Sizzling Sensations from Saint-Tropez

Sexy Saint-Tropez

O.K., I mentioned Saint-Tropez a few posts ago and I’m still tapping into a well of exhilarating emotions.  What a scintillating town!  And all under the guise of an old fishing village that exudes a delicious combination of Provençal charm and Côte d’Azur pizazz.  It’s both glitzy and real.  To me, it’s one of the most picturesque and authentic tourist destinations in the world.  It’s also a great place for shopping and gallery going, so be sure to meander within the maze of old streets to seek out your favorite boutique.  K. Jacques, renowned maker of sandals, is most definitely one of mine.  You’ll also find lots of great pottery shops, antique dealers and fashion-forward clothing and accessories boutiques tucked within this glamorous enclave.

Hotel Byblos: A Saint-Tropez Classic

The celebrated Hotel Byblos is still the magical place to be for lodging, dining, drinks, spa treatments or lolling on the beach (hiding behind designer sunglasses in a skimpy little number, bien sur).  The whole establishment is awash with cheerful, fresh colors characteristic of Provence and the French Riviera.  The hotel has clearly not spared a dime in recent refurbishments since most of the rooms have been beautifully decorated in luxurious fabrics from leading French names Canovas, Frey and Lelievre. Here your beach experience is extended in bathrooms beautified with Italian marble, exotic tiles and polished pebbles.  For further pampering, visit The Byblos Spa that features a host of treatments created exclusively by Sisley Cosmetics for Byblos.  A stay here (and to Saint-Tropez) is not complete without dining at Spoon Byblos where you can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine along with an international wine selection.  An Alain Ducasse restaurant, the first Spoon, opened over ten years ago in Paris, a highly successful concept that has been replicated in several other countries.

Les Caves du Roy at Hotel Byblos

If nothing else, you must check out the scene at the Byblos club, Les Caves du Roy.  Here you’re sure to have a blast hanging with lots of beautiful people while dancing the night away to some of the most up-to-the-minute music in the world.

Simply Beautiful: La Réserve Ramatuelle

For a sleeker, more stream-lined experience, take in La Réserve Ramatuelle, the newly-opened resort in the oh-so tony neighboring village of the same name.  World renowned architectect, Jean-Michel Wilmotte has created an experience here like few others on the Côte d’Azur. Timeless style, seamless design and purity of line have been employed to produce a stunning hotel and spa that integrates harmoniously with the raw beauty of the coast.  You’ll find no frou frou embellishments here.  The result is a haven of peace and tranquility like none other that you’ll find on the hustling, bustling French Riviera.  I sent Dr. Jeffrey Walker, a world traveler and one of my contributors, here for dinner and he marveled about the space, adding that it was the most exceptional establishment he visited in his whole two-week trip to France.  This is a must for all discerning travelers.  Even if you don’t reserve a room at La Réserve, definitely carve out time to luxuriate at the restaurant or spa.

The Bar and Restaurant of La Réserve

If you do stay at La Réserve, you’ll be so content there that you might not want to venture out.  You must though, especially for the Saint-Tropez market (go early), beach going, boating and drinks in the cafés along the waterfront.

K. Jacques, 25 rue Allard and 16 rue Seillon, Saint-Tropez, (33) 4.94.97.41.50, www.lestropeziennes.com or www.kjacques.fr

Hotel Byblos, avenue Paul Signac, Saint-Tropez, (33) 4-94-56-68-00, www.byblos.com

La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel and Spa, Chemin de la Quessine, Ramatuelle, (33) 4-94-44-94-44; www.lareserve-ramatuelle.com

Other Favorite Addresses

Potier Augier, 22 rue Georges Clémenceau, Saint-Tropez, (33) 4-94-97-23-72; for boldly colored pottery

Sénéquier, 2 pl aux Herbes (tea salon) and quai Jean Jaurès, Saint-Tropez, (33) 4-94-97-00-90 and (33) 4-97-97-97-81, www.senequier.com; this sprawling café is a veritable institution and possibly one of the best places in all of the south of France to people-watch.

Saint-Tropez: Where Sailing is King

Thank you to LCI/CDT VAR for the use of some of the above images.