What if you had an exceptional Christmas this year? Come and enjoy part of the festivities in a Relais et Châteaux in Provence in the heart of the vineyards. Add to the magic of Christmas the luxury of a 5-star hotel and a starred or gourmet restaurant. You will discover the wonderful traditions of a Christmas in Provence. For this, the Château de Berne in the Var is the ideal place.
A Christmas in Provence
In Provence, Christmas is an ancestral tradition accompanied by several rituals. The festivities start on 4 December for Sainte-Barbe and end on 2 February for Chandeleur. It is a real moment of sharing and conviviality for all the families of Provence. At the beginning of the Christmas festivities in Provence, wheat seeds are planted and left to germinate. It is said that they will bring a prosperous year.
The santons of Provence
Santons mean "little saints" in Provencal. They are an essential part of the Christmas decorations in all Provencal homes. They are part of the cultural and artisanal heritage of Provence. Made of clay and painted by hand, the santons represent various characters. Thus, at the beginning of December each year, the tradition of a Christmas in Provence is that these santons are displayed in the famous cot. This one represents a typical village of the country with its carders, shepherds, weavers, olive pickers, lavender pickers or fishermen. It even includes the wheat sprouts planted on 4 December. The village surrounds the stable representing the scene of the birth of Jesus. He is present alongside the Virgin Mary, Joseph, the donkey and the ox.
The 13 desserts
The traditional Christmas meal in Provence ends with the 13 desserts eaten after mass on the evening of 24 December. 13 desserts to represent Jesus and his 12 apostles. There are beggars, dried fruit, biscuits, fruit and pastries. According to Provençal tradition, these 13 desserts are kept on the table for the next three days.
A family Christmas at the Château de Berne in the Var
Spending Christmas with your family in a Relais et Châteaux in Provence means experiencing the magic of Christmas in a wine estate, at the Château de Berne, in the heart of authentic nature. Nestled in the heart of vineyards and century-old olive trees, you will enjoy a unique and exceptional place with refined decoration and at the heart of the festivities of a Christmas in Provence.
At the heart of Provençal traditions
Located in the hinterland of Provence, the Château de Berne allows you to enjoy the Christmas markets in Provence and the santon fairs. Numerous at this time of year, you will find a rich gastronomy typical of the region: candied fruits, oreillettes, nougats... You can even make beautiful gifts for your loved ones from local crafts: soaps, jewellery, fabrics, ceramics, objects made of olive wood. Children are not left out. Indeed, animations allow them to take full advantage of it: illuminations, skating rinks... The fairs with santons exist since more than 200 years and always gain a great success near the families. You can find them in all the villages of Provence as well as in Aubagne, the international capital of santons. The whole family can enjoy the beautiful traditions of a Christmas in the heart of Provence.
An exceptional place for a successful Christmas
The Château de Berne, a 5-star Relais et Châteaux, offers you the opportunity to experience the festivities of a wonderful Christmas with your family. From single rooms to family rooms and independent villas, the hotel offers all types of accommodation to suit your wishes and needs. You will be staying in an exceptional place with authentic charm and a chic Provencal country style decoration. You will be able to enjoy exceptional food in one of the 2 restaurants (starred and Bib gourmand) of this Relais et Châteaux de Provence. From November onwards, the Château de Berne organises its own Christmas markets within the estate:
- Local products ;
- Animations ;
- Provencal Christmas decoration ;
- Tableware ;
- Local gastronomy;
- Carriage rides ;
- Arrival of Father Christmas in a horse-drawn carriage.
The Château de Berne offers you a real Christmas enchantment in Provence. You will find your childhood soul and share unforgettable moments with your family. Experience a Provencal Christmas at the Château de Berne.
Discover the rooms and suitesrestaurants, the wellness area (Spa, fitness) as well as the proposed activities at the Château de Berne. You won't want to spend a Christmas in Provence without discovering this wonderful place.
