Château de la Messardière

Hotel & Spa Saint-Tropez

PALACE

Press pack

Welcome to the Château de la Messardière

For nearly 30 years, we have happily and proudly

welcomed guests to the Château de la Messardière, one

of France's five-star Palace Hotels open between April and October. A peaceful haven with an opulence that

never fades, it has supported the arts since 1890.

Year after year, we have raised our standards to the highest

level with a series of expansions, renovations and innovations.

The result is an exceptional palace with discreet and authentic

luxury.

We continuously seek the best ways to offer our guests an

unforgettable stay worthy of the château. While staying with us,

you can enjoy walks through our ten-hectare grounds, wander

the natural trails or contemplate nature during a break on one of

our Salernes lava benches.

Over the years, natural progression has led me to develop greater harmony between the château and the grounds. Thus,

for eight years, our bees have produced honey that we serve up with our cheese platter in the evening at L'Acacia, our

gourmet restaurant. And our centuries-old olive trees and the olive grove planted on the hillside above our pond yield a

quality oil we gift to our long-term guests. A new space will be unveiled for 2019 near our pétanque court, a place for fun

with family or friends. In wintertime, we built a 'Kingdom of Princes and Princesses' at the heart of the estate for our youngest

guests aged 1 to 12 where they'll find a spacious games complex in natural wood. Our stunning natural setting can be

enjoyed in a number of ways, highlighting our ongoing quest for improvement and excellence.

My personal quest took shape after a journey that introduced me to many cultures at a very young age (taking me to Italy,

the Middle East and North Africa), and continued early in my career at prestigious hotels in Paris and then London. In 1991,

I took up a new challenge: structuring the Château de la Messardière, which had opened a year before. What was supposed

to be a 'temporary' job turned very permanent in an ever evolving environment. Since 2010 I have been the Managing

Director of this prestigious hotel, helping to make it grow and thrive. And yet I still love travelling and exploring the world as

part of my business representative work.

As always, I bring my enthusiasm and passion to this noble mission to enhance the estate and enchant our guests. The

Palace distinction bestowed in June 2012 rewarded the determination of myself and my loyal employees to see the Château

de la Messardière join the ranks of France’s most prestigious internationally recognised hotels.

I enjoy throwing myself into tasks such as supervising and supporting my teams (more than 180 people in high season),

launching a variety of renovation projects to keep guests comfortable and looking after them throughout their stay. We are

also committed to supporting and assisting a number of goodwill initiatives on the Saint-Tropez peninsula by organising

music festivals as well as supporting charities focused on children, disabled people and care. Since 2013, I have chaired

and managed line-ups for the Société Tropézienne des Amis de la Musique, which organises classical music recitals in

Saint-Tropez in spring and autumn.

Finally, in this Press Pack, I wish to share my passion for this hotel and its teams and encourage you to visit this stunning

place.

Alexandre Durand - Viel Managing Director

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHÂTEAU DE LA MESSARDIÈRE

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.

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

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 most beautiful locations in Provence are less than 130 kilometres away and can be

seen in a day.

To the east: La Croisette in Cannes, Nice and its promenade, Monaco and its casino.

To the west: Aix-en-Provence, the Cassis coves, etc.

To the north: Haut-Var, the Verdon Gorges, Thoronet Abbey and more.

LA MESSARDIÈRE: CHÂTEAU OF LIGHT

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.

They 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.

SUITES & ROOMS WITH A VIEW

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.

The hotel’s character is reflected in the carefully designed decor with terra cotta, parquet floors, lava stone, silky fabrics

and plush embroidered terry-cloth.

DINING AT THE CHÂTEAU

Jean-Michel Le Béon: all the flavours of the sea at the Château de la

Messardière

In autumn 2018, Jean-Michel Le Béon took the helm of 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.

Alexia Fresia: a passion for desserts

A true Ramatuelle native, Alexia Fresia is a 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.

RESTAURANTS & BAR

Dinner at L’Acacia

Colour, transparency, materials and light reveal a space that is luxurious but

not showy, sophisticated but low-key.

