Why June Is the French Riviera’s Best-Kept Secret
May 21, 2025 by Hidden Doorways
Before the Riviera pulses with summer’s full energy, there is a moment in June when Saint-Tropez feels almost like a secret. The light is golden, the air is warm but not heavy, and the cobbled streets of the old town feel like they’re just for you.
It’s in this early chapter of the season that Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière shines especially bright. Perched on the hilltops above Pampelonne Bay and surrounded by jasmine-scented gardens, it sets the tone for a refined French Riviera escape.
A Rhythm of Leisure
Days at Château de La Messardière unfold gently. Begin with breakfast on the panoramic terrace of La Table de La Messardière, which offers a generous buffet of fresh juices, pastries by Cedric Grolet, and made-to-order classics served with sweeping sea views. Then wander toward the terrace or lap pool tucked among the gardens, where parasol pines cast just enough shade to stretch the morning longer.
Prefer to stay active? Join an al fresco yoga session or head to the outdoor gym overlooking the bay. The hotel’s tennis and padel courts offer another way to soak in the sun, as does Jardin Tropezina, Airelles’ private beach club. Guests of the hotel are chauffeured by Mini Moke or Rolls-Royce to spend the afternoon on elegant loungers before savoring Mediterranean cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-François Piège, followed by sunset cocktails with live music.
Cultural Discoveries
For a dose of local art and atmosphere, venture to the Musée de l’Annonciade, just ten minutes from the hotel. Housed in a 16th-century chapel, this intimate museum showcases 19th- and 20th-century works by Henri Matisse, Paul Signac, and other greats who were inspired by the light and spirit of the region.
Early June also brings Rendez-vous aux Jardins (June 6–8), a national celebration of outdoor spaces. In and around Saint-Tropez, guests can enjoy rare access to private gardens, open-air concerts, and guided walks that reveal an especially verdant side of the Riviera.
Experiences Tailored to You
Whether it’s a private wine tasting at Château d’Estoublon, a curated picnic in the estate’s gardens, or a day out on the water arranged by the concierge, Château de La Messardière invites you to experience Saint-Tropez at your own pace.
Families are warmly welcomed too – the hotel’s expansive Summer Camp offers everything from tree houses and treasure hunts to pool parties and pastry workshops.
The Magic of Early Summer
The first few weeks of June offer a rare balance: the full bloom of Mediterranean life without all of the summer bustle. It’s when the views feel endless, the beaches unhurried, and the hospitality truly personal. For clients seeking the quiet luxury of Saint-Tropez at its most authentic, a stay at Château de La Messardière during this brief window is the perfect escape.
