FAQ
Questions
general
When can I visit the estate?
Visits are by appointment only during the week and on Saturdays (excluding event days).
Appointments can be made by email (regie@domainedeletabliere.com) or by telephone (06.30.05.50.43).
Is it possible to place an option?
We offer our customers the opportunity to place an option - with no obligation on their part - for a maximum period of 15 days (the option period may be reduced depending on the desired reservation date. In this case, the option date shown on the quotation will apply).
Please note that a prior visit to the Domaine is compulsory for all options.
How do I make a reservation? What timescale do you offer?
If you have fallen under the spell of the Domaine and would like to book, a quote will be sent to you.
You will then need :
- Pay a deposit of 50% of the price inclusive of tax set out in the quote. The remainder must be paid at least 7 days before your event. Services are payable by cheque issued by a bank domiciled in mainland France or by bank transfer.
- Pay a deposit in the form of a cheque for €7,500 - cheque not cashed.
- Provide proof of civil liability insurance covering the rental.
- Return the signed general terms and conditions of hire to us.
Reservations become effective subject to full payment of the deposit and receipt of the signed CGL and quotation.
Can we return to our service providers after signing the quote?
It is of course possible to have your service providers come to the Domaine. Dates of visits to be scheduled in advance with our technical manager.
Who does what from the preparations to the big day?
The Domaine de L'ÉTABLIÈRE
- Provide the space & host your reception.
- Propose partners you can trust.
- Approves the choice of additional facilities (marquee, outdoor structure, etc.).
- Provides specifications completed by both parties (names of selected service providers, timing, etc.).
- Provides the necessary staff:
- Drawing up inventories of incoming and outgoing premises.
- A stage manager on the day and a telephone on-call service when the stage manager is not present
The customer
- Organises and coordinates the reception.
- Produce and design the seating plan (a blank plan will be sent to you on request).
- Checks that the timing is in line with the times when the space is available, taking into account installation and de-installation times.
- Determines and communicates the D-day schedule to Domaine de l'Etablière via the specifications.
- Communicates the Domaine's specifications to service providers, and informs them of the times when the rented spaces are available.
Your contact
We strongly recommend that our customers choose a «referent» for their event (guest or wedding planner), who will act as the link between the bride and groom and the estate. His/her tasks:
- Acting as the interface between you, the estate and your service providers on the big day and, if necessary, beforehand (setting up furniture, dismantling, coordinating service providers, etc.).
All the selected service providers
Undertake to comply with the specifications and general rental conditions, in particular :
- Ensure that all waste is removed.
- Comply with the timetable for the use of the facilities.
- Check the electrical power available.
- Respect your schedule and the music rules.
The caterer
- Set up the furniture (tables, chairs, cocktail buffets, meals and/or brunches, and children's meals) or manage it yourself.
- Supplies tablecloths, tableware and sets up tables and buffets.
- Provides staff and serves cocktails, meals and/or brunch, children's meals.
- Manages the open bar (with service).
- Clears and collects your belongings and tidies the estate's furniture.
- Consult the DJ and referent to adapt his performance to the different sequences of the wedding.
/Important: we ask that catering staff or a professional be present until the end of the evening (bar service, coffee, etc.).
Rental
du Domaine
Do we have exclusive rights to the site?
We only host one event at a time. Our clients therefore have exclusive use of the Domaine for the duration of the event.
This includes the Orangery and its terrace, the Palace, the Hamlet, the park and the forest.
What services are included in the rates?
- Privatisation of the Orangery and its terrace.
- All the equipment described in the technical data sheet.
- Fluids (water/electricity/heating).
- Post-service cleaning.
- The presence of a security guard from midnight to 4am.
- The presence of a stage manager on the evening of the event.
- An on-call telephone service when the stage manager is not present.
- Privatisation of the Palais and the Hameau with access to the swimming pool for occupants of the Palais and the Hameau. The swimming pool will be closed during events at the Orangerie.
- Access to the Park.
- Beds made on arrival - towels provided. Welcome products available (shower gel, shampoo etc...)
- Breakfast at the Palais: optional (15 euros / person over 6).
What is your maximum capacity in the Orangerie?
