Living the Château Dream: A Modern Fairytale Escape in the South of France
Today, I’m doing a reveal of a little secret of my last summer holidays—a hidden gem in the South of France for those who want to recharge after nonstop partying in St. Tropez but still crave a sophisticated ambiance, just away from the crowds.
You know those holidays that leave you needing another holiday? This is exactly the place where you should go to fix that! Welcome to Château de Théoule, a charming getaway just a 15-minute drive from Cannes and only an hour away by boat from St. Tropez or Monaco. Set in the quiet village of Théoule-sur-Mer, it’s the perfect place to kick back and recharge—while still keeping the buzz close in case FOMO kicks in.
Destiny, Drama, and a Château
Credits: Théoule-sur-Mer
The story behind Château is just as fascinating as its setting. Originally built in the 17th century as a soap factory, it was later bought by the son of wealthy silk merchants from Lyon—the very city that was once the heart of Europe’s silk trade and still home to Hermès’ ateliers. Funny enough, my boyfriend also happens to be from a Lyon-based silk merchant family (sadly, minus the château in the South of France), so staying there felt like destiny. Under new ownership, the château was transformed into a grand mansion before eventually passing into the hands of a Scottish aristocrat. And because no grand estate is complete without a touch of drama—he later relocated to a twin château across the bay with his mistress, ensuring he still had a perfect view of his wife and kids. Straight out of a soap opera, right?
Cinematic Style: Dressing for a Stay at Château de Théoule
Today, the original Château rooms seamlessly blend regal charm with Riviera flair. Rich velvet furnishings, modern tapestries from the Parisian house Nobilis, and playful golden palm tree lamps create a unique mix of aristocratic grandeur and avant-garde design. The lingering Art Deco influences pay homage to the roaring 1920s, infusing the hotel with a distinctly cinematic allure—I could easily imagine it as a White Lotus filming location.
Despite the village’s very laid-back atmosphere, the château’s ambiance and design call for a look that blends elegance with a touch of avant-garde. So I’ve curated a selection of outfits that complement this unique setting.
When I saw the hotel’s design, the first brand that instantly came to mind was La DoubleJ—a label inspired by Renaissance churches and vintage fashion. Its bold prints blend effortlessly with the château’s mix of history and Art Deco elegance.
For cooler days, I’d go for their velvet pieces—but for summer, I found something truly special: the Angel Dress by La DoubleJ. It’s breezy, bold, and dramatic—and already vanishing fast. By the time you read this, it might be gone (sorry in advance), but the brand always delivers something equally extra. I talk more about it in my Brand Boarding Pass – La Dolce Vita Edition.
I personally believe that La DoubleJ and Valentino are a match made in heaven, so I paired it with the Valentino Loco clutch. This one is for experienced fashionistas, but if you want to keep it less flashy, just go for an option without bold prints and details. For shoes, I’d opt for simple flats, but in suede, like this pair from Jimmy Choo—keeping the look relaxed while adding just the right amount of dressiness.
For a more budget-friendly option, Farm Rio is a fantastic alternative. Their mastery of bold prints makes them a great match, but at a lower price point. Just look how this Farm Rio top and pants set mirrors the château’s main salon’s color palette—making it a seamless fit for the ambiance.
Photo: courtesy of Château de Théoule
La Piscine Aesthetic: Vintage Poolside Moment
The hotel rooms follow the design of the main areas, but each has its own unique theme. Some lean into bold Art Deco influences, featuring avant-garde touches like golden palm lamps and leopard-print sofas, while others embrace a lighter, fresher feel with pastel tones and delicate shell-inspired decor.
The pool area, however, is much more understated, exuding vintage charm with white retro umbrellas and elegant blush pink sunbeds. For this setting, I took inspiration from young Brigitte Bardot’s iconic beach looks—think retro-style swimsuits and shell-accented accessories.
Dolce & Gabbana one-piece is always a timeless choice with its vintage silhouette, but I’m also loving Chloé’s latest swimwear collection. This soft pink swimsuit felt like the perfect match for the ambiance.
But maybe you already have everything you need in your closet—the only thing missing is the perfect setting to bring it to life. So, get inspired and start planning your next getaway.
P.S. Bonus Recharge: A Spa Break Done Right
I couldn’t not mention that to top off your recharge mode, the hotel offers a lush spa escape—complete with a jacuzzi and a terrace overlooking a stunning view that turns golden hour into your own private heaven.
Photo: Kate Blondet
