Our comprehensive guide on where to stay, party, eat sip and unwind this summer in the Côte d’Azur:
WHERE TO STAY
CHÂTEAU DE LA MESSARDIÈRE
The 19th Century Château de la Messardière is one of the area’s hottest luxury hotels, sitting on 25 acres of lush gardens and complete with views of the Pampelonne Bay of Saint-Tropez, first-class amenities, five-star dining and rich culture. The French palace boasts an impressive art gallery with pieces from both international artists and works of Victoire de la Messardière. For some down time, guests can indulge in the hotel’s world-class Valmont and Cinq Mondes Spa and enjoy luxurious pampering.
HÔTEL BYBLOS
For five-star excellence and a haute scene, the swanky Hôtel Byblos is an excellent choice and longtime favorite of Saint-Tropez. The luxury hotel sits nestled away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, with everything you need right within the hotel, boasting beautiful amenities, fine dining and a serious nightlife scene. The hotel also offers guests the opportunity to stay at its private villa, La Capilla, for something more intimate, which sits just a walk away from the hotel next to Tahiti Beach.
WHERE TO PARTY (BY DAY)
NIKKI BEACH AND BAGATELLE
If you’re going to Saint-Tropez this summer, it goes without saying that you will be stopping at two of the destination’s hottest daytime beach party spots, Nikki Beach and Bagatelle. These two spots draw in the elite crowd in chic white attire, providing the best champagne-filled beach parties in true Saint-Tropez style. Nikki Beach paved the way for the daytime beachside partying scene with its debut in 2002 and has remained a top destination for jet-setters during the summer months ever since. Bagatelle will reopen in July, just in time to invite the summer crowd to kick off the season in style.
WHERE TO PARTY (AT NIGHT)
LES CAVES DU ROY
Although the daytime beach scene in Saint-Tropez is unbeatable, the nightlife is just as important. Les Caves du Roy in the iconic Hôtel Byblos is a must, as it is one of the most famous nightclubs in France. With music that will keep you dancing and bottle service to ensure that you’re never empty-handed, this hot spot guarantees a party going strong throughout the night.
VIP ROOM
VIP Room is the other token nightclub of Saint-Tropez. The members-only supper and dance club brings an air of exclusivity to the scene, offering not only hip dance beats and stellar bottle service, but also art exhibitions and a menu of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine available throughout the night.
WHAT TO EAT
VILLA BELROSE
Photo Credit: 3mille
Be sure to visit Villa Belrose, another fantastic five-star hotel in Saint-Tropez and make a reservation at its famed restaurant, Le Belrose, where you can try Michelin-starred Chef Pietro Volontè’s finest offerings of Mediterranean cuisine. Sitting atop a candlelit terrace with waterfront views, this spot is perfect for a romantic date night. Be sure to try the crowd favorite, Risotto Pietro Volontè, which comes out served in a parmesan wheel.
LE CLUB 55
Beachside favorite Le Club 55 is a Saint-Tropez staple, offering some of the freshest seafood around with an unbeatable scene. Situated on the gorgeous Plage de Pampelonne, your day is complete in the sun with delicious light, Mediterranean eats, a bottle of rosé and, of course, celeb-spotting.
WHAT TO DRINK
DOMAINE BERTAUD BELIEU
When in the South of France, there’s no better way to spend your day than sipping on some rosé. To make it into an excursion, be sure to visit Domaine Bertaud Belieu located in the heart of Saint-Tropez. Take a tour of the stunning property, which sits on 160 acres of land, and sip on some of the vineyard’s best wines as you take in the views. Be sure to stop in the store and pick up a few bottles to take back with you to enjoy as you kick back on the beach the next day—after all, it is the heart of rosé season.
WHAT TO DO
Although Saint-Tropez boasts a big party scene, it’s important not to overlook the other activities the destination has to offer. If you need a break from the beach, check out some of the shops in the triangle between Place de Lices, Rue Gambetta and Rue Allard where you’ll find everything from chic French boutiques, to designer stores and open-air markets.
For a private and luxurious getaway, charter your own yacht and explore the stunning beaches of the Saint-Tropez Peninsula. Dock your yacht and watch the sunset or stop at the famous Tahiti Beach.