This theatrical, classic, contemporary yet timeless decor is the perfect

illustration of the Château de la Messardière character.

Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Venetian and Florentine inspiration and contemporary

design influences contribute to the lavish décor, details and atmosphere. The

restaurant boasts a panoramic terrace with views of the Pampelonne beaches

and the Ramatuelle vineyards.

These à la carte gourmet suggestions are also available as four set-price menus accompanied by delicious surprises:

From the Market Menu – three courses: €70

Vegan menu: Those who sow – four courses: €70

Mimosas Menu: Simply my food – four courses: €90

Tasting Menu: Pick of the menu – six courses: €120

A menu of more than 300 wines and champagnes

Every year, our Head Sommelier Charlotte Hellec introduces you to new local wines and the treasures of our cellar where classic meets

innovative in more than 300 bottles.

A Ciel Ouvert

Enjoy a gourmet lunch next to the spacious infinity pool in natural stone. On

the menu: the catch of the day, grilled meats, salads, club sandwiches,

pasta to order and the chef’s suggestions accompanied by a glass of

elegant Provence rosé.

Served from 12:30 to 3 pm. Open in the evening, weather permitting, in July

and August.

Le Soleil d’Eau bar

Get a fantastic evening off to a lovely start over an aperitif

with friends in the refined, ever so contemporary lounge with sea views.

Give in to the temptation of delicious cocktails while comfortably ensconced on

the bar’s terrace, soaking up the soothing atmosphere of a warm, starry night.

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.

THE ARTISTIC SOUL OF THE CHÂTEAU

For years, the Château de la Messardière has been a showcase for creativity. A number of artistic talents are

nurtured under Managing Director, Alexandre Durand-Viel, in painting, sculpture, classical music, jazz, literature,

film and more.

An artistic family tradition

Henri Brisson de la Messardière married artist and musician Louise Dupuy d’Angeac. The artistic soul of the

château has remained ever since. Victoire de la Messardière, one of the last descendants, has found her place of

honour and naturally showcases her work in the château of her ancestors. This eclectic, multi-talented artist expresses her passion with varied techniques, using pastels, collages, oil on

canvas and wood, fabrics, trimmings and stained glass. The walls of the château’s guest rooms and lobby are decorated with various esoteric and symbolic paintings and

glass painted with a thousand colours.

2019 exhibition: Saint-Tropez through the eyes of Bernard Buffet and the masters of the

Provençal school, original lithographic prints and oil paintings

Throughout the season, Alexandre Durand-Viel exhibits artists in the Galerie Victoire at the heart of the hotel.

Paintings, sculpture, photos, mosaics and other pieces share the space in an outstanding artistic experience. In 2019, Château de la Messardière pays tribute to artist Bernard Buffet in an exhibition celebrating Provence,

Saint-Tropez and the sea. An expressionist figure known for his portraits, landscapes and clowns, the French

painter created recognisable visuals with distinctive black lines. Alongside Bernard Buffet, Palace guests can

admire the creations of other great Provençal masters. Organised in close collaboration with the Galerie Estades (www.estades.com) which has specialised in the work of

Bernard Buffet and other great masters for more than 20 years and has offices in Paris, Lyon, Toulon and – since

this spring – Baden-Baden, Germany. This event will be one of the highlights of the Saint-Tropez cultural season.

Literature and writers at Château de la Messardière

Over the past six years, the Messardière Summer Novel Prize, launched in 2011, has unearthed and showcased

talent to guests throughout the summer. The winners have also been invited to enjoy a full-board stay – a chance

to reflect or sometimes put the finishing touches on their latest manuscript. In 2017, the Rencontres littéraires

(literary sessions) took place, gathering authors around a common theme before a book-loving audience. Wonderful

writer–writer and writer–audience discussions were followed by a book signing session.