(To be adapted according to the equipment in place: stage area, dance floor, etc.).
Banquet (seated at table): 250 people.
Cocktail (standing configuration): 350 people.
Do you have a car park?
- Guest parking for 150 vehicles is very close to the Orangerie. 2 footpaths lead to the Orangerie.
- 3 wheelchair spaces are available behind the Orangerie - with direct access to the hall.
- The «service providers» car park is located behind the Orangerie - next to the catering office.
- One parking space is available per house in the hamlet. Please note that cars may only be used in the Hamlet for arrivals and departures.
When can we access the site?
- L'Orangerie -> day D-1 from 10am to 5pm (for set-up) then from day D 10am to day D+1 7pm.
- On D+1, the Orangery can be made available for use from 11am. Optional service costing €370. Intermediate cleaning carried out by us: Orangery floor and «guest» toilets.
- The Palais -> from 10am on day D to 7pm on day D+1.
- The Hameau cottages -> from day D 4pm to day D+1 7pm.
Spaces may be made available earlier, subject to availability and the agreement of the stage manager.
How late can we extend our evening?
The Orangery can be hired until 4am at the latest (when the music stops, the bar is closed and the guests leave) - weddings on Friday and Saturday evenings. On weekdays, this time is 2am at the latest.
The Estate's technical manager will be responsible for closing the Orangery and setting the alarm.
How late can we leave the music on?
Music is permitted in outdoor areas until 9.30pm.
In the Orangerie, the music stops at the end of the hire period stipulated in the contract.
IMPORTANT: We ask our customers to be particularly vigilant about the volume of the bass after 2am.
The sound volume limit authorised in the Orangery is 90 dB maximum (with exclusive use of the Orangery's sound system equipped with a limiter). Our on-site manager will ensure that these rules are complied with and may take any necessary measures if they are not.
Is it possible to have equipment delivered to the Orangery (drinks, decorations, etc.) before the wedding day?
By appointment and subject to availability, You can drop off your wedding supplies or have them delivered.
We will provide you with a secure, cool but non-refrigerated area.
Please note and indicate the following points to the carriers:
- Access for semi-trailers is prohibited, and lorries are limited to 19 tonnes.
- The carrier will take back the number of pallets it has delivered.
Can we leave items in the Orangery to collect after our event?
Yes, subject to availability, You or your service providers will be able to collect them the morning after your event at the latest, or even on Monday morning if you are holding a reception over the whole weekend.
Glass must be disposed of by you or by the selected caterer.
Can we use all the outdoor areas?
Yes, we make the outside areas available, but we ask our customers to respect the park and forest.
Can we use the Domaine's pond?
During your event in the Orangery, the use of canoes or other craft and their associated equipment is prohibited. However, it will be authorised exclusively for the occupants of the Palais and Hameau and will be exercised under the sole responsibility of the Customer.
Can we use the swimming pool?
Access to the swimming pool is reserved exclusively for guests staying in the Palais and the Hameau cottages and is the sole responsibility of the Customer. The swimming pool is closed during any event in the Orangerie (evening or day). Use of the pool is possible under certain conditions (which will be indicated to you where appropriate).
Will the estate's main gates (on the forest and hamlet sides) be open?
The gates will be opened on the big day before your arrival or that of your suppliers, and closed again by our steward when you leave.
Who is in charge of welcoming guests?
We recommend that you appoint a close referee or wedding planner to assist you in this task.
Is there an incoming and outgoing inventory with someone from the estate?
Yes, an inventory will be carried out at the beginning and end of the rental period (Orangerie, Palais and Hameau). All the equipment listed in the technical file and in the inventories (audio equipment, furniture, miscellaneous furniture, crockery, etc.) must remain on site at the end of the hire period and in good condition.
The
service providers
Do you impose service providers?
No, you are free to choose your suppliers. However, we have selected and referenced professionals who will help make your event a success.
The list is available on our website and by email on request.
Do you offer technical sound and lighting services?
We provide the following technical equipment:
- Lighting :
- 4 chandeliers (diameter 1.30 m) with dimmers.
- Ambient lighting (24 RGB LED spotlights + 4 lyre spotlights).
