More than a century of dedication to our guests

In September 1900, Jean Chervet, a member of an old Bas-Vully family, obtained permission from the Canton of Fribourg to transform the family's former tannery into a restaurant, which he named Bel-Air.

Ideally located in the heart of the Vully region, with direct access to the landing stage and scheduled lake boats, Bel-Air quickly became a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation by the water.

Under the second generation, led by Max Chervet, the hotel business developed during the First World War in response to the demand for accommodation for military officers. This military clientele remained loyal to the establishment for many years.

Alfred Chervet, representing the third generation, paved the way for the Bel-Air wines. As the family had always owned its own vineyards, producing and vinifying its own wines was the natural next step.

Roland Chervet, the fourth generation and heir to nearly a century of family history, preserved the spirit and family character of the business while continuing its development through major renovations and improvements.

In January 2019, Roland Chervet passed the business on to the fifth generation. Nova and Igor Chervet took over the management of Bel-Air together, continuing a family tradition that had already spanned more than a century.

After three years of working together, Igor chose to pursue a different path. Today, Bel-Air is managed by Nova and her wife Natalija. Through her personal journey as a transgender woman, Nova demonstrates the importance of being true to oneself while remaining connected to one's roots.

The story of Bel-Air is, above all, a story of family, heritage and authenticity. Each generation has left its mark, shaping the establishment over the decades. Nova's journey now forms part of that history, alongside the generations that have contributed to making Bel-Air what it is today.

Nova and Natalija Chervet lead a team of more than 45 employees during the high season, which runs from May to the end of September.

The kitchen comes to life thanks to four chefs and six kitchen assistants under the leadership of Vincent Grisel.

In the dining room, a service team of around twelve people ensures the comfort and well-being of our guests.

From the first beautiful days of spring until autumn, our lakeside self-service restaurant, La Cambuse, welcomes walkers and visitors looking for tranquillity, refreshments and light meals beneath the shade of century-old trees.

The winery is managed by Nova Chervet and Christophe Dupasquier, a winemaker and cellar master from Praz. Holding a degree in oenology, he oversees the vinification and ageing of Bel-Air wines in a modern winery inaugurated in 2017.

Nova Chervet is a transgender restaurateur in French-speaking Switzerland and represents the fifth generation at the helm of Bel-Air. After taking over the family establishment, she continues, together with her wife Natalija, the story begun by her ancestors more than a century ago.

Nova has chosen to live openly and authentically while remaining deeply connected to her roots, her region and the history of Bel-Air. After more than fifteen years within the family business, her transition became a continuation of her commitment to the establishment rather than a break from her past.

At the helm of a long-established family business, she sees this visibility as a simple and sincere way of living in harmony with herself.

Convinced that hospitality begins with respect and authenticity, she works every day to ensure that Bel-Air remains a place where everyone feels welcome, whether to enjoy a meal, discover the wines of the Vully region or simply take in the view over Lake Murten.