villa · belle-epoque-reception-venue
Castel Bay
About This Venue
subtle alliance between Art Deco & Art Nouveau
A Belle Époque reception venue in Hyères, Var, set in a 3-hectare park with views over the Baie de l'Almanarre and the Giens peninsula. Built in the 1900s for an Austrian baron, renovated and reopened in June 2021, the Castel Bay offers exclusive hire of its exterior and interior spaces for weddings and events of up to 300 guests.
About the History
1900s · Belle Époque with Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements
Built in the 1900s for an Austrian baron as a holiday home, the Castel was sold in 1925 to the iconic Haute Couture firm Paquin, which created the extension of the West wing and the Art Deco staircase. At this time it became the 'Castel-Pomponiana' hotel. In the mid-1940s, the estate was transferred to several medical and disability support associations. It was closed in 2009 and remained abandoned for approximately ten years before undergoing a major renovation program to become a reception venue, reopening in June 2021.
- • Art Deco glass-roofed hall (La Verrière, built 1930)
- • Art Deco staircase added by Paquin
- • Belle Époque facade
- • Art Nouveau and Art Deco interior details
Spaces & Capacity
This venue can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner.
Amphithéâtre
Outdoor- natural open-air amphitheatre
- sea views over Baie de l'Almanarre
Jardin Méditerranéen
Outdoor- fountain
- lavender
Jardin Florentin
Outdoor- Florence cypress trees
- olive trees
Terrasse Principale
Outdoor- south-facing
- overlooks the Mediterranean
Parvis Nord
Outdoor- northern forecourt
- entrance area
La Verrière
Indoor- Art Deco glass-roofed hall built 1930
- views over Baie de l'Almanarre
Accommodation
Pricing & Packages
Starting price for venue hire. Rates vary by season and day of week; full tariff brochure available on request.
| Season | Months | Price |
|---|---|---|
| high | June, July, August | On request |
| high | June, July, August | On request |
| high | June, July, August | On request |
| medium | May, September, October | On request |
| medium | May, September, October | On request |
| medium | May, September, October | On request |
| low | November to April | On request |
| low | November to April | On request |
| low | November to April | On request |
What’s included
- Exclusive use of all reception spaces from 09:00 to 03:00
- 82-space car park
- Bridal preparation areas from 09:00
- Mediterranean garden (guest welcome/refreshment area)
- Amphitheatre (ceremony)
- Florentine garden (cocktail)
- Main terrace (dinner)
- Interior salons (dinner and dancing)
- Galerie room (childcare)
- On-site event manager (régisseur) throughout
- Cleaning staff
- Security agents 16:00–03:00
- Parking attendant/security
- Commercial team throughout the day
- 20 round tables for 8 persons (diameter 152 cm)
- 30 round tables for 10 persons (diameter 178 cm)
- 4 rectangular tables (90 × 200 cm)
- 300 Médaillon chairs and/or 300 Saint-Rémy de Provence chairs
- 20 cocktail poseur tables (diameter 70 cm, height 108 cm)
- Interior and exterior sound system
Not included
- Catering and drinks (approved caterers required)
- External service providers (music, florals, photography, etc.)
- Group transport/shuttles (required for events over 200 guests)
Features & Amenities
Venue Features
Amenities & Activities
3-hectare landscaped park with Mediterranean garden (fountain, lavender, umbrella pines, eucalyptus, olive trees), Florentine garden (Florence cypress, olive, citrus, agapanthus), and main south-facing terrace. Views over the Baie de l'Almanarre and saltpans.
Getting There
By Air
- Toulon-Hyères Airport 5 min (4 km)
- Marseille Provence Airport 1 h 15 (110 km)
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport 1 h 30 (145 km)
By Train
- Hyères 12 min (6 km)
- Toulon 30 min (22 km)
- Aix-en-Provence TGV 1 h 25 (110 km)
Key Distances
- Toulon 30 min (22 km)
- Saint-Tropez 56 min (54 km)
- Marseille 1 h 15 (110 km)
- Nice 1 h 30 (145 km)
- Cannes 1 h 20
Hyères, Var, France
3-hectare landscaped park overlooking the Baie de l'Almanarre and the saltpans, with Mediterranean gardens featuring lavender, umbrella pines, eucalyptus, and olive trees.
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