Château de Berne is a sprawling 1,000-acre vineyard and olive estate in Provence, where a historic wine domaine has evolved into a premium resort that blends luxury hospitality with sustainable agriculture. Part Relais & Châteaux hotel, part working organic farm, the estate’s 40 rooms are set within a beautifully restored stone château and farmhouse buildings. Renewable energy plays a central role in daily operations, with discreet solar panels atop winery buildings providing a significant share of power.

Organic Vineyards & Sustainable Winemaking

The estate’s 170 hectares of vineyards have been fully converted to organic farming. Synthetic pesticides and herbicides are avoided, while soils are enriched with natural compost and biodynamic practices. The result is a collection of award-winning Côtes de Provence wines that are expressive in flavor and gentle on the land.

Guests can tour the wine cellars to discover sustainable techniques such as solar-powered pumps and gravity-fed winemaking, both of which reduce energy use. Beyond the vineyards, Mediterranean pine forests and wild garrigue scrubland are carefully preserved, offering safe habitats for wild boar, hare, and pollinators.

Michelin-Starred Farm-to-Table Dining

Château de Berne is home to Le Jardin de Berne, a Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant celebrated for its eco-responsible cuisine. Ingredients come directly from the estate’s organic kitchen garden, orchard, and truffle oak grove. Free-range chickens provide fresh eggs, while estate-produced olive oil, honey, and breads complete the ultra-local philosophy.

The chefs embrace a “0 km” approach to Provençal gastronomy, where flavors are shaped by the land itself. Guests can even join gardeners in harvesting tomatoes and zucchini for the day’s menus or meet the estate’s donkeys, which play a role in natural vineyard management.

Wellness & Eco Spa Experiences

Sustainability extends to wellness at Château de Berne. The luxurious spa uses natural grape-based Caudalie products and local aromatic oils. Energy needs are met by a biomass boiler fueled with vine prunings and wood chips, while solar thermal panels heat the outdoor pools. Treatments draw inspiration from nature, offering guests a restorative experience rooted in Provence’s traditions.

Green Practices Across the Estate

The estate’s sustainability efforts go well beyond winemaking and wellness. Waste is rigorously recycled, drip irrigation conserves water in the gardens, and electric golf carts replace cars within the property. EV charging stations are available for guests arriving with electric vehicles. Walking and cycling trails encourage slow exploration, while a dedicated biodiversity trail educates visitors about local flora and fauna.

Sustainable Luxury in Provence

By combining organic viticulture, Michelin-starred farm-to-table dining, and eco-friendly hospitality, Château de Berne demonstrates that ultra-luxury and authentic sustainability can coexist. Whether cycling through vineyards, practicing yoga under olive trees, or sipping a glass of organic rosé at sunset, guests leave with a sense of well-being and connection to the land. Holding the EU Ecolabel, Château de Berne stands as a model of how sustainable hotels in Provence can celebrate both luxury and responsibility.