Provence to Saint-Tropez
Le Galinier, Provence ~ Ramatuelle ~ Club 55 ~ Gigi
Riviera Reverie: From Provençal Charm to Saint-Tropez Glamour
This journey through the South of France blends timeless elegance with relaxed coastal living. From a dreamy Provençal retreat framed by fragrant gardens and historic cobblestones, to the barefoot luxury of Ramatuelle’s beach clubs, every moment captures the spirit of the Riviera — effortlessly chic, deeply inviting, and perfect for family adventures in style.
Provence to Pampelonne: A Late-Summer Escape in Full Bloom
Golden Provence & the Quiet Glamour of Ramatuelle
From Le Galinier to Gigi: Rustic Elegance Meets Riviera Chic
The Beaumier Dream: Le Galinier, Provence
I had long wanted to stay at a Beaumier hotel, and Le Galinier exceeded every expectation. Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century bastide near Luberon, the property felt like the kind of place you'd stumble upon in a dream — gravel paths winding through lavender and rosemary gardens, sunlight flickering across the pool, a quiet elegance throughout.
We booked a villa-style apartment on the property, which gave us the feel of living locally while enjoying the hotel’s thoughtful luxuries: a serene pool, tennis courts, and wellness amenities like a gym and sauna. Best of all, the charming town was just a short walk away — cobblestone lanes, ancient shutters, ivy-draped doorways, and tiny bistros tucked into stone alcoves. It was everything you want Provence to be: cinematic, delicious, and just slow enough.
Barefoot Glamour: Ramatuelle & Saint-Tropez
From there, we made our way to Ramatuelle, just outside Saint-Tropez. With five of us, an Airbnb made more sense, and we found a spot just up the road from the beach clubs — close enough to stroll barefoot with sandy feet.
It was the end of the season, and the timing couldn’t have been better. We spent long sun-soaked days at Club 55, watching baskets of whole uncut vegetables (yes, raw!) fly out of the kitchen to chic tables along the sand. The French name for the dish — panier de crudités — made it sound much more elegant, but as Australians we found it hilarious: a giant raw veggie platter with dips being served like royalty. Somehow, it worked. It was absurdly good.
Then came Gigi: all retro sun umbrellas, buttery pasta, and a giant share bowl of tiramisu served like a treasure chest. It was barefoot luxury at its best — glamorous without trying too hard, and the kind of place where kids and grownups alike can bliss out in the sunshine.
The best part? After those indulgent lunches, we’d simply wander back up the road to our villa like locals, golden hour lighting the dusty path and the scent of pine and salt in the air. It was the perfect close to our South of France story.