A passion for classical and jazz music

The Château de la Messardière management is pursuing its partnership with classical and jazz music and investing

in prestigious events, as it has done annually for the past decade. The hotel invites its guests to share these

moments by offering VIP places for various music festivals: the Société Tropézienne des Amis de la Musique and

Musicales de Grimaud all season long, and Les Nuits du Château de la Moutte, Jazz in Ramatuelle and Caval'Air

Jazz Festival in summer. Since 2013, Alexandre Durand-Viel has chaired and managed the line-up for the Société Tropézienne des Amis

de la Musique. He has organised two prestigious series, the Printemps Musical (for the 11th year in 2019) and the

Festival d’Automne (for the 15th year in 2019), thus contributing to the Saint-Tropez culture scene.

PEACE AND ENTERTAINMENT

The grounds: a protected revival space for children and adults

The Château de la Messardière grounds are peaceful and relaxing. Overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, they extend over ten hectares with paved trails for timeless strolls. As

they wander the paths, our guests discover the abundant and flourishing flora and fauna as well as a pond

where two white swans live peacefully alongside all manner of duck breeds, depending on migrations. The grounds are perfect for loafing about. The lava benches by the best artisans in Salernes await in the

shade of stone pines as does a little gazebo lounge looking out over the water from our pavilion. Culture is never far away in the Château de la Messardière, even in the grounds, with walkers stumbling

upon the 'Sculpture Garden' by Jean-Philippe Richard.

The pétanque court with family or friends

A stone's throw from the pond, the pétanque court awaits for fun games with family or friends. This sport is

firmly rooted in local tradition. A cross-generational activity, it assembles and requires precision and control. Our Bar team offers bowls games and will even (with a little notice) organise afternoon tea or an aperitif

there.

The Kingdom of Princes and Princesses

New for 2019, children from 1 to 12 are guests of honour in the Château de la Messardière grounds.

Completely dedicated to our Princes and Princesses, this space has been fitted out with a range of natural

wood games in four sections for different age groups. A host of activity areas have been specially designed

for little adventurers, allowing parents to watch them blossoming and laughing in the shade of pine trees

under the Saint-Tropez sun. Throughout their stay, our youngest guests can reach for the sky on the swings or test their skill on cone

courses or games of balance, under the constant supervision of their parents or an accompanying adult. As

laughter rings out, little ones can create a thousand and one stories in the Hansel & Gretel house while

older or livelier children can flourish on the two slides in the Square Tower. Set away from the swimming pools and rooms, here children give free rein to their

enthusiasm and joie de vivre.

COMMITTED TO NATURE

A charter to reconcile luxury with ecological practices

The Château de la Messardière introduced an environmental charter in the late 90s. To best protect the château's incredible

setting, the luxury services must not waste precious resources or generate pollution. The charter outlines the actions under way to encourage ever-more responsible behaviour and describes the simple

gestures guests can make during their stay to contribute. All employees are also involved in this initiative. We recycle our

waste as much as possible and our gardeners use green waste to create quality compost which they scatter on our flower

beds. We are also introducing ladybird larvae as an effective predator of leafhoppers and other aphids. Thus, the combination of luxury and ecological practices ensures the lasting comfort of guests now and in future

generations.

Fauna: Bird Life International: a long-standing commitment

The Château de la Messardière grounds are one of the few private places recognised as a 'natural refuge' by Bird Life

International in France with the label dating back to the 2000s. Thus, wooden perches are attached to the estate trees where we place food in winter. Welcomed in this way, the birds (tits

to be precise) nest and restrict the proliferation of processionary caterpillars in the pines. In 2017, we also began introducing

various breeds of chicken which enhance the diversity of the fauna while helping to recycle organic waste (one chicken can

absorb up to 150 kilos of waste a year which is sorted in advance by our kitchen and service teams). Ideally, we will soon

reintroduce the chickens that prey on the Asian hornets attacking our bees. Designed as a water reserve for fauna, the

pond also sustains this commitment, reflected in the introduction of swans, ducks and fish (the latter prevent the proliferation

of mosquitoes). This body of water is very popular with sedentary and migratory species – an essential spot allowing them

to water, rest and reproduce.

