There are places that linger with you long after you’ve left—not just because of their beauty, but because of the way they make you feel. My recent stay at the Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez was one of those experiences.
Perched above the Côte d’Azur, the château is more than just a hotel—it’s a testament to timeless elegance. Built in 1899 as a wedding gift from a French aristocrat to his young artist wife, the estate carries a romantic energy that seeps into every corner. Today, under the Airelles collection, it has been lovingly restored to preserve its Provençal soul while embracing modern luxury.
From the manicured gardens and cypress-lined drive to the sunlit terraces and sculptural interiors, the property feels like a living dialogue between past and present. There’s a quiet grandeur in its architecture, and a serenity in the way the light moves through the space.
Beyond the château, I spent time wandering the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence—long a haven for artists and dreamers. Chagall lived there. Picasso passed through. The cobblestone paths and ivy-covered stone walls hold stories of their own. A small gallery tucked on one of the narrow streets was filled with vintage art books, their covers worn with time. There’s something about old books that pulls me in—the feeling that they’ve already lived a few lives. This little gallery was full of them, and full of magic.
Mornings began with the pastries of Cedric Grolet, as exquisite to taste as they are to look at. Afternoons were spent among olive trees and sweeping coastal views, where silence felt sacred. Even the honesty bar at the hotel—set beneath what looked like a window but felt like a painting—was a gentle invitation to slow down.
Design, for me, has always been about emotion. About how a space can hold memory, awaken curiosity, or simply invite you to breathe. This trip was a reminder that beauty isn’t just something we create—it’s something we observe, absorb, and carry with us.
— Marcela
