Château de Berne has reopened, blending authentic Provençal heritage with modern luxury across its vineyards, restaurants, residences, and wellness facilities.
Château de Berne has reopened after renovations, offering guests a refreshed experience that respects its history while bringing in modern touches. This five-star Relais & Châteaux estate sits in the Var region of Provence, where limestone hills meet the Mediterranean sun.
A New Direction
Giuseppe Cosmai recently took over as General Manager. With more than 20 years in luxury hospitality, he’s aiming to make Château de Berne a true representative of Provençal luxury on the world stage, while keeping the estate’s welcoming and personal feel.
“Excellence is not just about service,” Cosmai says. “It’s about creating moments that resonate with the soul of Provence itself.”
Life on the Estate
The estate covers 1,270 acres. That includes 370 acres of organic vineyards, olive groves, and classic French gardens. These outdoor spaces shift with the seasons and provide guests a chance to relax and enjoy nature.
There are 34 rooms and suites, designed with natural materials and earthy colours. Each room has views over the vineyards, keeping you connected to the landscape outside.
For groups or families wanting privacy, there are seven luxury residences on the estate. They sleep between three and twenty people, many have private pools, and all come with access to the château’s services.
Food That Speaks of the Land
Le Jardin de Berne is the estate’s Michelin-starred restaurant with a Green Star for sustainability. Chef Louis Rameau and Pastry Chef Éric Raynal lead the kitchen, making the most of produce grown on-site. The estate’s three vegetable gardens cover more than 3,000 square metres and supply fresh, seasonal ingredients year-round.
Chef Rameau’s dishes include things like red mullet with wild fennel espuma and roasted pigeon flavoured with Mediterranean herbs. Raynal’s desserts use local ingredients, including rare citrus grown on the property.
Other dining options include Le Bistrot, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand and is run by Aurélie Liautaud, serving refined yet approachable dishes. L’Olivier de Berne offers Mediterranean-style sharing plates on a large terrace with vineyard views.
For those wanting something more private, Table du Pass seats just two people at the chef’s counter, offering a close-up view of the kitchen. The Salon des Vignes is a private dining room overlooking the vineyards, where Chef Rameau personally guides diners through a tasting menu.
Wellness Close to Nature
The Spa Cinq Mondes & Vinésime takes up 8,600 square feet and uses organic grapes from the estate in its treatments. Its signature “Château de Berne by Vinésime” treatment uses Grenache Noir grapes from the Plateau de Berne vineyards, connecting guests directly to the land.
Yoga sessions happen in the vineyards, and there’s a Japanese garden for quiet reflection. The indoor pool opens up to views of the vines and includes a counter-current swimming feature. There are also two jacuzzis, a sauna, a hammam, and a solarium.
The Wines
Under oenologist Alexis Cornu, Château de Berne’s organic vineyards produce rosé, red, and white wines. Their distinctive square bottle design takes inspiration from the château’s 18th-century towers. The wines express the limestone soils and Mediterranean climate that shape the region.
Every wine is a reflection of the estate’s terroir and the team’s commitment to organic and sustainable farming.
Events and Celebrations
Château de Berne hosts weddings and corporate events for up to 120 guests. The events team handles everything, from catering to floral arrangements, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
Part of a Larger Group
The estate is run by MDCV, which manages four estates all committed to sustainable luxury. The group is “Bee Friendly” certified and employs 260 professionals across various specialities. Their focus is on authentic luxury, meaning responsibility, sustainability, and respect for local traditions and the environment.
Living Provençal
With its reopening, Château de Berne is ready to welcome travellers looking for a real connection to Provence. From the vineyards at dawn to the evening light over the Mediterranean, the estate invites guests to experience the region’s natural rhythm.
