With one grand sweep, the elegant gates of Château de La Messardière open and you ascend up the driveway framed by statuesque emerald cypress trees into an ethereal world, straight from the pages of a fairytale. Under an apricot sky, the twinkling lights of the Côte d’Azur glitter like fireflies from afar as you approach the 19th-century palace of Château de La Messardière.
Today, Château de La Messardière enjoys illustrious Palace status and is the crown jewel of Saint-Tropez. Nestled in the hills and enveloped by the rolling vineyards of Ramatuelle, Château de La Messardière is so extraordinarily beautiful, it leaves you instantly spellbound.
Set in 13 idyllic hectares of spectacularly beautiful and aromatic gardens, there are parasol pines that stretch elegantly to the powdery peach sky and the air is heavy with sweet fragrant jasmine. In the fading evening light, it feels like you are wearing rose-coloured glasses, everything is kissed in a pale pink glow.
The majestic château was originally a wedding gift from Gabriel Dupuy d’Angeac, a wealthy cognac merchant, to his daughter Louise Dupuy D’Angeac and her husband, cavalry officer Henry Brisson de La Messardière. From romantic beginnings to the roaring twenties when the château was beloved for its glamorous soirées, they were said to be so hedonistic and opulent that even Gatsby would have been envious.
Once an aristocratic haven, Château de La Messardière fell into a gradual decline. It changed hands many times and was sadly abandoned for a considerable amount of time until it underwent a renaissance in 1989 under the guidance of Jean-Claude Rochette, chief architect of France’s Monuments Historiques.
Château de La Messardière was restored carefully with love and the result was a melting pot of influences, including; Anglo-Moorish, Oriental, Mediterranean, Florentine and Provençal. Château de La Messardière was brought to life once more with a new lease of life yet all of its historical charm and magic restored.
Château de La Messardière’s most glorious revival of them all was still yet to come. In 2019 it joined the prestigious Airelles Collection which heralded a new wave of extensive renovations and a grand reopening in the summer of 2021.
You could wander the grounds of Château de La Messardière for an eternity and still be enraptured. It offers an intoxicating blend of historical charm with modern amenities and a deep affinity for the surrounding nature.
There are four pools, the Terrace Pool, the Lap Pool, the Kids Club Pool and the Indoor Pool. The heated Terrace Pool overlooks the luscious gardens and is reserved exclusively for guests, The Lap Pool is perfect for earybirds who love a peaceful morning swim, this hidden gem can be found nestled in the beautiful gardens.
Amongst the pine and olive trees is the Château de La Messardière Kids Club pool can be found. It is a kingdom full of magic and imagination and is easily the most impressive kids club in the world. It boasts a dedicated multi-storey Kids Club Villa, trampolines, herb garden, a tree house and even its own farm.
Last but certainly not least is the indoor pool in the opulent 1000m² Valmont Spa. Framed by sunloungers, this indoor adults-only pool, is perfect for those rare cloudy days. After a relaxing swim, explore the honey-hued wood spa with golden accents, try the hammam, sauna, fitness centre or treat yourself to one of the extraordinary spa treatments in one of the nine treatment rooms.
For those who are looking for a more high-octane wellness experience, enjoy the outdoor gym which is stocked with top-of-the-range Technogym equipment and boasts hypnotic views of the bay of Saint-Tropez. Hit the tennis courts for a match under the sun or explore the two new padel courts. For those in search of a slightly slower pace, head to the idyllic al fresco yoga studio which is enveloped by beautiful private gardens.
At Château de La Messardière there is everything you desire and so much more. You can even repair and restore your body with the help of Oseteopath, Tom Pichaud. Specialising in bespoke osteopathic podiatry treatments as well as a myriad of issues, from headaches to general women’s health, a session with Tom makes everything better.
At Château de La Messardière, you are in a waterside paradise but if you prefer to venture further afoot there is Jardin Tropézina. This luxurious private beach club is set on the golden shores of the Mediterranean, in the beautiful Bay of Pampelonne. Relax under a parasol as you take in the glittering ocean and enjoy a chic lunch at the restaurant by Chef Jean François-Piège.
Make use of the incredible feet of Rolls-Royces that are at guests disposal throughout their stay. Whether you are spending a day at the beach or the evening among the superyachts in Port de Saint-Tropez, your friendly chauffeur will be happy to transport you in the utmost luxury.
Stay in the sumptuous Suite Victoire, this 150m² apartment is perfectly private and ideal for families. It boasts two spacious bedrooms, a large family room and an elegantly appointed dining room. There are multiple terraces, each offering stunning views of the gardens or the ocean.
Included in the stay, is one of the most impressive gourmet breakfast buffets in the world, access to the Valmont spa, a sun lounger and parasol reservation at the Jardin Tropézina, laundry service, hot drinks, a packing and unpacking service and non-alcoholic poolside refreshments.
Pets are more than welcome at Château de La Messardière. Your furry friends will have their own cosy bed, a bespoke dining menu, pet sitting services and surprise gifts, all for no additional charge.
Château de La Messardière is a culinary destination in its own right. There are eight restaurants and dining experies at the Château, from sweet treats by one of the world’s finest pâtissiers, Cedric Grolet to Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez which brings the imitable cuisine of Chef Nobu to the French Riviera, served on a spectacular panoramic terrace.
Palladio is a firm-favourite of guests to Château de La Messardière. This green oasis is open every evening, welcoming guests on to the sprawling terrace to enjoy all of the flavours of Italy. There is a wonderful selection of wines, which are perfectly paired with delicious Italian classics, from tomato salad with Mozzarella di Buffala to Rigattoni alla Norma, and of course not forgetting the classic decadent Tiramisu.
After dinner, order another cocktail and stay a while. Take in the silvery slither of the ocean beyond which glows pearlescent at nightfall. Everything is as beautiful and hazy as a watercolour by Monet, enjoy every moment of your palace, even if it is just for the night.
2 Rte de Tahiti, 83990 Saint Tropez, France
