In brief
- Following extensive renovations, the establishment has reopened its doors in Le Lavandou with 40 sea-facing rooms and suites.
- The architecture by Jean-Baptiste Pietri brings elegance to this Relais & Châteaux, selected for the global shortlist of the Prix Versailles 2026.
- The culinary offering centres around the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Oursin, led by chef Antoine Gras.
- The Spa L’Oiseau Bleu, with its heated indoor pool, completes the hotel’s offerings.
Rarement une adresse hôtelière sur la Riviera aura autant mérité son surnom d’hôtel-bateau
An architectural gem facing the Mediterranean
Rarement une adresse hôtelière sur la Riviera aura autant mérité son surnom d’hôtel-bateau. Hôtel Les Roches Le Lavandou redeploys its iconic silhouette facing the Mediterranean, where large bay windows embrace the infinite gradients of azure blues. After a major renovation project led by its owner Delphine André, who also heads Les Barmes de l’Ours in Val d’Isère, the establishment is reborn under the Relais & Châteaux brand. This historic property reinvents seaside luxury with first-rate architectural standards, recognised by the prestigious Prix Versailles.
The legendary heritage of an iconic address
In the 1930s, the establishment, then named Les Roches Fleuries, was already attracting an international clientele with its spectacular location in the heart of the Peire Gouerbe coves. Visitors would moor directly by boat before climbing ladders built into the rock. A favoured holiday destination, the property hosted writer Thomas Mann in 1933, as well as Winston Churchill, Christian Dior, Jean Cocteau, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Later, Françoise Sagan made it her headquarters during the filming of Bonjour Tristesse, directed by Otto Preminger. Having fallen into oblivion before its complete reconstruction, this Riviera legend has now recovered all its former glory.
Naval architecture anchored in the landscape
An interior showcase designed by Jean-Baptiste Pietri
Under the guidance of architect Jean-Baptiste Pietri, the interior design deploys a contemporary nautical vocabulary that avoids any marine clichés. The property combines Bormes stone, bluish terrazzo, light wood and chrome details. The clean lines of the railings and the majestic stone arches—former boat garages converted into living spaces—evoke the upper deck of a high-class ocean liner. The whole is enriched by a remarkable contemporary art collection featuring works by Michelangelo Pistoletto, Ma Desheng, Maki Ohkojima, Loris Cecchini and Jean-Daniel Lorieux.
Intimate variations above the surf
Rooms and suites: luxury facing the infinite
The 40 rooms and suites all face the open sea and offer two distinct approaches to the stay. The rooms on the lower floors allow guests to sleep as close as possible to the rocks to the sound of the waves. The upper floors reveal more elevated panoramas opening onto the islands of Levant, Port-Cros and Cap Bénat. Each room features majestic bay windows, designer furniture such as Knoll’s Platner armchairs in Klein blue, Fragonard toiletries, and double wooden doors ensuring perfect soundproofing. A large family suite with a private jacuzzi can accommodate up to six guests.
Fine dining turned towards the open sea
Michelin-starred gastronomy and 360° panoramas
The culinary experience is structured around three spaces designed for every moment of the day. The pool bar serves refreshing dishes and creative cocktails facing the sea. At sunset, the rooftop restaurant La Langouste sur le toit showcases shellfish in a relaxed, summery atmosphere. The highlight remains the restaurant L’Oursin, awarded a Michelin star. Chefs Antoine Gras and Benoît Gornard compose a highly refined Mediterranean cuisine. Langoustines with marjoram and red mullet with saffron are paired with selections by Magali Delalex, named Best Sommelier by the Michelin Guide 2024.
A wellness interlude carved into the rock
Below the main terrace, Spa L’Oiseau Bleu is located directly beneath the hotel’s stone arches. This mineral setting offers a menu of treatments and massages. The space houses an indoor pool equipped with a counter-current system, a jacuzzi, a hammam, a sauna, a gym facing the horizon, and a hair salon. Lulled by the murmur of the waves, the venue offers absolute serenity just a few metres from the water.
Wild escapes around the property
The hotel’s geographical location invites guests to discover the natural wonders of the Var. The coastal path accessible from the property leads to the magnificent beaches of Saint-Clair and La Fossette. Swimming enthusiasts will appreciate the secluded coves of Aiguebelle or Jean Blanc. From the port of Le Lavandou, boat connections also make it possible to reach the Îles d’Or, preserved gems of the Port-Cros National Park, in less than an hour.
- Establishment: Hôtel Les Roches (Relais & Châteaux)
- Capacity: 40 rooms and suites
- Rates: From 615 euros per night
- Address: 1 avenue des Trois Dauphins, 83980 Le Lavandou
- Dining: Michelin-starred restaurant L’Oursin (Chef Antoine Gras), La Langouste sur le toit
- Wellness: Spa L’Oiseau Bleu by Sisley (400 m²)
