Profile : Jean-François Berard, a Michelin-starred chef who brings honor to Provence

A graduate of the Ferrandi school, at a time when it was harder to leave one's village, René Bérard and his wife Danielle established their business in the heart of Provence.

It was here that their son Jean-François learned not only the basics of cooking, but above all a passion for fine produce and the marriage of flavors. After a year at the École Lenôtre, Jean-François perfected his skills with top chefs, including Frédéric Anton at Le Pré Catalan, before feeling ready to "come home", as his mother affectionately puts it.

Returning to Hostellerie Bérard in 2003, the son joined the father in the kitchen, and together they earned their first Michelin star. This was followed four years later, in 2020, by the award of a green star for their commitment to ecology and sustainability.

Located in the charming village of La Cadière d'Azur near Bandol, Jean-François Bérard's "René' Sens" restaurant offers elegant, tasty Mediterranean cuisine, combining authenticity and modernity with the seasons.

"We cook from the heart, based on conviviality, sharing and a love of fine produce". Far from being just a restaurant, Hostellerie Bérard is a group of houses in the heart of the village, where you can enjoy an unforgettable stay with a breathtaking view over the village of Le Castellet. "We run a 4-star hotel, but we consider ourselves to be innkeepers! Here, guests are welcomed with all the care and attention for which we've been renowned for 40 years".

Forerunners in the field of cookery courses, and always keen to be one step ahead, they have now embarked on the construction of a SPA. "Inspired by the 3-level Roman baths in Bath, England, our AromaSpa Bérard is an invitation to travel and relax.

Finally, for those with a passion for gastronomy and nature, the Bastide des Saveurs is a real must. Located near Hostellerie Bérard, this 19th-century Provençal house houses a kitchen garden where vegetables and herbs are grown to prepare the course recipes. Set amidst vineyards and olive groves, it's a romantic tribute to the past, to Provence and its traditions.

Hostellerie Bérard&Spa is a true haven of peace where guests can recharge their batteries, relax and enjoy an immersive, tasty experience in the heart of Provence.