Flora: the château's honey, herb garden and olive oil

The château’s hives produce quality honey thanks to the biodiversity of the grounds – where local plants and a number of

melliferous varieties grow – and minimal use of insecticides and pesticides which are harmful to bees. The château honey

features on the menu at the L'Acacia restaurant, offered with the cheese trolley or as part of a dessert. This fertile land also brings us a herb garden and olive trees. The aromatic herbs are a valuable treasure served to guests

by our cooks, pastry chefs and bartenders. As for olives, around 350 to 400 kilos of fruit are hand-picked every autumn.

This harvest yields 60 to 70 litres of oil with the help of professionals from the Château Léoube in La Londe-les-Maures. The honey is carefully transferred to 250g jars and our olive oil to 25cl bottles and given to our long-

term guests as leaving gifts. This allows them to take a tangible, natural part of the château away

with them.

THE PARTNER TROPÉZINA BEACH

A SPECIAL WELCOME

Welcome to the legendary Pampelonne Bay!

Our partners Patrick Germain and Alain Badel invite Château de la Messardière guests to spend the summer on their

private Tropézina Beach which nestles, dreamlike, on the shore.

This incredible natural space is envied the world over. Cape Camarat and Cape Pinet mark out the peninsula's most

prized assets: the sea in myriad shades of blue, fringed with deep pine forests and proud vineyards. Five kilometres of

fine sand glitter languidly in the sun. Since the 1950s, holidaymakers from around the world have been flocking to this

paradise to enjoy the seaside charms in a relaxing or party spirit, depending on their mood.

A few hundred metres from the hotel and a two-minute drive away, the Tropézina Beach encapsulates the Pampelonne

magic with a little added extra: abundant Mediterranean vegetation in immediate proximity, forming an actual sea

garden! Our private shuttles allow guests to travel there as and when they please, without worrying about the journey or traffic.

Other bonuses include towels with the Château de la Messardière logo, a glass of champagne to get lunch off to a good

start, free mattresses and parasols in spring and autumn and free parking. There is also the option to sign for the

beverages consumed that day.

SERVICES AND INFORMATION

Opening times: April to October

Reception and personalisation The 'Golden Keys' Head Concierge and their employees meet guests’ every need to organise tailor-made days and

unforgettable nights. They also handle all the necessary bookings (flights, cars, etc.)

Ten-hectare grounds The relaxing, subtly-scented Mediterranean grounds have been beautifully laid out with botanical trails. Pine, mimosa,

cypress, palm, olive and boxwood trees are carefully maintained with environmentally friendly practices. The Château de la Messardière was the first hotel in France to be awarded the official Bird Life International refuge label

around the turn of the new millennium.

An infinity pool in natural stone heated to 28° all season long. The big 20m x 12m swimming pool and its solarium overlook the Bay of Saint-Tropez. White mattresses and parasols,

sofas and wide armchairs beckon guests to relax and take it easy.

Tropézina Beach Several hundred metres from the hotel, its beautiful golden sand beach and restaurant welcome guests in search of

relaxation.

Shuttle and free Wi-Fi A 24-hour shuttle whisks guests to the beach and the centre of Saint-Tropez in three minutes. The Wi-Fi is self-service

and easy to connect to at Château de la Messardière. These services are very popular with guests.

Room Service Whatever the hour, our teams will serve up small or larger meals in no time.

Reception and seminar rooms The château has 650m² dedicated to events and business tourism. The Canebiers Room, bathed in natural light and extended by a huge terrace overlooking the gardens and the Gulf of

Saint-Tropez, is a wonderful setting for unique, exceptional events.

Affiliations and Certifications

2 Route de Tahiti – 83990 Saint-Tropez – France

Tel.: +33 (0)4 94 56 76 00 – Fax: +33 (0)4 94 56 76 01 hotel@messardiere.com - www.messardiere.com

Press Contact: Pascale Venot Press Office

Christine Pigot-Sabatier

+33 (0)1 53 53 41 29 / +33 (0)6 73 23 56 30 christine@pascalevenot.com