The hotel: Built in 1928, the hotel began life catering for the artistic community already discovering the light and views of the Cote. Regulars like Coco Chanel and Jean Cocteau made it the place to be. During the war it was requisitioned by the Germans but following that it was liberated by the Americans and soon became the stopping off point for the demi monde of Paris. A full refurbishment in 2001 gave it its current calm, restful chic and the stunning rooftop suspended pool.
What to do: Market day in St Tropez is Saturday and Tuesday – see a vibrant mix of ceramics, handmade soaps, locally grown produce and have lunch at one of the market square.
The harbor is home to yachts worth more than most London homes and St Tropez is a popular stopping off point for sailors.
The town has been popular since the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot gave its tourist board a boost, though Picasso and Sartre had discovered it before her) and is a mix of a ‘normal’ French town and the Champs Elysée, with its designer stores and upmarket restaurants.
Hotel de ParisHead along the coast to Cannes or Nice, or to the quieter towns and beaches near Le Lavandou for a spot of sunbathing.
Getting there: By plane to Toulon-Hyeres or Nice-Cote d”Azur, by train to Hyeres. Hire cars locally or take the local buses.
Contact
The Hotel de Paris is part of the Preferred Hotels Group
