Bernis: Historic Center, Architectural History and Garrigue

Bernis stretches from the southern tip of the Nîmes hills into the Vistrenque plain and across the Costières ridges. As a result, different types of landscape meet within the commune. The town also offers tangible points of cultural and historical interest: from its medieval historic center and Romanesque features to 19th-century architecture. This blend makes the townscape and surroundings defining themes of a stay in Bernis.

Historic Center and Architectural History

In its medieval historic center, Bernis preserves a circulade—a circular village layout—shaded by plane trees and lined with 19th-century town houses. A square tower dating from the 13th century is also part of the old center and is a village landmark. The Bernis heritage discovery trail invites visitors to explore the town’s historical and architectural heritage. The trail and circulade make the townscape and architectural history a focus of any visit.

The Romanesque nave and portal have been preserved in the Church of Saint-André. A milestone bearing the name of Emperor Claudius supports one of the nave’s transverse arches. This detail connects the Romanesque building with an inscribed stone that serves a structural function here. The Protestant temple belongs to a later building phase: designed by the architect Charles Durand, it was built between 1811 and 1827; its bell tower was added in 1847. The different dates help place the temple’s construction and the later addition of the tower in context.

The public washhouse is also part of the town’s history. It was inaugurated on 19 April 1896; access has been permanently closed since 5 February 1996, so the washhouse cannot be visited.

Garrigue and Trails

The Garrigue of Bernis has botanical trails and reconstructed capitelles, or dry-stone huts; visitors can also discover the local fauna and flora there. The Sentier des capitelles bernissoises is a 5-kilometer circular trail marked in yellow, with nine capitelles. Markings and trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out. The commune also recommends the Balade du Vistre. Visitors can therefore choose between different interests: trails and nature watching on the one hand, and history and architecture on the heritage trail on the other.

Winegrowing and Agriculture

The winegrowing history includes the cooperative “Les Vignerons de Bernis,” founded in 1939. In 1986, its winery received the “Costières de Nîmes” AOC designation. Sales at the former tasting room ended in 2021. The founding, later AOC designation, and end of sales activity can thus be distinguished chronologically.

Another aspect of agriculture can be found at Mas des Genêts in Bernis. This modern, environmentally conscious farm keeps a herd of speckled Alpine goats and has its own cheese dairy. The listing mentions AOP Pélardons and other goat’s milk products; product information may change. The history of winegrowing and goat cheese production are thus distinct strands of local agriculture.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Aubais, Saint-André-De-Valborgne, Montignargues, Colognac, Saint-Privat-De-Champclos, Saint-Laurent-D'aigouze, Rivières, Ners

For the main travel overview: Gard.