning, the sun shines through both rooms, magnifying shapes and colors. For this is one of the hallmarks of the place: the unlikely combination of colors and tones. In the words of the owners, it's "tropical art nouveau". And this "joyful patchwork", as they like to call it, acts on us like therapy.
As Sarah and Christian are keen second-hand enthusiasts, it's hardly surprising that almost everything here is second-hand. The house dates back to the early 20th century, with its arcades, high windows and charming dormer windows, and the furniture found here and there at garage sales in the area lends a certain charm. The same goes for the staircase, bathed in natural light and inviting you to take a short climb. Yellow, pink and blue double-bedded rooms, a honeymoon suite in neutral tones, omnipresent toys... The spiral staircase distributes so many worlds. And the charming sensation of being in the middle of a doll's house.
Big tables, recycling and short circuits
Villa Nymphéa is the ideal location for a small wedding. In addition to the wooded grounds and the house, which sleeps around 20 people, there's a large reception room (capacity 110 people), which can be used for a secular ceremony if the weather's not cooperating, or for large dinner parties. Furniture (tables, chairs, side tables, etc.) is provided for this purpose, as well as a catering area including a cold room. The owners of Villa Nymphéa pay particular attention to short circuits. Second-hand objects, reuse of bed linen rejected from the hotel circuit and sustainable management of the grounds are just some of their commitments. And if you're looking for a service provider (caterer, photographer, DJ...) or in need of inspiration, Villa Nymphéa always has some good ideas to share.
Practical info
To get married at the Villa Nymphéa, you'll need to spend €7,500. You'll be able to enjoy this venue from Friday lunchtime to Monday lunchtime.
Villa Nymphéa.
2, rue de la Minoterie - Fief Pibale
17 220 La Jarrie
07 83 12 66 88 (Sarah and Christian)
Between Poitiers and La Rochelle, a photographer for your wedding
A photographer and videographer based in Poitiers, Les Noces de Florent travels all over France to immortalize your wedding. From the preparations to the evening, trust me to accompany you on the most beautiful adventure of your life. As a journalist for 15 years in Parisian editorial offices, I like to work in reportage mode, making myself as unobtrusive as possible to capture unexpected, spontaneous moments.
See my photos of Camille and Nathan's wedding
See my Camille and Nathan's wedding video
Share this story
