Opened onto the sea as a sea shell, the La Ponche square is the soul of Saint-Tropez’s old village. Discovered by Guy de Maupassant, adopted by artist Paul Signac at the end of the 19th century, this district of Saint-Tropez and the small La Ponche bistrot became the favourite place of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés clique during the fifties. Today, this true family institution has retained its fine life style where the feeling of well-being is much sought after by those who love Saint-Tropez. Nestled by the seaside, La Ponche and its magic view is a source of true happiness.
SPIRIT AND VALUES
“La Ponche was then (in 1958) a refuge. A place for resting, enjoying and writing”.
“Days went by in a carefree and pleasine atmosphere. We chatted for hours then we went for a swim, followed by a nap before enjoying dinner on the port”, - Juliette Greco remembers.
“At La Ponche, there is still that mythical hotel where we once felt “at home”, where stayed Françoise Sagan, Juliette Gréco and a whole crowd of amusing pals...These were the good, easy going times, when all was simple and true”, - Brigitte Bardot.
“I got out of bed, opened the shutters, and saw the sea and the sky radiating the same blue, the same pink, the same happy feeling”, - Françoise Sagan.
These testimonies and tokens of affection are a perfect reflection of the family spirit prevailing in the hotel.
While greeting great personalities as well as all true Saint-Tropez fans seeking harmony and serenity, La Ponche is a true home with a special soul. As would a family, hotel's team likes to give special attention to each one of guests.
A PLACE LOADED WITH HISTORY
In 1888, this ancient tavern overlooking the fishing harbour of the "la Ponche" area, had no prospective of a future. Purchased in 1938 by the parents of the present owner, It as become over the decades an absolute Tropezian "must", the smallest and most private 5 starred Hotel of Saint-Tropez. Once a modest fishermen’s bar, favoured by Boris Vian and Simone de Beauvoir during the early fifties when the hotel only had three or four rooms, this large family home expanded and was embellished over the years to become a meeting place for writers such as Jacques Laurent and Michel Mohrt, painters like Picasso and Bernard Buffet, actresses including Juliette Greco and Jeanne Moreau. Françoise Sagan, fan of the hotel and of Saint-Tropez during more than 30 years, wrote to owner Simone Duckstein: “I so much love your house, your parents, the new rooms each time...”
These celebrities chose this address and its authentic and intimate setting for meeting up to enjoy special moments. The establishment has today preserved this heritage with rooms and suites being named after these illustrious occupants. Enjoy a stay in the Brigitte Bardot suite or the Georges Pompidou room with its super view on the citadel. Loads of history here, with the sea and the La Ponche beach at your feet, but also a prime position in the heart of the old village of Saint-Tropez.
Today La Ponche attracts great names such as Jack Nicholson as well as a number of famous French actors and film makers.
1938
Margot and Lucien Armando, the parents of the current owner, buy the little fishers' bistro known as "La Ponche" on the square known at the time as "Cavaillon".
1945 - 1950
Boris Vian, taken by the district, creates a nightclub: "Saint-Germain-des-Prés, La Ponche" in the cellar adjoining the La Ponche bar. The war is over, jazz is in vogue, and jam sessions take place here every evening.
Boris Vian plays his trumpet in the company of black American saxophonist Don Byas. Singer Juliette Gréco, poet Paul Eluard, philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty and actor Pierre Brasseur join the party!
JUNE 1953
Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir live at the Hotel La Ponche, which now has four or five rooms.
1954 - 1955
Françoise Sagan makes the La Ponche bar her stamping ground. The Hotel La Ponche becomes her go-to Saint-Tropez residence for almost 30 years, while more and more rooms are added.
1956
The film "Et Dieu Créa La Femme", starring Brigitte Bardot and directed by her husband at the time, Roger Vadim, is shot under the watchful eyes of Françoise Sagan. Christian Marquand and Jean-Louis Trintignant stay at the Hotel La Ponche during the shooting.
SINCE 1960
The Hotel La Ponche becomes a notable establishment and favourite haunt for the Parisian jet set, as well as artists, writers and fashion designers of the time.
Hotel's team offers thanks to each of them for forging the history of the Hotel La Ponche, and in particular Juliette Gréco, Michel Galabru, Romy Schneider, writers and members of the Académie Française Jacques Laurent and Michel Mohrt, and not forgetting the legendary couple, Annabelle and Bernard Buffet, eternal friends of the Hotel La Ponche.
The cinematic fame of the Hotel La Ponche continues today, with more recent guests including Catherine Deneuve for the film "Princesse Marie", Gad Elmaleh and Audrey Tautou for the film "Priceless", and the film crew for "Des Gens Qui S’Embrassent" directed by Danièle Thompson and starring Monica Bellucci.
Each artist, famous or not, is responsible for ensuring the Hotel La Ponche maintains its reputation as a favourite cinematic haunt even today.
STANDARD ROOMS
Giving onto the small street leading to the sea or onto hotel La Ponche’s patio, the standard rooms nearby the beach have a charm that reflects the character of Saint-Tropez village. Rooms with a view on the patio reveal a small interior courtyard with trees, adding a touch of freshness to the cosy and relaxed style of La Ponche.
