Domaine de Biar Montpellier

Discover an exceptional place close from historical center of Montpellier, an excuse to open up to a soothing nature, a domain dedicated to pleasure and well-being, perfect communion between the nourishing earth and the human inspiration, at the same time charming lodging, place of refined receptions and manade, Camargue horses adorning these lands between vineyards and Mosson… It is today the testimony of a rigorous eco-responsible approach.

History of the sleeping beauty

History recalls this place as a farmhouse before Louis XV gave it to his treasurer, the “Baron Bonnier de la Mosson”. It was transformed in a residence of pleasure that offers the flower of the city under the old regime.

The Folies were built in the countryside, in the middle of agricultural lands and vineyards. More recently, Bertrand Schmitt decided to open le Domaine de Biar to the public. It is now a place where we love and respect nature.

1155
Domaine de Biar is mentioned for the first time under the name : Manso de Biars. The fertility of these lands is maintained by a regular contribution of silt contained in the rivers that allow rich land crops and quality breeding.

1727
The young King Louis signed an act which authorized the sale of Biar by Charles Joachim-Colbert, Bishop of Montpellier and Maguelone. The Baron, Joseph Bonnier of Mosson, lover of arts and sciences, became the owner and began major construction works.

1882
The Domaine belonged to the agronomist Henri Marès, who is known for his discovery of treatments for diseases that affected grape vines. Marès was also the owner of the elegant Château de l’Engarran, which is located very near Biar.

Henri Marès dreamt of offering Domaine de Biar to his daughter Henriette to whom he dreamt of offering this beautiful place surrounded by an abundant natural setting. Unfortunately, he did not have time to finish his work and the property fell into oblivion and suffered the ravages of time.

2007
Bertrand Schmitt fell in love with this place when he entered its castle. Going from room to room, venturing into the outbuildings, strolling into the abandoned park. The restoration work and development were done with the respect of the environment in mind. It now welcomes lovers of serenity, authenticity and harmony.

Nowadays
More recently, Bertrand Schmitt opened le Domaine de Biar to the public. It is a place where people love and respect nature. In fact, restaurant, rooms, events, equicoaching are services offered to the guests follwing a sustainable policy.

Domaine de Biar has rediscovered its original activity through breeding and training horses, in the true tradition of the Camargue.

In fact, the Domaine owns about 25 horses that live permanently on the property. The Domaine also hosts a herd of bulls and cattle to graze on the vast prairies of Biar, rich due to their proximity to the water of the Mosson.

A journey through time
The Domaine de Biar is a place marked by history and nature as well as by the various owners who have succeeded each other. From the 18th century to today, this estate has been under many influences which have led it to be the charming residence it is today.

Also, we have chosen to dedicate each room to one of the characters who marked the place. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary universe that will take you on a journey through history.

Suites

Discover our suites with a breathtaking view of the park. Let yourself be carried away by the personalities of the former inhabitants of the domain who gave birth to such special universes. A unique experience that will transport you back in time and over time for an unusual stay.

Suite Augustin Coste

Biar is acquired by the Coste family after the revolution. Augustin is a spirited man who quickly made a fortune. He turned Chateau de Biar into a place where parties where held, more than a place to live.

This room was his, located at the heart of the building. A bathing area completely open and nestled behind the head board of the bed, hints of the contemporary within an ancient and authentic environment.

Suite Deluxe Bonnier de la Mosson

In a very classical atmosphere, she gently claims her aristocratic side. Baron Joseph de la Mosson, great lover of the arts and sciences, acquired the Domaine in 1727. This suite is as grandiose as the Baron himself.

It evokes, by its splendour and volume, the century of Enlightenment and excesses. Its curiosities and “hide and seek” doors are many surprises that will awake your mind and senses. A timeless voyage through the 17th century, at its most intimate.

Junior suite Magali

This suite benefits from a double orientation offering a splendid view on the manade of one of the balconies. The private lounge opens onto the other balcony overlooking the English Garden.

An elegant touch of classicism blends harmoniously with a mix of colors and materials post 80’s. A bright fitted kitchen, a bathroom with bathtub and a bedroom on the courtyard ensure a comfortable stay.

La Table de Biar, a “slow food” concept

Due to our commitment to the environment, we use local products. It is the reason why our Chef offers you an authentic cuisine with products from the region or from the garden.

Familial or gastronomic cuisine, seated or for a cocktail, we create menus that will delight your mouth. Effectively, our changing menu will surprise you everyday.

Table d’hôtes
Depending on availability, you can book the restaurant during your stay to discover the cuisine of la Table de Biar. These menus change everyday depending on the products our Chef has found. It allows you to taste homemade meals.

Lunch or dinner at the domain
If you are staying at the domain, you can book your table during your initial booking or at your arrival. On the other hand, la Table de Biar is openned to the public, depending on availability.

