Based in the South of France, Saint-Tropez has some of the most wonderful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a must-see travel destination for its animated village, soothed by Provencal atmosphere. This elegant and luxury hotspot where seeing celebrities happens quite often has a unique charm that has already convinced lots of local and international guests.
In the heart of Gassin, one of France’s “most beautiful villages”, you’ll find a remarkable architectural gem at the Mas de Chastelas. Set on over two hectares of land overlooking vineyards, the Mas (which means “farmhouse” in Provençal), is exactly what I had in mind when I pictured my dream weekend getaway.
The country estate appears in the Michelin Guide with a three-roof rating. It is one of the oldest hotels in Saint-Tropez and as its owner Jérôme Pujos likes to say, it is the most beautiful establishment in Saint-Tropez. With only 23 rooms and suites, the Mas is a romantic boutique hotel, coupled with Mediterranean hospitality.
The estate offers a home only famous to the ones in the known, who want to be taken care of with a delicate but discrete service.
I stayed at the property during the weekend, relaxing to the sound of birds before exploring the village of Saint-Tropez.
Here’s my experience at the Mas de Chastelas:
The Hotel
Have you ever watched an old French movie and wanted to escape to these beautiful charming little villages? Well, the Mas offers everything that you have ever dreamed of when watching these films.
Fun fact: it has hosted French artists, thinkers and actors such as the iconic couple Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin!
And why be surprised? If it’s chic enough for Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, it’s definitely a place I’ll lay my head.
While you might never want to leave the beach, The Mas de Chastelas has everything you’d want for a stunning vacation from a large heated sparkling pool, tennis courts, pitching green for golf fans, and a gourmet restaurant. The five-star country estate is a pleasure to explore and ensures an exquisite stay in Saint-Tropez, either ‘à deux’, or as a family.
From the luxurious authenticity to the friendly staff and the simple elegance of the decoration that makes you feel at home, you will find a unique and stylish hotel with a personal touch that makes all the difference.
The Rooms
La Bastide rooms and suites
There are a few different options at the Mas de Chastelas. The Bastide – which is the 18th century former country home of the Bertaud lords – offers some of the most beautiful rooms in the heart of the hotel. The rooms and suites are among the largest in the Saint-Tropez peninsula.
Like a home, each room is different: standard rooms offer a beautiful view on the swimming pool, the deluxe rooms of the second floor have a fabulous sea view and the terrace rooms have their individual terraces providing additional privacy and the chance to soak up some sun from the comfort of your room. The Master Suite is the owner’s room for a reason – to be discovered – while the Junior Suite has a bedroom and a real living room.
For an upgrade, check out the Bastide Suite.
This 380-square foot suite is the biggest of the Mas. It has a large foyer, a spacious seating area with a private terrace and stairs leading directly to the pool area. You’ll also find a deluxe bed, an oversized bath and a second full bathroom for your guests.
Coming with friends or family and want to treat yourselves? You need the Villa Toscane for you only.
Featuring 4 double rooms, lounges, terrace and an upper terrace, the Villa Toscane is contemporary designed and offers a perfect private stay to whoever wants to enjoy a relaxing stay with a group.
Mas de Chastelas Restaurant by Chef Mathieu Hericotte
The intimate Mas de Chastelas’ restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes and an elegant take on Mediterranean cuisine.
Formed in the most beautiful French houses (Le Normandy in Deauville, Hédiard Place de la Madeleine, La Tour d’Argent …), Mathieu decided to become a cook to share his taste for good things and enjoys paying tribute to the best of French culinary tradition. Following the values of the hotel of making guests feel at home, Mathieu cooks at the Mas as he would do for his friends.
When I sat for dinner at the Mas’ restaurant, I instantly noticed that it would all be about ultra-fresh, seasonal favourites and creativity.
The Signature menu.
I had the tasting of summer to start – an amazing appetizer of gazpacho topped with floating apple sherbet. It was what we could call a perfect fresh start.
As a starter, I was served one of the Chef’s specialty, “Heart of Beef” candied with thyme, clear tomato juice, served with a cold puree of zucchini and seasonal vegetable. You have to see it for yourself but this beautiful glazed tomato has a little surprise for you. Once you break it (what a shame!), you will be able to savour a delicious tomato and basil sherbet.
My main dish was THE BEST chicken I’ve ever had. Filled and rolled with foie gras, chicken filet was to die for accompanied with glazed chards, pink garlic cromesquis and flavoured jus. The subtle foie gras touches as well as the tasty mushrooms combined fantastically well with the chicken.
My final savoury was “Lemon”, a recomposed citrus fruit with a lime yoghurt espuma, a verbena-lemon sherbert and a creamy lemon sauce. To add more of its creativity, the Chef transforms a lemon into an art piece. Polished in sugar, it’s only once broken that you can taste the inside of the fruit. The yoghurt espuma was extremely light, which was perfect to finish the dinner.
My dining companion had the Chocolate desert made of gianduja and its hazelnut sablé, salt flower creamy yuzu and iced praliné parfait. He loved it and would “order the exact same “guilty pleasure” when [he] will come back”.
Of course, the servers at the Mas de Chastelas restaurant are wine pros and served us recommendations for local wines that amazingly complemented our meals.
The service was also excellent and I have to say that combined with the privacy of the restaurant, we felt as if we had our own private chef and waiters.
As you can see, between the charming hotel, the wonderful restaurant and the fantastic service…it was pure satisfaction at Mas de Chastelas.
Part of Château and Hôtels Collection, the Mas de Chastelas is a must-visit for any South of France’s charm lover. The property is stunning and you’ll definitely want to plan some extra time to explore the area.
More Information
Hotel: Mas de Chastelas
Location: 2 Chemin du Chastelas – 83580 Gassin – France
Accommodation: 5-Star
Booking : +33 (0)4 94 56 71 71 / info@chastelas.com