- Light console.
- Sound :
- 4 speakers.
- 1 subwoofer.
- 2 wireless hand-held microphones.
- Mixing console.
For sound and lighting control at your event, we recommend that you contact a qualified technical service provider (DJ, sound and lighting manager, etc.).
Palace & Orangery
Technical aspects
What does the Orangerie consist of?
It consists of the following components:
- Heated/refrigerated reception room: 500 m² (20×25).
- Semi-equipped catering office: 73 m².
- Meeting room: 39m² - can be converted into a nursery, office, dressing rooms, etc.
- Fixed bar: 4m with a 2m return equipped with a low 3-door fridge.
- Fully-equipped cloakroom (racks and hangers): 12 m².
- Illuminated and equipped terrace: 350 m². Terrace without sound system.
- Men's and women's toilets (with baby-changing facilities).
- Fixed outdoor bar powered by electricity.
- PRM access.
Can you send me the list of furniture included in the rental price?
This list is included in our Equipment data sheet.
The installation and storage of the furniture is to be coordinated by the Customer.
Only rectangular tables, translucent stools and side tables are permitted on the lawn. The rest of the furniture must remain in the Orangery but is tolerated on the terrace (depending on the weather). We also ask you to place tablecloths on the tables for your return meal. We offer the hire of black table covers (7€/cover/event).
Please note that for groups of 200 or more, we will refer you to furniture hire companies for additional chairs (the Domaine provides 200 chairs).
What equipment does the caterer have in the kitchen?
The caterer has the following equipment:
- 1200-litre stainless steel refrigerator.
- 140-litre freezer.
- Stainless steel sink with 2 bowls + 1 drainer.
- Furniture: Mobile stainless steel tables on castors / Mobile stainless steel trolley / Stainless steel clearing surface.
- Connections: electrical sockets for ovens, coffee machines, etc.
- 4 external electrical connections for refrigerated lorries.
- Water supply and drainage.
- Cloakroom and sanitary facilities for catering teams.
- Air-conditioned catering office.
Are there any facilities for children?
We provide 2 baby seats (1 in the Palais, 1 in the Orangerie), 4 cots (2 in the Palais, 2 in the Orangerie), a microwave and a changing table.
Child-friendly furniture (chairs, tables) is also available.
Is there a stage for the DJ/orchestra?
No. You can contact one of our specialist event furniture hire companies for this type of equipment.
Is there any light to be shed in the room?
The hall is already very well equipped with lighting. The main purpose of this lighting is to highlight the Orangery.
However, it is possible to add to this system (subject to compliance with safety instructions and the power available) by adding lasers, spotlights, fog machines, etc.
/Please note that the use of candles will be accepted provided that the flame is not accessible (candles placed in candle holders/lanterns, etc.).
Are the outside areas lit?
The Orangerie terrace, the visitor car park, the Orangerie/parking and Hameau access paths and the front of the Palais are lit automatically from dusk until late evening. Other strategic points in the park are illuminated for your safety and to enhance the site.
Is there a video system?
The Domaine does not provide video equipment. You can contact technical service providers to hire a video system. Please note that due to the light conditions in the Orangerie, video projectors should be used after dark. It is also possible to hire large LCD screens for better resolution.
Can I decorate the Orangery as I like?
You can use the site as you wish. We do not impose any decoration. However, for safety reasons, it is forbidden to go up into the upper part of the Orangery and install decorations there.
Are natural candles allowed?
Candles in photophores or with a flame that is not accessible are permitted. Candlesticks with lit candles are not permitted. Ephemeral sparkling candles are tolerated (often used for the bride and groom's entrance, the presentation of the wedding cake, etc.).
Can spark machines be used?
Only cold sparking machines may be used. Please note that the distance between the top of the «flame» and the Orangerie's roof tarpaulin must be at least 1 metre.
Can smoke/fog machines be used?
Smoke/fog machines are permitted, as the Orangery is not equipped with detectors.
Is the Orangerie air-conditioned and/or heated?
The Orangerie is not air-conditioned (apart from the catering area).
A fan system using a heating/cooling duct is used where necessary (flexible duct installed high up around the inside perimeter of the room).
