Hôtel Byblos’ GM Christophe Chauvin reveals his favourite hidden secrets of Saint-Tropez

In this exclusive online series, Tempus speaks to hospitality experts from around the world to find out their top tips – and unique advice – to get the most out of the destinations they know so well. 

Christophe Chauvin is the general manager of Hôtel Byblos, a luxurious five-star destination in the heart of Saint-Tropez’s golden coastline. Originally from the South of France, Chauvin has been working in the hospitality industry for 30 years across the French Riviera, London and the French West Indies. He has been at Byblos since 2007, and served as its GM since 2009. 

“No two day will ever be the same,” he tells Tempus of the hotel. “There isn’t just one experience that fits all at Byblos – there something for you whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, from the hotel to the restaurants, the beach club, the nightclub Les Caves du Roy – it all depends on your mood.”

Here, Chauvin celebrates this romantic location and reveals the secrets to exploring Provence like a local… 

Why do you never tire of Provence? 
I absolutely love Provence and the Var, our region. You can’t ever be tired of it. There are so many various landscapes, views, forests, lakes and coasts. Believe me, it is paradise on earth.

Where do you recommend for dinner or a drink? 
My favourite place is Bar Le Sube at the bar for a drink, if you are lucky enough to get a table on the balcony, overlooking the port of Saint-Tropez, it is priceless. The cocktails are amazing, the staff is really friendly and stylish. A must. >>

Can you recommend something only the locals would know about?
The ultimate secret experience is a private visit to the wine cellars of Domaine des Mesanges. This is, by far, the most spectacular private wine cellar on the coast. After the visit, enjoy a dinner by a private chef in their kitchens.

Is there a major tourist attraction that you think is worth the hype?
A day cruise or overnight cruise to the Porquerolles islands is such a great trip; you get the chance to see the coast from a different perspective. On the way back, stop at Byblos Beach for a nice lunch.

Could you tell us about a place in Saint-Tropez that’s special to you?
I am in love with the Chanel store, for a simple reason. It used to be a hotel called La Mistralée years ago and was also the house of a famous French hairdresser called Alexandre. It is very glam and, in fact, was where my wife and I went on our honeymoon 15 years ago.

What one event of the year would you recommend guests experience? 
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is for sure the most elegant sailing boat race in Europe, it is a time when the village goes back to the 19thcentury, the ambiance is so special, friendly and chic. The races will take place from the last week of September for 12 days in the bay of Saint-Tropez: spectacular!