Comfort and decor have received special attention for making the rooms homely. For instance, the paintings by artist Jacques Cordier reflecting all the softness of the Var and Provence. Françoise Sagan described them as “cheerful, tender and poetical”.
Then, in the evening, when the sun sets at the end of the bay, take a plunge off the end of the quay before enjoying a glass of champagne and relaxing in the sumptuous bath with its golden taps.
DELUX ROOMS
The luminous Deluxe rooms are in line with hotel La Ponche’s character and identity. They open out onto a terrace or a balcony revealing the sea and the pink roof tops that are so typically Provencal. Admire the Henri Person and Révelen squares or the umbrella pines surrounding the citadel with its beautiful landscape.
Wake up to the song of birds and cicaders, take time to enjoy the sweet moments of life. Later on in the day, step into buzzing Saint-Tropez village.
JUNIOR SUITES WITH SEA VIEW
The Junior suites with sea view allow the sunlight to flood through their big windows. Their walls reflect the charm of Provence, highlighting the beauty of the surroundings and the privileged setting of the hotel, facing sea and beach.
As you wake up, put on your dressing gown and stroll down to the quayside for a refreshing dip in the sea. Enjoy this exclusive setting and let yourself drift into well-being and serenity.
During early afternoon, take a siesta in the Italian style double bed and admire the boats sailing in the bay.
SUITES
These large double suites guarentee a very comfortable stay at hotel de la Ponche. The two suites giving onto the pedestrian street were much appreciated by great figures of the fashion world, hence their names: Inès de la Fressange, Kenzo.
Enjoy the Brigitte Bardot suite’s large 14.50 m2 terrace which looks out from the top floor onto the sea and the beach. At breakfast time, soak up the soft sun rays. In the evening, enjoy a romantic sun-downer as you watch the magic colors across the bay.
The Brigitte Bardot suite has a separate sitting room giving onto its private terrace and an adjoining double room with private balcony linked to a tree lined courtyard with a view on Saint-Tropez’s steeple tower.
A single room of 13,50 sq. m with a french double bed, looking on a little street going down to the beach and the sea.
Offers de-luxe shower-room.
Suite of 47 sp.m, including a living room with a large terrace overlooking the roofs of the old village, facing the citadel and sea view on the side.
A king size bedroom, and a de-luxe bathroom with bath and shower, separated toilets, dressing room.
Discover hotel La Ponche’s luxurious and spacious appartments. Ideal for families and ensuring extra comfort for long stays in Saint-Tropez. With enough space for 3 to 4 people and offering views on Saint-Tropez’s pedestrian precinct, you will appreciate their practical side and their roominess.
A 45 m2 appartment composed of two rooms: a Junior Suite with king size bed or two single beds, two windows facing the sea, luxury bathroom, dressing room, adjoining a small double room with king size bed or two single beds, giving onto a small tree lined courtyard, luxury shower room.
A 46 m2 appartment composed of two rooms: a double room with either king size bed or two single beds, giving onto the street that leads to the beach, luxury bathroom, adoining a small room with queen size bed also giving onto the street leading to the beach and with a luxury shower room.
A 47 m2 appartment composed of two rooms: a double room with king size bed or two single beds, giving onto the street leading to the beach, with a 3.5 m2 balcony with sea view, luxury bathroom, adjoining a small room with queen size bed also giving onto the street leading to the beach, small 305 m2 balcony with sea view, luxury shower room.
A 52 m² apartment, comprising two bedrooms: a double room measuring 27.5 m², with a king-size bed (or twin beds on request), a view of a street leading to the beach, and a luxury bathroom; and a second double room measuring 24 m², with a king-size bed (or twin beds on request), a view of a street leading to the beach, and a luxury bathroom.
A 71 m² apartment, comprising two bedrooms: a suite measuring 47 m², whose separate lounge boasts access to a large terrace with a view of the rooftops in the old village, the citadel and the coast, and whose double bedroom is equipped with a king-size bed (or twin beds on request), a luxury bath and shower room, separate toilet and walk-in wardrobe.
The spiral staircase leads to a 22 m² double room, with a king-size bed (or twin beds on request), a view of the citadel and the sea in the distance, and a luxury shower room.
The two suites giving onto the pedestrian street were much appreciated by great figures of the fashion world, hence their names: Inès de la Fressange, Kenzo.
These large double suites guarentee a very comfortable stay at hotel de la Ponche.
The suite of 33 sq.m situated at the top of the hotel, with a large terrace of 14 sq.m overlooking the sea and the beach.
Includs a living room with a sofa bed, a king size bed or twin beds on request and a de-luxe bathroom.
A double room of 29 sq. m on the second floor, with king size bed or twin beds on request.
Looking on the street, with a balcony overlooking the beach and the sea on the side, de-luxe bathroom.
A Double room of 28 sq. m with king size bed or twin beds on request, situated at the top of the hotel, large sliding picture window facing the Citadel.
