The Côte d’Azur has always held a particular kind of spell. It is found in the color of the Mediterranean, the feel of salt air, and the cinematic glamour of Saint-Tropez and Monte Carlo. Across the coast, history and pleasure exist together effortlessly, offering travelers both polish and escape.
Across Saint-Tropez, Monaco, and nearby Provence, three of the area’s most distinguished properties reveal different expressions of the same promise: that luxury is found in how deeply you can connect with the destination. Through conversations with Alain Mourgues of Terre Blanche, Antoine Chevanne of Hotel Byblos, and Serge Ethuin of Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, a portrait emerges of the quiet art of creating unforgettable moments.
Terre Blanche: Provence as a State of Mind
Set within the hills of Provence, Terre Blanche feels slightly removed from the rhythm of the coast. The resort draws its power from nature, with Mediterranean forest, sunlight, and the soft stillness shaping the experience.
For Alain Mourgues, Director of Terre Blanche, hospitality is rooted in personal connection and environmental responsibility. “I have always been fascinated by the hospitality industry,” he says. His career has taken him through prestigious properties including Starwood Hotels and Resorts and the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux, before bringing him to Terre Blanche in 2017. “I integrate my personal philosophy into my management by championing eco-responsibility and fostering a culture of personalized hospitality,” he explains. “This dedication to environmental stewardship not only enhances our guest experience but also ensures our operations contribute positively to the planet.”
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Terre Blanche has become a model of sustainable luxury, where wellness, sport, cuisine, and design are all shaped by the Provençal environment. The resort’s renowned spa is central to that identity, offering a contemporary vision of rejuvenation grounded in the natural world. “The sunshine of Provence combined with the Mediterranean forest creates the perfect environment for lasting rejuvenation,” Mourgues notes. “At Terre Blanche Spa, the healing energies of nature and the state-of-the-art facilities bring out everyone’s best self.”
The same philosophy extends to the resort’s golf courses, which are among its defining features. “Our golf courses are among the most sustainable in Europe,” Mourgues says. “We have created a space where luxury is not just about indulgence but about enriching experiences that nurture both the individual and the environment.” At the table, Executive Chef Christophe Schmitt brings a similar sensibility, allowing the region’s terroir to guide a culinary program built around nature, simplicity, and a deep respect for Provençal producers.
Beyond the resort, Provence offers its own quieter form of discovery. In Fayence, traditional markets spill over with local produce and artisanal crafts, while the village of Seillans, considered one of the most beautiful in France, offers an intimate shopping experience through its boutiques and winding streets. Dining is equally rooted in place. Chez Hugo in Fayence offers an authentic Provençal experience, while nearby vineyards invite visitors into the region’s culture of winemaking.
“Our commitment to showcasing the best of Provence extends beyond our resort. We believe in being the finest ambassadors of our culinary offerings, taking immense pride in the extraordinary efforts of our producers who deliver exceptional products each day,” Mourgues adds.
For those looking to understand the deeper landscape of the region, Mourgues recommends the perched medieval villages of Seillans and Callian, the wildlife reserve of Fondurane near St. Cassien Lake, the lavender fields of Valensole, and the Verdon Canyon. “Discovering Provence by foot, electric bike, or horseback allows you to fully embrace the Var’s forested landscapes,” he advises. “Each mode of exploration offers a unique and intimate connection with the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.”
Hotel Byblos: The Saint-Tropez Legend That Still Knows How to Surprise
In Saint-Tropez, Hotel Byblos is an evolving expression of Riviera glamour. For decades, it has been woven into the mythology of the village, attracting artists, tastemakers, and international travelers who come seeking the particular alchemy of ease and electricity that Saint-Tropez does so well.
For Antoine Chevanne, fourth-generation owner of Hotel Byblos, preserving that spirit means honoring legacy while continuing to evolve. “Our commitment to exceptional service has been a consistent priority for four generations,” he says. Recent suites by designer Laura Gonzalez bring a fresh layer to the property, balancing color, history, and contemporary sophistication. “Laura’s deep understanding of luxury, art, and history made her the perfect collaborator,” he adds. “We modernize and innovate with the latest technologies and experiences that we know our guests will enjoy, in keeping with my family’s values.”
At Byblos, dining and nightlife are essential parts of the hotel’s identity. Cucina Byblos, overseen by Alain Ducasse, brings Italian cuisine into an atmosphere that feels at once refined and festive. “Quality is paramount in everything we do,” Chevanne emphasizes. “As guests step into the outdoor terrace adorned with its hanging lights, they are transported to a magical setting perfect for enjoying good company and delicious food.”
Byblos Beach Ramatuelle extends that world to the sea, combining the polish of a Riviera beach club with a mindful approach to sustainability. “We adhere to a strict ‘no plastic’ policy, and the entire structure is made of 100% wood, which is dismantled every October to leave the beach in its natural state during the winter months.”