From the garden to your plate
Because we want to give you the best, we offer you, as often as we can, courses with products coming form our garden. It is cultivated by our gardeners with great care. Also, our orchard offers you its production depending on the seasons.

Then again, we can guarantee 100% plastic free products. In the same way, our chickens allow us to serve you fresh eggs every mornings. In other words, a meal at la Table de Biar is a meal that guarantees a local cuisine.

Cuisine meant for everyone
Food allergies or special diets ? You can book your table without fear. In fact, we adapt our menus and courses. To do so, you just have to specify your allergies or diets at the time of the booking (at least 24h before).

Your event at the Domaine de Biar

Conveniently located near Montpellier, 10 minutes from the TGV train station and 15 minutes from the Montpellier Mediterranean Airport,Domaine de Biar welcomes visitors to a sumptuous setting that awakens the senses, for business seminars, receptions, weddings and private parties.

Biar signature event
Domaine de Biar organises events centred around traditional practices of the Camargue, such as “ferrade” or training…

An original idea for participating animation for your seminars or receptions. Apart from the range of possibilities that the Camargue tradition can offer to organise events, Domaine de Biar is also a “manade” that boards and breeds horses.

Salle de Bal
After 10 years of renovations always combining value of heritage and environmental concerns, the Domaine de Biar finds its vocation of Folie by proposing its large Ballroom of 200 m².

This large reception room is decorated with a mezzanine of 40m ² and thanks to the “Salon Musique” that can be annexed, the possibilities are many for your gala evenings or promotional, weddings, conferences and other seminars up to 200 people.

With its monumental fireplace and its large south-east facing bay windows opening onto nature, the decor will meet both your creative and recreational needs and can be arranged according to your desires.

Our services

During your stay, take advantage of the domain’s services and activities. Between nature and relaxation, it’s a pure moment of well-being that awaits you. Upon your arrival, immerse yourself in a universe of sweetness conducive to rejuvenation and let yourself be guided…

Hammam and massages
A massage near the hammam, enjoying soft music and scents of essential oils or nestled in the kiosk of the English garden listening to the birds and enjoying the smell of freshly cut grass or roasted coffee beans, many places and chances to unwind.

Steam bath in a oriental atmosphere, smells and colors made for a complete relaxation. Book 30 min before you would like to use it, please ask our team.

Pool area
Swimming pool to cool down, pool house and bar to enjoy a fresh drink,deckchairs to relax in the shade… In the heart of the park, surrounded by trees and horses of the ranch, enjoy this idyllic setting.

In this way, you can enjoy the pool from june to september. In the middle of the park, it is the perfect place to disconnect and re-energize. With the meadows surrounding the pool, you can observe the nature while basking.

Tai Chi et Qi Gong
The classes of Tai Chi and Qi Gong will allow you to discover unknown aspects of your body. In other words : the internal movement and the breathing. It will help you find a deeper implantation, a better centering and peace of mind.

For these reasons, Eric Schmitt, will guide you by practicing simple and accessible movements. He is graduated of the French Federation of Chinese Martial Arts since 1986. Therefore, he will lead you through the discovery of this vital force.

The domain park
Immerse yourself in this green setting. 50 hectares filled with elegance and peace surrounded by beautiful vineyards. You will be charmed by this Garden of Eden, its trails that run along the Mosson river and vast meadows that are home to Camargue horses, herbs and bulls.

Slide into the imaginary from a book of Marcel Pagnol, live the French Mediterranean culture. The petanque balls are waiting for you at the reception for a game with friends on the dedicated space next to the pool.

Equicoaching, a new discovery

Equicoaching, is a combination of coaching and interaction with horses. This activity is for private individuals as well as companies. Effectivly, whatever your need is, the horses and the equicoach will lead you so you could reach your goals.

Based on the use of emotions, the equicoaching help you to improuve your relationship with others, but also, your relationship with yourself. The horse, being your reflection during this activity, helps you work in peace and without the fear of judgment.

Horses: mirror to the emotions
Personal development session with the assistance of coach and horses. Each session helps you open your mind to new horizons creating a privileged relationship with the horse.

A friendly atmosphere invites each participant to let go his defense mechanism. In the meadow with the horse or debriefing around a cup of coffee, your coach will accompany you through this voyage. Safety and kindness are key in this coaching experience that is open to everyone.

A guided experience
During this experience, you are guided by Johanna, an experienced equicoach. Away from all judgment, this activity makes you understand your attitude and the one of others without filter. The equicoach, acts like a moderator, advices you and guides you through this discovery.

Activities for everyone

At the domain or in its surroundings, you will find the perfect activites for your stay. The domain and the region have many activities to offer. Whether your are interested in nature, sport, culture or the city, a large range of acitivities is waiting for you. This way, your stay will be full of surprises and discoveries that will make it unforgettable.

