St Tropez, France
Hilltop palace above Saint‑Tropez offering sweeping bay views, expansive spa facilities and refined dining in a secluded Riviera setting
Our review
It was raining in St Tropez on the day we visited but there is nothing dreary about this hotel.
A 19th castle, the hotel was converted 30 years ago. It has 86 rooms, many of them suites and all offering either a terrace or balcony. The hotel is seasonal, opening from April to October.
It is located in a residential area, set in 10 acres of landscaped grounds, overlooking St Tropez with views over the bay from the large terracotta tiled Acacia terrace, where breakfast and diner is served. There is also a bar.
Only 800 metres or so from the beach, there is a free shuttle to it and St Tropez itself.
The large outdoor pool has plenty of sunbeds. The hotel offers free Wifi and free parking.
Polished terracotta tiles in the public areas and antique rugs, together with art pieces collected by the owner make a distinctive statement in this very individual hotel. In particular, the hotel has two wonderful grandfather clocks, glass tables with inset flower vases, leaded light pieces and a oversize hand holding a cigar by sculptor Gerard Le Roux.
The large spa has an indoor heated pool with Jacuzzi and offers a range of treatments in six rooms using Valmont and Cinque Mondes products. There is also a Thai massage facility and Hammam and sauna. The hotel also has a hairdresser and small boutique.
The Pampelonne Suite (named after St Tropez’s most famous beach), decorated in soft browns and creams, has polished tiled floors, antique rugs and a huge terrace overlooking the bay. There are double sinks in the bathroom, velvet robes and twin sinks in unusual deep red lava stone.
Independently owned, the hotel has gracious public spaces. As with most hotels in St Tropez, it’s an outdoors sort of place, but perfectly peaceful. It is also safe, with 24-hour security and garaging for guests’ cars on request.
Rooms
Château de la Messardière features approximately 85 rooms and suites, set within the historic château and surrounding villas. Accommodation is spacious and elegant, with Italian‑inspired interiors, marble bathrooms and private terraces or gardens. Many rooms and suites offer panoramic views across the Gulf of Saint‑Tropez, Pampelonne Bay or the estate’s landscaped gardens.
Food and Drink
The hotel offers a diverse dining collection including Matsuhisa Saint‑Tropez, led by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, serving Japanese‑Peruvian cuisine with sweeping sea views. Mediterranean flavours are showcased at Palladio, while Jardin Tropézina offers beachfront dining with seasonal French cuisine by Chef Jean‑François Piège.
Additional dining venues provide relaxed garden meals, breakfast terraces and sophisticated bars for cocktails and evening aperitifs overlooking the bay.
Wellness
The Valmont Spa at Château de la Messardière spans over 1,000 square metres and offers a comprehensive wellness experience. Facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam rooms, sauna, fitness centre and treatment rooms. Spa rituals and therapies use Valmont skincare products, alongside bespoke wellness programmes.
Facilities
- Extensive wellness spa and fitness centre
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Private beach club access
- Landscaped gardens and walking paths
- Kids’ club and leisure areas
- Concierge and shuttle services
- Meeting and event spaces
- Free Wi‑Fi and parking
Location
Château de la Messardière is located on a hillside above Saint‑Tropez, overlooking Pampelonne Bay and the surrounding vineyards. The hotel is a short drive from the town centre, Place des Lices, Pampelonne beaches and the boutiques and nightlife of Saint‑Tropez.
Getting there
Address: 161 Route de Tahiti, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Arriving by air: La Mole Airport – Located 12 miles (20 km) 30 minutes by carNice Côte d'Azur Airport – Located 70 miles (112 km) 90 minutes by car
More information
To see hotel pictures, for more information on facilities, to check availabilty or to book a stay then please click below
Disclaimer
Paul and Livvy will earn a small commission if you book using the links above. This never affects our review and helps us provide useful information. We endeavour to make our hotel information as accurate as possible but things change over time. For any specific requirements or questions, please always check directly with the hotel before booking. We cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.