Chevanne’s own approach to hospitality is deeply tied to mentorship and family memory. “My great-grandfather, Sylvain Floirat, has been the biggest influence in my career. I was fortunate to know him until I was 20, and we often had long conversations during his work travels by car,” he reflects. “His wisdom and approach to hospitality management, rooted deeply in tradition, have profoundly shaped my perspective and values. He instilled in me a passion for innovation, always encouraging me to look for new ways to enhance the guest experience while honoring our legacy.”
He also credits Alain Ducasse as a major influence. “His constant motivation and positivity are inspiring. He has a way of pushing you to excel, fostering a relentless drive for excellence that I strive to embody in my work,” Chevanne says. Jean Pinchon, a close friend of his great-grandfather, also shaped his understanding of the business. “Through my interactions and work with him within the Floirat Group, I gained invaluable insights and experiences that continue to guide my approach to hospitality management,” he adds.
Saint-Tropez itself remains one of the Riviera’s great paradoxes: glamorous, intimate, international, and deeply local. Chevanne recommends AGNONA for timeless, nature-inspired luxury, Galeries Tropéziennes for a chic bazaar-like experience, and Armel Soyer for rare furniture and art objects. “These stores reflect the unique blend of traditional and modern that Saint Tropez embodies,” Chevanne notes.
For dining and nightlife, the classics still matter. The terrace of Senequier remains an essential stop, whether for coffee and a croissant in the morning or a drink at sunset. Les Caves du Roy, the hotel’s legendary nightclub, continues to define the after-dark spirit of Saint-Tropez. “Les Caves du Roy is one of the most reputable nightclubs in the world and a true bastion of glamour and decadence,” Chevanne says.
Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo: The Grandeur of Monaco, Reimagined
In Monte Carlo, luxury operates with a particular precision. The setting itself is theatrical, with its yachts, grand hotels, gardens, couture boutiques, and casino lights creating an atmosphere that feels historic and constantly renewed. Within that world, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo has long stood as one of the principality’s defining addresses.
For Serge Ethuin, General Manager of Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, hospitality began with an almost instinctive pull. “It was love at first sight,” he recalls. His career has included leadership roles at Hilton and the Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, before bringing him to the Metropole, where he now oversees a property known for its elegance, culinary ambition, and ongoing evolution.
Ethuin sees management as both discipline and inspiration. “Inspiring my team to deliver exceptional service is paramount,” he says, underscoring the importance of creativity, example, and collective excellence. “A good manager is only as good as his team, and my teams are incredibly dedicated and passionate.”
The hotel’s next chapter is especially significant. A renovation led by Jacques Garcia is set to further refine the property’s sense of space and exclusivity, with fewer rooms and more suites. “We want to create spaces that blend timeless elegance with modern amenities,” Ethuin explains. “Our goal with the renovation is to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality, where every detail, from the design of the rooms to the quality of service, reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence.”
The culinary program is equally central to the Metropole’s identity. Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac has earned two Michelin stars, while Yoshi offers an elegant Japanese dining experience and the hotel’s pop-up with ZIA brings a contemporary Italian note. “Our commitment to gastronomic innovation and unparalleled service has been recognized with two Michelin Stars awarded to our flagship restaurant, Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac,” Ethuin adds.
For guests looking to experience Monte Carlo through its shopping and dining culture, Ethuin recommends the Metropole Shopping Center beneath the hotel, with its 80 boutiques, as well as the One Monte-Carlo district, where luxury retail unfolds in a polished, architectural setting. “These shopping destinations offer a blend of high-end fashion and unique finds that cater to the tastes of our discerning clientele,” he notes.
The hotel’s commitment to culinary excellence also extends to its pastry program. “We are delighted to announce that our pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano has been honored with the special ‘Passion dessert’ prize by the Guide Michelin, a testament to his creativity and mastery in crafting extraordinary sweet delights,” Ethuin shares.
Through its “Just For You” program, guests can access bespoke experiences ranging from private museum tours to exclusive visits to car collections. For Ethuin, these moments reflect Monaco’s cultural depth beyond its surface glamour. “Monaco, the jewel of the French Riviera, is not just known for its glitz and glamour but also for its rich cultural heritage,” he says. “The principality thrives as a vibrant hub of cultural events and festivals, boasting highlights such as the Monte-Carlo Opera, the International Circus Festival, and the Monaco Yacht Show. Monte Carlo is a destination ‘like nowhere else,’ where every moment is designed to evoke timeless elegance and sophistication.”
The Enduring Allure of the Riviera
The Riviera remains one of the world’s most seductive destinations because it continues to evolve while preserving the elements that made it iconic in the first place: elegance, intimacy, and the promise that every visit can still feel like a discovery.
