Provence offers much more than the well-known coastal resort cities. Molly Dyson goes off the beaten track to visit a tranquil property that is anything but ordinary
Far from the tourist-clogged beaches of the Côte d’Azur lies a peaceful resort nestled in the hills of Provence. While Château de Berne is best known for its expertly made wines, its boutique hotel and excellent restaurants offer a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
An accident on the main road on the way from the airport means we have to detour through parts of the city of Nice and seeing the masses of people flooding the pavements makes me happy to be heading into relative seclusion.
Château de Berne sits in 1,500 acres of land, nearly 300 of which are devoted to the vineyards where all the grapes used in wine production are grown. As soon as we arrive down the twisting road that leads to the main hotel, the views unfold in front of us, thanks to an impressive plateau from where you can see lush green mountains for miles.
The resort, which has been open to the public since 2005, features two buildings containing 25 guest bedrooms and suites, each of which is individually designed with a unique theme. My deluxe room in the main hotel is the only one at the property without a balcony, but the massive windows more than make up for it. Elegantly styled with the passion of the revolution in mind, the décor is old-world France meets the 21st century with splashes of red throughout. The huge bathroom is decorated with traditional Provençal tiles with modern touches such as a heated towel rack.
Shortly after arriving, I’m invited to the winery for an exclusive tour and tasting. The manager shows me around the machines and explains in fascinating detail how each type of vintage is made. Then she takes me to the main barrel room, where the smell of grapes pervades and I’m stunned by the vivid blues and yellows of the château’s seal in stained glass. The tour ends at the boutique shop, where she guides me through a sample of the various wines made on site. Personally, I’m partial to the Grande Cuvée Rosé, with its light, fruity flavour.
Dinner that night is at L’Orangerie, where I’m served a wonderful selection of delicious French dishes accompanied by various wines. My favourite meal, though, is lunch at La Bouscarelle, where the menu focuses on traditional Provençal flavours. The lobster risotto is too tempting to pass up. It doesn’t disappoint and the meat in my half portion complements the creamy sauce and rice perfectly. As it’s a hot day and we’re seated outside, the waitress cleverly suggests a chilled glass of sparkling rosé to cool me off.
Corporate guests will find a plethora of activities available at the resort, in addition to a selection of indoor and outdoor meeting rooms. You can choose from a wine tour, cookery classes, bicycle riding, perfume making and lawn games. I feel adventurous, so I tag along with a member of the quad-biking team on an all-terrain buggy tour of the property. He takes me down rocky paths through the vineyards and stops to point out the spot where it is believed the first vines in France were planted by the Greeks thousands of years ago.
In your down time you can take a dip in the pool, or chill out in the enclosed Jacuzzi, which overlooks the property’s olive trees and the mountains in the distance. For the ultimate relaxation session, book yourself in for a treatment at the spa, where natural grape products are used for facials and the therapists are highly trained in the art of massage.
Château de Berne offers the last word in tranquillity, something that makes corporate retreats that much more special.
Château de Berne, Route de Salernes, 83510 Lorgues, France; +33 4 94 60 43 60; chateauberne.com. Room rates start from €190 a night; prices for bespoke corporate events vary and can be quoted on enquiry
Molly Dyson travelled to Nice with Easyjet. The airline flies there from eight UK airports, (Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Liverpool, Luton, Newcastle and Stansted) with prices starting from £30.99 per person for a one-way ticket, including taxes and based on two people on the same booking. All flights can be booked at easyjet.com
