Off-season, Saint-Tropez reveals its intimate side. From hidden hotel gems to legendary terraces and dreamy restaurants, here’s my guide to an elegant, poetic, and authentic Saint-Tropez.
An iconic village, Saint-Tropez is without equal. Unique in the world, it reminds us of the charm of the 1950s when Roger Vadim was filming “And God Created Woman.” It also reminds us that life is fragile: Brigitte Bardot is no longer with us. She lived in seclusion at La Madrague, devoted to animal welfare, far from the excesses of the jet set and the bling-bling atmosphere. “On the deserted beach. Shells and crustaceans…” These lyrics resonate here with a particular melancholy.
Those nostalgic for the New Wave and the carefree years prefer to stay in Saint-Tropez outside the summer madness. That doesn’t mean they shy away from the events that punctuate the calendar: Chefs Celebrate Producers (early May), La Bravade (mid-May), The La Ponche Literary Prize (late May), Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (late September), Paradis Porsche (October), or La Grande Braderie (late October).
For it is indeed off-season that Saint-Tropez reveals its intimate side. The sun is gentle, the water is a pleasant temperature, and the restaurant terraces breathe. The days stretch out slowly between dips in the sea, impromptu lunches with your feet in the sand, strolls through flower-lined alleyways, and cocktails savored in the golden light of the sunset.
Here is my selection of spots and beautiful getaways to discover an intimate, authentic, and poetic Saint-Tropez—in slow-life mode.
Find a refuge in a dream hotel… away from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez
A new generation of Saint-Tropez hospitality, AREV—meaning “sun” in Armenian—lives up to its name. Just a few minutes from Place des Lices, this boutique hotel immediately evokes a special feeling: that of being welcomed.
Set around Place des Oliviers, the property evokes a mini Provençal village where the pace naturally slows down. The gourmet restaurant The Strand and the champagne lounge celebrate a refined and sun-drenched Mediterranean. The sole, beautifully carved by server Pierre, is followed by a pear tarte tatin. Evenings sometimes take on the air of a suspended interlude when singer Myriam Abel emotionally revisits Édith Piaf.
We love the slightly theatrical decor conceived by Madrid-based designer Luis Bustamante. The various spaces and the 35 rooms and suites blend deep blues and vibrant reds in a style reminiscent of the Hamptons reimagined under the Provençal sun.
Around the heated pool, conversations slow down. A few guests try their hand at padel, while others hop on a chic electric bike or set off in a Méhari to explore the surrounding beaches.
AREV Saint-Tropez — starting at 630 euros per room in low season.
A member of Relais & Châteaux, La Bastide de Saint-Tropez elegantly cultivates the art of the discreet retreat. It welcomes loyal guests seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez. Here, there is no intrusive music: only birdsong and the rustling of palm trees accompany the days.
Nestled among olive trees, cypresses, and bougainvilleas,this oasis of peace centers around a manor house and four light-filled Provençal farmhouses. The 26 rooms blend shades of ecru, ochre, and sunny yellow in a classic and refined style. The delicate works of ceramicist Olivia Cognet lend a unique charm to this high-end retreat.
Click here to read the full article in Luxus Magazine
Featured Photo: The magic of Saint-Tropez during “Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez” week, late September–early October. DR
