How about an exceptional Christmas this year? Come and enjoy part of the festive season at a Relais et Châteaux in Provence, right in the heart of the vineyards. Add to the magic of Christmas the luxury of a 5-star hotel and a Michelin-starred or gourmet restaurant. You'll discover the wonderful traditions of Christmas in Provence. Château de Berne in the Var is the perfect place to do just that.
Christmas in Provence
In Provence, Christmas is an age-old tradition with many rituals. The festivities begin on 4 December with Saint Barbara's Day and end on 2 February for Candlemas. It's a time for sharing and conviviality for all the families of Provence. At the start of the Christmas festivities in Provence, wheat seeds are planted and left to germinate. It is said that they will bring a prosperous year.
Santons of Provence
Santons mean "little saints" in Provençal. They are an essential part of the Christmas decorations in every home in Provence. They are part of Provence's cultural and craft heritage. Made of clay and hand-painted, santons represent various characters. At the beginning of December each year, the tradition of Christmas in Provence is to display these santons in the famous nativity scene. The crib depicts a typical Provencal village, with its carders, shepherds, weavers, olive gatherers, lavender pickers and fishermen. It even includes the wheat sprouts planted on 4 December. The village surrounds the stable depicting 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. They include beggars, dried fruit, biscuits, fruit and pastries. According to Provençal tradition, these 13 desserts remain on the table for the next 3 days.
A family Christmas at Château de Berne in the Var
Spend a family Christmas at a Relais et Châteaux in Provence and experience the magic of Christmas on a wine estate, at Château de Berne, right in the heart of an authentic natural setting. Nestling among the vines and ancient olive trees, you'll enjoy a unique and exceptional setting, decorated with refinement and at the heart of the festivities of Christmas in Provence.
At the heart of Provençal traditions
Situated in the hinterland of Provence, Château de Berne is the perfect base from which to enjoy the Provencal Christmas markets and santon fairs. There are plenty of them at this time of year, and you'll find a wealth of gastronomic delights typical of the region: candied fruit, oreillettes, nougats... You can even make beautiful gifts for your loved ones from local crafts: soaps, jewellery, fabrics, ceramics and objects made from olive wood. Children are not left out. There are plenty of activities to keep them entertained: illuminations, skating rinks, etc. Santon fairs have been held for over 200 years and are always a big hit with families. You'll find them in every village in Provence, as well as in Aubagne, the international capital of santons. The whole family can enjoy the beautiful traditions of Christmas in the heart of Provence.
An exceptional venue for a successful Christmas
The Château de Berne, a 5-star Relais et Châteaux, offers you the chance to experience the festivities of a wonderful family Christmas. From single rooms and family rooms to detached villas, the hotel offers all types of accommodation to suit your wishes and needs. You'll be staying in an exceptional place with authentic charm and chic Provencal country-style decor. You can treat yourself to exceptional dishes in one of the 2 restaurants (Michelin-starred and Bib gourmand) of this Relais et Châteaux de Provence. From November onwards, Château de Berne organises its own Christmas markets on the estate:
- Local products ;
- Entertainment;
- Provençal Christmas decorations ;
- Tableware ;
- Local gastronomy ;
- Horse-drawn carriage rides ;
- Father Christmas arrives in a horse-drawn carriage.
Château de Berne offers you a truly magical Christmas in Provence. Recapture your childhood spirit and share unforgettable moments with your family. Experience a Provencal Christmas at Château de Berne.
Discover the rooms and suitesthe restaurants, the wellness area (Spa, fitness) as well as the proposed activities at Château de Berne. You won't want to spend another Christmas in Provence without discovering this wonderful place.
