A Family Home Since 1920
In the heart of Provence, in Lorgues, stands a Provençal farmhouse that has belonged to the same family for more than a century. Long before becoming an essential destination for lovers of fine dining and truffles, it was first and foremost a family home: a place of work, togetherness and tradition.
The story began in 1920, when Mariette and Jean-Baptiste Bruno left the Italian region of Piedmont to settle in Provence. They acquired this farmhouse, surrounded by farmland and fruit trees, never imagining that, decades later, it would become the birthplace of a gastronomic adventure renowned far beyond the borders of France.
In 1922, a new generation arrived at the farmhouse with the birth of Odette. For more than sixty years, life there followed the rhythm of the seasons, harvests and family gatherings. It remained a place of work, tradition and togetherness, shaping values that would be passed down through the generations: dedication, respect for the land and a genuine sense of hospitality.
In 1980, Clément Bruno returned to live on the family estate with his wife, Nicole. Together, they decided to give the farmhouse a new lease of life. Their ambition was simple: to create a place where guests would be welcomed as if they were at home, around sincere and generous cuisine deeply rooted in the finest local produce.
In 1983, the restaurant opened its doors. Its beginnings were modest. At first, Clément and Nicole welcomed friends, regular guests and a few curious visitors. Resources were limited, but their passion was immense. With patience, determination and an unwavering commitment to excellence, they gradually built the Maison Bruno we know today.
Before long, one ingredient emerged as the natural choice: the truffle.
At a time when few restaurants had made the truffle the centre of their culinary identity, Clément made the bold decision to place it at the heart of his cuisine. Season after season, he developed unique expertise, established close relationships with passionate producers and created a style of cuisine in which the truffle enhances each ingredient without ever overpowering it.
The early years required a great deal of hard work, patience and perseverance. Then came recognition. The Michelin star rewarded this demanding vision of gastronomy and celebrated years of dedication, loyalty to the finest ingredients and respect for the local terroir. From then on, Chez Bruno became an essential destination for lovers of fine dining, first from across France and later from around the world.
Over the years, the property expanded. Charming guest rooms, gardens and new reception areas were added to the restaurant. Yet one thing has never changed: the desire to preserve the family spirit that has shaped this place for more than a century.
Today, this story continues with Nicole, Nathalie, Benjamin and Samuel, supported by passionate teams who share the same values. In the kitchen, the dining rooms, reception, gardens and guest accommodation, everyone contributes each day to bringing Maison Bruno to life with the same commitment: offering genuine hospitality, exceptional cuisine and an experience that guests will remember for years to come.
At Chez Bruno, the truffle is far more than an exceptional ingredient. It has become the guiding thread of a family adventure, the symbol of a constant pursuit of excellence and the bond connecting all the generations that have shaped this house.
More than a century after Mariette and Jean-Baptiste arrived in Provence, the family farmhouse continues to welcome its guests with the same generosity, passion and love of sharing.