Why a May Wedding at Château Rigaud Might Just Be the Dream
If you’re planning a destination wedding in France, there’s something quietly magical about saying I do in the spring time. At Château Rigaud, we feel that May is often the overlooked sweet spot, when the natural beauty in the gardens, the ease of getting around, the seasonal ingredients and the temperature all work together to produce the perfect moment. Here’s why we think May might just be the best-kept secret in the wedding calendar.
Outside dining at Chateau Rigaud in May
Golden light, gentle warmth
May is the first true month of French summer in disguise. The vines are bright with new growth, the skies are high and blue, and the sun has taken on a golden warmth—but without the heat of high summer.
Temperatures around 24°C – perfect for al fresco dining and dancing under the stars
Long, luminous days – sunset isn’t until 9.30pm
Flowers in Full Bloom
Spring arrives early in the Gironde, and by May the gardens are a riot of colour.
Peonies, foxgloves in the flower beds with white climbing roses over the front of the chateau and pink rambling roses over the arches of the potager
Marguerite daisies and wild orchids throughout the meadow
Lavender just beginning to emerge
It’s a beautiful month for soft, romantic floral designs.
Ingredients at Their Best
For our chefs, May is a dream.
Green asparagus for just this month plus peas, and broad beans with abundant mint
Gariguette strawberries, the sweetest variety ever known that fetch insane prices in London or New York but we have by the bucketload this month
Local goat’s cheese at it’s very best, bright and fresh
Menus feel seasonal, elegant, and full of flavour.
Flights and local accommodations are plentiful (and affordable)
With no school holidays to navigate, your guests benefit from:
Direct flights into Bordeaux and Bergerac
Lower prices and better availability
Easier, more relaxed travel
🕊️ Final Thought
Weddings in May feel fresh. Full of promise, golden light, and understated French elegance. If you dream of a wedding that’s luxurious but laid-back, filled with flowers and flavour, May at Château Rigaud could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.