The Dragon trail
«The path of the Dragon» represents the thirteenth «oenorando» of the department and extends over 13 kilometers, crossing the vineyard of SaintGeorge-d’Orques. This vine grower escapade offers you a real diversity of monuments and landscapes.

Vineyards, old stones and scents of Garrigue follow the hiker throughout the trail. The panoramas around the villages, follow one another with stunning view on the sea, the hills of Moure and the hillsides of the coast.

The circuit abounds in monuments. Castles : The castles of Fourques, Engarran, Bishops or the Abbey of Vignogoul and the belt of the Barris give a good place to the vineyards of 15 domains which mark out the route.

Wine tasting
We invite you to discover the vineyard of our neighbors. Located few steps from Domaine de Biar, you will access the Castle of Engarran by a little trail through the vineyards.

Each tour starts with a guided tour of the French gardens. A quiz will be given to each participant. The Engarran wines tasting, well known for their freshness and elegance, takes place in the wine museum, privatized for the occasion. A engraved glass is offered to each participant.

Montpellier city center
Discover Montpellier city center during an afternoon. In this way, with its streets full of secrets, you could learn a lot of this city marked by history.

Created during the Xth century, you can retrace its evolution through its buildings. Indeed, when you look up you can observe Jean Moulin’s appartment or the shells of Saint Jacques de Compostelle by looking down.

On the other hand, the different parts of the town will reveal their universe to you. In an artistic neighbourhood like Saint Roch, as if you were on “Les Champs Elysée” in Foch street ou during a royal walk at the Peyrou, Montpellier shall conquer you.

Villeneuve-les-Maguelone’s beaches
We advice you to discover the beaches of Villeneuve-les-Maguelone. They are part of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Due to their certification label “Le pavillon bleu”, you will find high quality water. Moreover, with its barrier beach going over 9kms, you will discover a large natural heritage.

Furthermore, you can discover the cathedral of Maguelone situated on a peninsula. Surrounded by vineyards and water, it is a view you must not miss. Moreover, this cathedral hosts artists, expositions and other animations all along the year. On foot, by train or bike, these lands will seduce you.

Ecology and sustainable policy

In six years of work, Bertrand Schmitt has awoken the beauty of the Domaine. This renovation had two requirements: respect for the environment, and, the revalorisation of the historical structure. The goal was to return Domaine de Biar to its original splendour.

Today, the domain has instaured a sustainable policy that leads its actions. Indeed, the place is self-sufficient in water, the garden provides for the kitchen, the meadows are cultivated in biological agriculture and more…

Environnement and social commitment

At Domaine de Biar, environmental protection and social commitment are an integral part of the organization of the estate. We encourage the conservation, recycling and rational use of energy. We seek to implement a sustainable development policy with all our partners and also with you who are staying in Biar.

Water “made in Biar”
The Domaine has its own water supply. In fact, water is pumped from a deep underground, filtered and treated. The water is of excellent quality and controlled by certified organizations. Then, used water is treated by a phyto-filtration system, and then, released into the nature.

A “slow food” concept
We propose products from the garden or organic products from local farming. Indeed, some of then come directly from our vegetable garden, chicken coop or orchard. For this reason, La Table de Biar offer you local and authintic cuisine.

Electric transports
When we can, we are using electric vehicles for the needs of the domain. In the same way, we provide electric bikes for the customers and a charging station for electric vehicles.

Sustainable agriculture
The vegetation retains carbon in the biomass and turns it in organic matter. So, the sustainable agricultural practices allow to store the carbon and to fight effectively against the global warming.

«The restoration of lands contributes not only to the fight against global warming, but also to the durability of the agriculture, food safety and to the reduction of poverty.»

Monique Barbut – executive secretary of UNCCD. Moreover, Biar’s breeding renovated and maintains 50 hectares of meadows not ploughed near Montpellier. We use exclusively organic fertilizers.

Societal commitments
Biar takes part in various projects of territory defense, defense of the environment, humanization of the company… The horses of Biar are the actors of the project ‘ La Camargue et des hommes ‘ within the jail of Arles and Tarascon.

On the other hand, Bertrand Schmitt is the president of the Association “Bionne-Mosson” and president of the Association “Amis du Villaret des Brévières”.

Bioconstruction
All of the construction materials used are organic : the insulation is wood wool, cork and lime-hemp, the original exterior carvings are in wood, the mortars and coatings are natural lime, tiles are lime-hemp on glass foam, internal portion walls are made from fermacell, eco-friendly paints…

Heating
The heating and air conditioning systems were rigorously studied to minimise CO2. Our heat pump system uses external air and a circulation circuit of water of low temperature. It runs through the walls, ceilings and floors, and offer both excellent ambient comfort and the best overall return.

Website: www.domainedebiar.com

Rooms: 7

Price: from 220 EUR per night