Chateau de la Messardière in St Tropez to open in summer 2021
The Château de la Messardière overlooks Saint-Tropez, perched on top of a hill. The Var’s biggest five-star hotel has earned the 'Palace' distinction, naturally contributing to the renown of this legendary village. Share
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the Var abounds with beauty at every turn: lush nature, over 400 kilometres of coastline, a majestic hinterland full of contrast, a rich historic and cultural heritage and an enviable way of life. Ideally located between Monaco and Provence, the Château de la Messardière is five minutes from the beaches of Pampelonne and the heart of Saint-Tropez.
The Château de la Messardière is known for its stunning location, a pristine setting, luxurious amenities and bespoke service. This exceptional location regularly attracts an international, demanding clientele in need of recharge and averse to soulless hotels. A quiet, bright atmosphere reigns over these historic settings.
A gem between Provence and the French Riviera
The narrow, winding road ends at the majestic gate before a long drive lined with shimmering flowerbeds takes you to the heart of the estate. The silence is broken only by birdsong at this protected refuge as the hum of Saint-Tropez fades away.
Everywhere you turn at the Château de la Messardière, the most beautiful views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle vineyards and Pampelonne beaches await in the eternal heat.
An authentic 19th-century home, the château was restored and extended in 1989. Turrets, cupolas, vaults and colonnades enhance the light and shape the space. These additions underscore the power of the architecture and its harmonious perspectives without altering the charm and character of a bygone era. In its current form, it is a Mediterranean-style hotel at the heart of a ten-hectare pine grove. Its walls reflect bright nuances.
The ochre tones of Provence rival the azure blue of the sky while the velvety rooms offer refuge from the sun. Over the years, a subtle marriage of styles has emerged with wrought-iron scrollwork, mosaics, Salernes lava and terra cotta, combining Art Deco inspiration and Florentine flourishes.
The hotel’s character is reflected in the carefully designed interior decor with terra cotta, parquet floors, lava stone, silky fabrics and plush embroidered terry-cloth.
The 57 suites and 60 guest rooms have private terraces or gardens, allowing guests to enjoy a delicious and magical breakfast with views over the stunning landscapes. Located in the château or on the estate, the suites and guest rooms are available in ten sizes, ranging from 25 m² to 65 m². All are extremely comfortable with outstanding amenities. The most beautiful suites come with complimentary services.
Dining at the Château
Jean-Michel Le Béon is the Chef de cuisine at the friendly lunchtime restaurant ‘A Ciel Ouvert’ near the swimming pool. In the evening, he serves up more elaborate cuisine at the ‘L’Acacia’ restaurant with its panoramic terrace overlooking the vineyards and Pampelonne beaches.
A native of Brittany, Jean-Michel Le Béon learnt his trade at the Nice culinary school. The chef then honed his talent and perfected his sophisticated, delicious cuisine in major restaurants, treating guests to his strong Mediterranean influences at the Château de Taulane in La Martre, Villa Mauresque in Saint-Raphaël and Chez Bruno in Lorgues.
His dishes combine the flavours of the French Riviera and Italy with the occasional Oriental touch. Mindful of current environmental concerns, Jean-Michel Le Béon favours local produce, mostly working with hand-picked regional producers. His menu changes with the seasons and nature’s offerings. This year, as in last autumn, his extensive experience and love of produce are sure to be a huge hit with food lovers.
A true Ramatuelle native, Alexia Fresia is the young pastry talent who delights the taste buds of Château de la Messardière guests. Alexia puts a new spin on old pastry classics while developing her finesse and dessert presentation technique.
Her menu offers seasonal delights, such as ‘the soufflé with château honey, raspberry and bergamot granita and fromage blanc ice cream with honey’, ‘the soufflé tartlet with Manjari chocolate, pine nut praline and caramel ice cream with Herbes de Provence’ and her delicious, must-try ‘vanilla panna cotta with olive oil–lemon ice cream’. All of these wonderful desserts are delightful additions to her menu.
The Valmont & Cinq Mondes Spa
Long renowned among savvy guests as the ultimate in refined Saint-Tropez luxury, the Château de la Messardière is also a fully-fledged wellness destination with its 465m² spa. Tucked away at the heart of the hotel, “it looks as though it’s always been there,” comment Château regulars, delighted at discovering this beautiful wellness space. There is no room for flashy luxury here.
The very spacious spa reflects the ‘bespoke’ craftsmanship of the finest artisans with ceiling skylights, parquet floors in Versailles oak, stained glass, wrought-iron railings, vaults and colonnades in dressed stone, paving in white Croatian stone, mosaics and more.
Bathed in natural light, opening out onto a magnificent Italian garden, the spa beckons nature into the peaceful haven. A relaxation area shares this space. The relaxation area boasts a counter-current swimming pool, jacuzzi, men’s steam bath with showers and a locker room, women’s steam bath with showers and a locker room and a fitness room with cardio and Technogym weight-training machines.
Gentle facials, body treatments, massages, manicures and pedicures are offered in the spa’s three treatment rooms: the Thai massage room, the twin treatment room with steam bath and the manicure and pedicure room.
The spa offers a range of treatments in partnership with famous cosmetic brands Valmont and Cinq Mondes, treating guests to the best facial and massage treatments from around the world.
For more information, visit www.messardiere.com