With a small private terrace of 6 sq. m, beach and sea view on the side, de-luxe bathroom.
A double room of 27 sq. m total with king size bed or twin beds on request.
Overlooking the hotel's inside court-yard garden with greens, de-luxe bathroom.
Junior Suite of 27 sq. m, large double room with king size bed or twin beds on request.
Sitting corner, and dressing, two windows facing the sea and the beach, de-luxe bathroom.
A double room of 25 to 28,50 sq. m, with king size bed or twin beds on request.
Looking on the small street going down the beach and the sea, de-luxe bath or shower-room.
A double room of 24 sq. m with king size bed or twin beds on request, situated at the top of the hotel, with a "tropézienne" terrace of 30 sq. m.
Overlooking the old roofs and the clock-tower of Saint Tropez, the citadel, beach and sea view on the side, de-luxe little shower-room.
A double room mansard-roofed of 22m2 sp.m on the last floor, with king size bed looking at the citadel and overview sea.
De-luxe shower-room. Access by spiral staircase.
A small double room of 17 sq. m, with king size bed or twin beds on request.
Overlooking the hotel’s little inside court-yard with greens, de-luxe shower- room.
A Single room of 13 sq. m on the second floor, with a french double bed, looking on the street.
With a little balcony of 3 sq. m overlooking the beach and the sea on the side, de-luxe shower-room.
This year, Chefs Christian Geay, Axel Guimiot and their team, willwelcome you with a new list and menus, including a "Vegan" one, harmoniously inspired by the three seasons : Spring, Summer and Autumn.
"You are most welcome, enjoy and be happy !" - Simone Duckstein.
All the secret charm of the old town is to be found on this small square suspended above the sea. A refined terrace and a small, elegantly furnished dining room filled with sea air.
La Ponche has served generations of faithful clients since more than seventy years. With his genuine cuisine, Christian Geay and Axel Guimiot highlights sea food thanks to fish freshly caught by Dédé Raggio and son Pascal, descendants of a family of fishermen working since four or five generations in the port of Saint-Tropez.
Fish soup, red mullet, lobster, cod are all honored in true Provençal fashion. Also, a plentiful choice of delicious deserts to please the most demanding gourmets.
As a convivial place for sharing good moments, Hotel La Ponche’s bar has a soul.
The tall stools were once occupied by Daniel Gélin, Boris Vian, Bernard and Annabel Buffet, Françoise Sagan and Juliette Greco. An occasion for a round of gin rummy, solitaire or chess.
For your refreshment, Kevin the wine steward proposes home made cocktails.
Thanks to sound proofing and air conditioning, the bar offers a relaxing atmosphere set aside from Saint-Tropez’s hussle and bustle.
As in the bar, the lounge is adorned with paintings by Jacques Cordier whose works can be seen in Paris and Tokyo art galeries. The peaceful and cosy bar once appealed to a number of well-known writers who came here for relaxing.
Relaxing
The gourmet restaurant’s secluded dining room offers a splendid view on Saint-Tropez’s bay. In total secrecy, hosts can dream along as they admire beautiful landscapes that resemble works of art.
In a convivial setting, taking a seat at one of the small tables allows one to enjoy the gentle sea breeze while at the same time appreciating the air conditioning.
Serenity and peace prevail in a warm and cosy atmosphere where time seems to come to a standstill.
The elegant, convivial and comfortable terrace is a favourite meeting place in the evenings and during market days on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The faithful staff provides a personal and warm welcome which is much appreciated by the finest guests.
The Hotel de La Ponche's restaurant is open from mid March to early November with a continuous service and to outside guests.
Mid March - early November
Provençal
There are no less than a couple of dozen galleries in Saint-Tropez. Paintings, sculptures, ceramics are exhibited by local artists who have become internationally recognised, such as Gérard le Roux.
Saint-Tropez is loaded with history, starting with the XVIth century citadel, a major defense stronghold between Antibes and Toulon.
Saint-Tropez and its fashionable places are within easy reach of hotel La Ponche. The town hosts top luxury brands and an impressive number of marques, where browsing is a true pleasure.
Discover Saint-Tropez’s shaded streets and mythical spots with interactive guided tours for all.
La Ponche or the Old Town is the historic center of the fishing village and is the most picturesque area of Saint Tropez.
La Ponche beach in the heart of Saint-Tropez is still the most picturesque local bathing spot, discreet, intimate and lying just a stone’s throw from the port and its magic atmosphere.
One of the top tourist attractions in Saint-Tropez is its art museum, which occupies the former Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Annonciade (Chapel of the Annunciation).
The young will be amazed by the Maison des Papillons : butterfly museum . Around 35 species are gathered, some are little known or almost extinct.
Each private beach has its own color coded matresses and sun-shades. This unique local feature attracts personalities and jet-setters from the world over, the best known establishments being Club 55 and Tahiti beach.
The atmospheric Vieux Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez, where the old fishing village first sprung to life.
HÔTEL LA PONCHE
5 rue des Remparts83990 Saint-TropezFrance