The Backroads of Provence: Part 2 – Chateau de Berne

Part 2 in the series, The Backroads of Provence
By Diane Covington

We left the amazing Terre Blanche and continued along the winding roads in the hills above the Mediterranean toward our next destination, Le Chateau de Berne, a winery and 18th century chateau and inn. On the way, we stopped for a coffee at Saint Endreol Golf Course, a lovely spot to golf or stay, but we wanted to keep going–we were excited to experience the Chateau de Berne.

We also stopped at Chateau Sainte Roseline to taste some Rosé wine and visit their chapel, well worth the stop. Then just down the road, we entered the over 1500 acre estate of Chateau de Berne . This very successful vineyard and inn feels like you’re staying in a country house of a generous and well off friend. Like Terre Blanche, the quiet and peace of the place is palpable and refreshing. The rooms are upstairs from the restaurant and it feels like you’re home and running downstairs for dinner. Their website calls it an ‘intimate country residence’ and they have it right.

We relaxed in our comfortable room before dinner and then headed down the stairs for a memorable evening. Our dinner menu was paired with wines from their own vineyard, white, rosé and red. We started with mixed smoked salmon, parma ham, parmesan cheese and tender greens. Our main course was a slow roasted lamb cannelloni with lamb chop. Then came a selection of cheeses and then dessert, a tasting plate including crème brulée and other luscious bite-sized treats. The fine damask tablecloth and napkins in a soft peach color on the table, the fresh flowers on the table and throughout the rooms and the excellent service made us feel very taken care of and wanting to stay as long as possible.

The next morning, we swam in the heated pool as the sun came up and turned the clouds and sky a rosy pink. Breakfast of fresh croissants and fruit and a lazy morning at the inn prepared us for our journey back down to the coast to rediscover Saint Tropez and Sainte Maxime, off season. Stay tuned for the next update and more adventures.

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For more information about this area of ‘Undiscovered Provence’, check out these websites:
www.tourismevar.com
www.var-prestige.com