Château de Berne ★★★★★

The Château de Berne poses elegantly next to oak and slender cypress trees and is surrounded by colourful mounds of lavender and a sea of vines. Wisteria grows abundantly over the old stone walls and the outside spaces merge seamlessly with nature. The pool and its surroundings looked inviting, while shady terraces with sculptures and white linen-covered tables hinted at the gastronomic pleasures to come.

The building displayed its aristocratic heritage in its high ceilings and generously proportioned rooms. We were staying in a gorgeous rustic-chic Deluxe Room with twin beds and a fabulous view. Before anything, we sat on our balcony and absorbed the serene atmosphere. The room had a soft décor of pastel colours, lavender, cream, pale blue and white. Terracotta tiles covered the floor, and the furniture was primarily wood, honeyed, or white. The ornate wardrobe and cast-iron bed frames added to the antique, characterful feel. Our lounge area comprised two comfortable chairs and a rustic white wooden table. There was also a cute bureau, perfect for working on a laptop.

We made our way to one of the hotel's restaurants, Le Jardin de Benjamin. The weather allowed for al fresco dining and we were sat among olive trees, with candles flickering and fairy lights adorning the surrounding foliage. We dined on fresh local produce and vegetables hand-picked from the hotel's own gardens, skilfully prepared, and served with aromatic herbs. And of course, we were spoilt by the wine list. And where better to enjoy a vintage wine, than from than a dinner table listening to cicadas in the vineyards of its origins?

Of course, we took our mission very seriously and had a full wine tasting tour. First and we made sure we were fit for the job after a long day by rejuvenating ourselves at the spa. We felt totally spoilt by the best of Provence at Château de Berne.