The perfect concierge

You have to truly love your job to say: I wouldn't do anything else for a million dollars. Which is classic Julyan Cerna. His heart and soul go into being the concierge at Château de Montcaud.

What a statement! He says: "I wouldn't change my job, not for a million dollars". And when he adds that he is here to "make guests' dreams come true and give them unforgettable moments at Château de Montcaud", not for a fraction of a second do you doubt his words. Because Julyan Cerna is the perfect concierge. Someone who reads guests' wishes from their eyes. An ability that you cannot simply acquire, it is probably just in his genes. Julyan Cerna puts it like this: "As a concierge, I have to empathise with the guest. I have to find out what they need before they even ask for it." And what makes him extra-special: he knows the hotel's region like hardly anyone else. If you ask the charming Frenchman about a romantic spot, his rapid-fire answer will be: "I know a beautiful spot right by the river. Imagine a small forest clearing where wildflowers bloom, butterflies flutter and the water laps gently in front of you. Sitting there, hand in hand with your partner at sunset is romance par excellence."

Romance on a silver platter

I assume you have to be a hopeless romantic yourself to suggest such a place to a guest? Julyan Cerna laughs his charming and sometimes shy laugh and says: "Yes, maybe so." He is 46 years old, distinctively tall, with brown eyes. Star sign: Sagittarius. A sign that is said to have a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy. This can even lead to him helping guests to achieve lasting happiness. For example, when a visitor approached him and told him that he wanted to propose to his partner in an unforgettable setting, Julyan suggested a balloon ride. The groom-to-be bought a ring and Julyan organised everything else: from the hot air balloon to the champagne and flowers on board. The fiancée came back saying it was one of the best days of her life. Julyan was later also invited to the couple's wedding. He adds: "They are still happily married".

Tailormade perfection

Some couples also come to the Château de Montcaud to get married in the estate's enchanting forest park. This is a special challenge for Julyan. Apart from the setting in the hotel, there is of course the accompanying programme. Some ask for a magical two-hour cycle tour. Others want a fabulous golf course and even more want to visit an antiques market. Of course, Julyan has a tip for everything. For the latter, he recommends the market in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgues. "This town, says Julyan, is nicknamed Little Venice as the river Sorgues flows right through it. Not only are there numerous shops selling antiques, but also the market, which takes place every Sunday throughout the year."

Straight from to the source

Julyan Cerna loves the region. He grew up here, an hour's drive from the Château de Montcaud. He also lived in London for almost 20 years. "A wonderful city," he says, "but now I'm glad to be back in the south of France". Back in the countryside and nature. To recharge his batteries, switch off and come up with new ideas, he takes long walks with his two dogs through the vineyards or in the nearby mountains. After all, the Cévennes is one of the most beautiful regions in France with its national and regional nature parks, and within close distance of Château de Montcaud. Does he have a favourite place in the area? He doesn't hesitate for long. For him, the village of Aiguèze is one of the "most beautiful villages in the world": with a view over the Ardèche gorges and the vineyards of the southern Rhône valley. 

Just Julyan

One last question: Is there one wish you would never fulfillfulfil for a guest? He says: "The words 'never' and 'impossible' don't exist in my vocabulary. I fulfillfulfil every wish, as long as it's not illegal." Another classic Julyan statement!