Gorgeous Ceramics by Artisans at Atelier Romain Bernex

In 1998, Marie Pierre and Cyrille Huyghues Despointes started Atelier Romain Bernex.  They had a common vision to open their ceramics studio. The slightly crazy concept was triggered one spring evening by the light of a glowing ceramic kiln. Marie Pierre and Cyrille brought to the project passion for creation from their backgrounds in the design and manufacture of furniture.

Today Atelier Romain Bernex with a staff of four sells 80% of their production to boutiques, hotels and specialty stores in France. They also export from their catalogue of 60 different patterns to many countries in Europe and around the world.

The initial concept was to use external creative (designers and artists), but quickly they began to prefer their designs and refined the production techniques. Marie Pierre and Cyrille both craft the pottery. Cyrille tells me that the creations reflect the natural Provençal landscape.

Initially, the inspirations for Atelier Romain Bernex pottery were of Mediterranean in origin (antiquity, North Africa, Provence and southwest France). Gradually more influences came from Chinese ceramics. The key drivers for their designs are relaxation, simplicity and practicality.

The vibrant finished colours of Atelier Romain Bernex pottery are essentially the brand’s signatures. Cyrille described enamelling as the “highlight” of their workshop. The colour development is spurred by a wistful thought and is often linked to nature, landscapes, minerals and plant life. To achieve a deep, unmatched brilliance of Atelier Romain Bernex glazes the team uses transparent and coloured enamels from specialty artisan workshops. They use a spray technique that is demanding and infrequently used  by other ceramics producers. These high-sheen enamels are the “autograph” of their workshop. There are nine colours creating a rainbow of 540+ options from the products line.

Want to visit?

Atelier Romain Bernex

124 Chemin de Fanfinette,
84600 Valréas, France
Telephone: +33 (0)4 42 04 79 89
Schedule an appointment in advance.

Image credits: All images were provided by and published with permission of Atelier Romain Bernex

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).