In addition, 4 large windows, access doors and 2 high windows have been opened to ventilate the Orangery.
Can we organise a fireworks display or a lantern release?
Only fireworks set off by professionals may be authorised, depending on weather conditions and the state of the park's vegetation. A written request must be made to us. Artificers must provide us with the necessary administrative authorisations. The locations of the firing point and the guest zone are defined and must be respected. For safety reasons, the installation or throwing of lanterns, torches, gas/electric heaters or anything related to fire is prohibited on the Estate.
Are balloon throws allowed?
We do not prohibit them, but municipal or prefectoral authorisation is required.
Should the Orangery be kept clean?
A post-event cleaning package is included in your service.
We ask our customers to collect any decorations or personal belongings so that our teams can clean the Orangerie.
The Catering Office must be left clean and free of all rubbish. Rubbish bins must be sorted and collected in the appropriate bins outside the catering office.
Only the glass must be disposed of by the selected caterer or by you. A collection bin is located at the exit of the «guests» car park.
Secular ceremony,
cocktails, meals
Where can I have the ceremony?
If you would like to celebrate your secular union, you can choose from a number of different locations: in front of the Orangerie, or in the park. Depending on the number of people attending.
All the furniture required to organise the ceremony must be coordinated by you (not provided by the Domaine). The furniture in the Orangerie cannot be used for the lay ceremony.
In the event of rainy weather, you can organise your secular ceremony under a structure - hire and run by you.
Are flower petals permitted?
You can organise a flower petal throw outdoors only if you wish. They must be natural and collected afterwards. Unnatural petals are not permitted.
Are confetti allowed?
Confetti is forbidden inside and outside.
Can I have my cocktail/meal back in the park?
Yes, you can choose the space for your cocktail party on the terrace, or in other areas that we will be happy to show you. The choice of space depends on the season and your suppliers.
The 300m2 terrace is lit and equipped with sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and parasols. Seating for around 20.
Can I have my wedding dinner in the park?
The wedding meal will only be served in the Orangery. It may be served outside only in exceptional circumstances, with the approval of l'ÉTABLIÈRE.
What to do in the event of rain
The Domaine does not offer any additional structure or space in case of rain. Depending on the number of guests, cocktails may be held in the Orangery.
We authorise the installation of outdoor structures in the park (hire to be coordinated by the customer - location to be confirmed with the estate manager).
In the event of bad weather and the installation of a tent/barnum on the lawn, for the comfort of your guests and the good maintenance of the lawn, we strongly advise you to plan for the installation of a parquet floor.
What equipment do we have for the cocktail party?
You'll have 15 side tables and 20 translucent stools, as well as rectangular tables and garden furniture (details are available on the Orangerie datasheet).
Guard
of children
Do you have a children's area?
An enclosed area in the Orangery may indeed be dedicated to children. For safety reasons, the children's area must be located in the Orangerie and cannot be transferred to the Palais. This indoor space can be converted into a dormitory by the activity leaders for the children during the evening. The sanitary facilities are shared with the Orangerie room.
Do you offer a childcare service?
We offer a list of babysitting partners. The children must be under their supervision and responsibility at all times.
Hosting
at the Palais
How many people can we accommodate in the Palais?
There are 6 bedrooms for 2 people and 3 extra beds, for a total of 15 beds maximum, distributed as follows:
- 1st floor: 5 bedrooms with en-suite bathroom (or shower) and separate toilet facilities
- Black bedroom: 1.60m double bed.
- Music room: 2 single beds of 0.80m.
- Clock room: 1.60m double bed.
- Blue bedroom: 1.60m double bed.
- Grooms' bedroom: 1.80m double bed.
- 2nd floor :
- Tower bedroom: 1 double bed 1.60m.
We also offer 2 cots for babies.
The Customer may be offered one or more additional night(s) the day before and/or the day after your event (the price will be communicated to the Customer in advance).
Are there towels in the rooms? Are the beds made up?
All rooms are fully equipped. Beds are made and bathrooms have towels. Shower gel and shampoo are available in the shower rooms.
Are there keys on the bedroom doors?
