The Story of Château de La Messardière
From love and loss to the decadent parties of the Roaring Twenties, from a gradual decline to a glorious revival, the story of Château de La Messardière is wreathed in all the timeless magic of Saint-Tropez.
From wedding gift to aristocratic haven
Nestled in the hills of Saint-Tropez and surrounded by the lush Ramatuelle vineyards, Château de La Messardière stands as a testament to the grandeur and elegance of the past.
Built in the 19th century, this magnificent 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.
The couple, who shared a passion for art and nature, lived a tranquil life at the château with their seven children, enjoying long horseback rides and the serene countryside of the Var region.
With Henry's untimely death, Louise was compelled to transform the château into a hotel for prestigious guests. By the Roaring Twenties, Château de La Messardière had become a hotspot for the Parisian aristocracy, and extravagant Gatsby-esque parties filled the château’s grand lounges with music and laughter.
Revival and renaissance
After changing hands multiple times and facing years of abandonment, the château was eventually restored in 1989 under the guidance of Jean-Claude Rochette, chief architect of France’s Monuments Historiques.
The restoration infused the building with a blend of Anglo-Moorish, Oriental, Mediterranean, Florentine, and Provençal styles, preserving its historical charm while adding a modern elegance.
In 1992, the château was acquired by the Gibier family, who continued to enhance its grandeur. It became a landmark of luxury in Saint-Tropez, boasting a large semi-circular swimming pool with breathtaking views of the bay and the Mediterranean's turquoise waters. The château's reputation as a central hub of Saint-Tropez high life was secured, attracting guests from around the world seeking that quintessential Côte d’Azur experience.
A Palace in Saint-Tropez
The château's most recent chapter began in 2019 when it joined the Airelles Collection, heralding a new wave of extensive renovations and culminating in a grand reopening in July 2021. Today, Château de La Messardière enjoys the illustrious Palace status, offering an irresistible, evocative blend of historical charm and modern opulence in Saint-Tropez.
From a storied past to a luxurious present, the château’s transformation from a 19th-century family home to a beacon of luxury hospitality is a testament to the enduring magic and splendour of Château de La Messardière.
The spirit of Saint-Tropez
Experience luxury elegance at Château de La Messardière
