A historic 19th-century château, now part of Airelles, set within 13 magnificent hectares above Saint-Tropez with extraordinary Mediterranean views, exceptional dining, beautiful pools, a Palace distinction, and privileged access to Pampelonne.
High in the hills above Saint-Tropez, Château de La Messardière offers a completely different perspective on the French Riviera.
Set within a magnificent 13-hectare estate of umbrella pines, cypress trees, Mediterranean gardens, and vineyards, the 19th-century château overlooks the Bay of Pampelonne and the surrounding countryside. Despite being only minutes from the village, arriving here feels like retreating into a private Provençal world of its own.
The château began with a love story. Built in the 19th century, it was given as a wedding present by wealthy cognac merchant Gabriel Dupuy d’Angeac to his daughter Louise and her husband, cavalry officer Henry Brisson de La Messardière. Following Henry’s early death, Louise transformed the family home into a luxury hotel, and by the Roaring Twenties it had become a fashionable retreat for Parisian aristocracy.
In 2019, a new chapter began when the historic property joined the Airelles collection. Importantly, Airelles preserved the Château de La Messardière name and identity, recognizing that the château was already part of the history of Saint-Tropez rather than attempting to reinvent it under a new name. Following an extensive renovation, it reopened in July 2021, its heritage intact but transformed into the extraordinary resort it is today. Château de La Messardière now carries both its historic name and the distinctive Airelles approach to hospitality and holds France’s prestigious Palace distinction.
There are 86 rooms and suites, many opening onto terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, gardens, or surrounding hills. Yet La Messardière is less about staying inside your room than surrendering to the estate around it.
Days unfold between beautiful pools, vast gardens, tennis, yoga, electric bikes, and the 1,000-square-meter Spa Airelles overlooking Pampelonne Bay. When the Mediterranean calls, guests enjoy privileged access to Jardin Tropezina, Airelles’ private beach club on Pampelonne, where the Provençal cuisine is overseen by Chef Jean-François Piège.
Dining is almost a destination within the destination. Matsuhisa brings Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to the château; Palladio celebrates Mediterranean flavors overlooking the sea; La Table de La Messardière stretches from an extraordinary breakfast into relaxed Mediterranean dining; Bar 1904 handles cocktails; and Jardin Tropezina takes the experience directly to the beach. Cédric Grolet’s celebrated pastry creations add yet another reason to stay on property.
But one of La Messardière’s greatest luxuries is how effortlessly Airelles connects this secluded world with Saint-Tropez itself. Guests can be transported by Rolls-Royce or Mini Moke between the château, Jardin Tropezina, and Airelles’ Salon Messardière in the center of town—an especially valuable privilege when summer traffic and parking can transform even a short Saint-Tropez journey.
This is not simply somewhere to stay while visiting Saint-Tropez. Château de La Messardière can easily become the reason for the trip.
