100 years of history at the Domaine du Rayol

From a farming background, Sybille Bernard left the Ardennes to attend a business school and then Political Science at the Sorbonne. After a "very very interesting "with a consulting firm in Paris, she decided to change direction " because I felt more fulfilled in the associative sector, in which I was very involved and which made sense ".

She joined the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva. As administrative and financial manager, she worked in many war-torn countries... An experience that made her realize that humanitarian crises are largely the consequence of climate change... She then turned her career towards environmental protection. First at Paris City Hall, where, as part of international cooperation, she worked " to make cities more resilient to climate change ", before joining WWF in 2023, where she was entrusted with "implementing the strategic plan ".

The offer from Domaine du Rayol was published, and despite her responsibilities at WWF, she responded " without hesitation! It wasn't an easy decision, but it was in line with my commitments: for me, taking over the management of the Domaine was a way of supporting a team driven by this unique natural site, and of promoting its reputation".

Sybille has known the region and the Domaine for a long time. Her grandmother used her savings to buy an apartment in Le Lavandou. She spent all her summer vacations there with her family, her parents settled there and she returned regularly to this department which she particularly appreciates.

Arriving in January 2024, the new director says she is

enthusiastic about the challenges we face: opening up to other areas that are close to the Domaine's spirit, and to scientists whose research is in line with our common goals. And with Le ^Bastidon1 we're going to carry out a unique project!

His vision of the brand?

We share the same values. The association serves a common asset owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, and we attach great importance to environmental quality: what we offer and sell to visitors is as symbiotic as possible with the land. In such an unstable world, we need a place like this more than ever, because it's a place of cohesion and intergenerational sharing.

This partnership with the National Park is a natural one. Our aim is to provide a quality welcome and raise awareness, so that visitors leave the estate saying "These plants have a life, there's a natural genius to be preserved, passed on and shared..." just as Gilles Clément intended when he created this extraordinary garden 35 years ago.

Esprit Parc National is a response to our desire to extend our influence. The Domaine is part of the Var coastline, adjacent to the Maison Foncin, facing the island of Port-Cros, next to the Three Capes, the Maures massif and the Salins d'Hyères. It contributes to a respectful approach to the environment, a prerequisite for harmonious cohabitation between man and nature. The brand allows us to benefit from the reputation and image of the national parks.

1. The Bastidon project: an immersive expedition into the fascinating world of plants, through playful virtual tools... and a label garden that brings together, around the pavilion, all the emblematic plants presented in the 7-hectare garden.