There are no room keys.
Who has access to the Palais?
Access to the Palais is reserved for its occupants and certain service providers (photographers, videographers, make-up artists and hairdressers, etc.).
Do you have a safe?
A safe is available in the bride and groom's room at the Palais, more specifically in the bride-to-be's dressing room.
Where is breakfast (optional)?
Breakfast for Palace guests is prepared in the kitchen and served in the dining room.
Our stewards will be discreet enough to prepare breakfast on the evening of the event or the following morning. It will be ready no later than 08:30 in the morning.
Is there someone to serve breakfast?
No. Our stewards will set it up and clear it away when you leave.
Can we use the Palais kitchen if we need to?
Yes. We'll ask you to make it clean.
Do you have an iron / sewing kit / hairdryer etc. if required?
Yes, we'll let you know where they are.
Hosting
in the Hamlet
How many beds do you offer? How are they distributed? What type of rooms are available, etc.?
The following table answers the main questions about accommodation at Le Hameau:
Can my guests rent rooms in the Hameau directly for the big day?
No. Our package includes all accommodation. You are responsible for allocating the rooms.
We suggest you print out the rooming list and place it in the accommodation on the day.
Are there towels in the rooms? Are the beds made up?
All rooms are fully equipped. Beds are made and bathrooms have towels. Shower gel and shampoo are available in the shower rooms (returnable bottles).
We ask your guests to remove their sheets on departure and to collect them with their towels in the shower rooms.
Are there keys on the bedroom doors?
There are no keys to the bedrooms. However, each house has its own key to open the exterior doors.
Can we use the kitchen in our home if we need to?
Yes. We'll ask you to make it clean.
Do you have an iron / sewing kit / hairdryer etc. if required?
Yes, we'll let you know where they are.
Cancellation
& insurance
What insurance do I need? Do we need to provide a certificate?
Proof of customer insurance is compulsory. Your insurer will send you this certificate (as an extension to your home insurance cover). It must state, among other things, the full duration of the space made available (including set-up and dismantling), and the address of l'Etablière.
What happens if the Customer cancels?
Any cancellation by the Customer made from the date of confirmation (signature of the quote) up to and including 180 days before the date of the event will result in the non-refund of the deposit paid (i.e. 6 months or more before the date of the event).
Any cancellation made between 179 days and the day of the event will result in the full rental charge being billed (i.e. less than 6 months before the date of the event).
Cancellation insurance is available. We strongly advise our customers to check with the insurance companies.
What happens if the Domaine de l'ÉTABLIÈRE cancels?
- The Domaine de l'ÉTABLIÈRE is exempt from all liability in the event of total or partial non-performance of the contract. resulting from an act of God, a third party or force majeure (please refer to the general terms and conditions of hire on this subject).
- In all of the above cases, Domaine de l'Etablière reserves the right to cancel the date of the service.
- /Finally, for safety reasons, the Domaine de l'Etablière reserves the right to cancel the service taking place in the Orangery if the wind speed exceeds 80 km/hour (legal obligation).
In this case, all sums already paid (deposit or total amount of the quotation) will be refunded to the customer.
When is the deposit due after the event?
The security deposit will be returned to you within thirty days of returning the rented accommodation. Please note that the cheque given at the time of the inventory of fixtures is not cashed.
Miscellaneous
Are pets allowed?
Animals are not permitted on the estate (with the exception of dogs accompanying disabled or partially-sighted people).
Can I take photos and videos?
Photographs and videos (drone or other) are of course permitted in all rented areas, including the grounds outside the Domaine.
As part of the promotion of the Domaine: if you wish, you can send us a selection of photos taken by you during the event. We will relay them on the networks with your agreement, mentioning your service providers.
Do you know of any extra accommodation for guests who can't stay overnight?
Your guests can also benefit from promotional rates with our partner hotels in Les Sables d'Olonne (2 - 3 and 4* hotels). Information on request. We can also provide you with a list of nearby accommodation (gîtes, airbnb etc...) and a list of partners to organise shuttles between the Orangerie and your guests' other accommodation on the evening of the event.
If you have any further questions, the ÉTABLIÈRE team will be happy to help.
