Confidential Saint-Tropez

A summer spot of global renown, Saint-Tropez has been a magnet for jetsetters since the 1950’s. With each new season, this former fishing harbour inaugurates new hotels. A tour of addresses offering prime locations and impeccable design, both tasteful and glamorous...

Each summer, fans of partying, seaside pleasures, 5-star shopping and gastronomy meet up in the most glamorous of all the villages on the Côte d’Azur. A mandatory port-of-call for celebrities, Saint-Tropez has set people dreaming ever since Brigitte Bardot created a buzz in her pink gingham dresses on the famous harbour, now hosting fabulous yachts. Saint-Tropez has also won the favour of many artists and writers who, from Guy de Maupassant to Picasso via Françoise Sagan, Boris Vian and Ernest Hemingway, liked to meet around large congenial tables in front of the harbour or on the seafront. It was, in fact, here that Henri Matisse painted his famous “Luxe, Calme et Volupté” : a programme that still has its fans in 2016. Sheltered from the bustling Quai Suffren, the Citadelle and Place des Lices, a few hotels of genuine charm, real havens of peace and quiet, propose a casual-chic atmosphere. Ideal addresses for anyone wanting to discover an esthetic Saint-Tropez, serenely installed in a suite basking in sunlight, with its private pool.

Les bonnes Tables :

Le Colette

In a discreet setting on the Place des Lices, this mansion with 8 rooms plays the ace of chic design, especially with its champagne bar signed Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Each Thursday in summer, open-air concerts are held here, and the hotel’s Mini-Mokes take guests for rides along the coast to discover wild creeks, or on wine-tasting excursions in the vineyards of the Var. www.white1921.com

In a discreet setting on the Place des Lices, this mansion with 8 rooms plays the ace of chic design, especially with its champagne bar signed Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Each Thursday in summer, open-air concerts are held here, and the hotel’s Mini-Mokes take guests for rides along the coast to discover wild creeks, or on wine-tasting excursions in the vineyards of the Var. www.white1921.com

This year, the little Kube has grown to become Le Klub ! What’s new ? A villa that can be privatized, 27 more rooms, a bar, restaurant and Carita spa. This 5-star hotel offering sleek architecture and minimalist decor is the first “design” hotel in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Comprised of a central building and 7 villas set around the pool, it offers a privileged setting, ideally located at the entrance to the village. www.kubehotel-saint-tropez.com

This year, the little Kube has grown to become Le Klub ! What’s new ? A villa that can be privatized, 27 more rooms, a bar, restaurant and Carita spa. This 5-star hotel offering sleek architecture and minimalist decor is the first “design” hotel in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Comprised of a central building and 7 villas set around the pool, it offers a privileged setting, ideally located at the entrance to the village. www.kubehotel-saint-tropez.com

This year joining the collection of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”, Le Muse is listed in the Top 5 “Sexiest Hotels” by the famous Mr and Mrs Smith. In the midst of an ecological garden, the hotel consists of 14 luxury suites, often split-level with private gardens, plunge pools, wine cellars... With the arrival of fine weather, Nikki Beach takes up its summer quarters here. www.muse-hotels.com

This year joining the collection of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World”, Le Muse is listed in the Top 5 “Sexiest Hotels” by the famous Mr and Mrs Smith. In the midst of an ecological garden, the hotel consists of 14 luxury suites, often split-level with private gardens, plunge pools, wine cellars... With the arrival of fine weather, Nikki Beach takes up its summer quarters here. www.muse-hotels.com

The restaurant at the Hôtel Sezz proposes a gourmet menu comprised of grills from a wood fire featuring the very best meat : Black Angus, Wagyu from Chile, Sisteron lamb, Iberian pork... The decor is contemporary and bathed in light. www.colettesainttropez.com

L’Acacia

This season, Patrick Berthier, executive chef at the restaurant of the palatial Château de la Messardière, has enlisted the services of Bilal Amrani, chef at the gastronomic restaurant “La Sivolière” in Courchevel. Cuisine by two pairs of hands

giving priority to local produce. www.messardiere.com

La Vague d’Or

Recently taken over by LVMH, La Pinède, a 5-star member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, can lay claim to cuisine

of real excellence, orchestrated

by 3-star chef Arnaud Donckele. Between land and sea, his dishes are an invitation to discover local cuisine with a very personal touch. www.residencepinede.com