Indian Summer in Byblos Another Good Month to Enjoy It

True Saint Tropez worshipers know that it is in June or September that they will surely experience the best of the city even more so if they take advantage of the Byblos, its restaurants, its spa, its beach, and the last wild evenings at the Caves du Roy.

So it is at the beginning of September, in a summer that does not seem to want to give way to autumn, that we take advantage of the exceptional weather conditions to delay the “back to school” and the return to the capital as much as possible. The Byblos, a real village within the village, remains the high place of our stays in Saint-Tropez. From staircase to staircase, we cross it with each time this impression of tranquility, of serenity, even if the valets are always very active, and efficient, if the lobby is lively, if the terraces always bustling, until reaching its end to touch the heart of the city, as close as possible to the Place des Lices, its tireless players leaving – surely with regret – their place for the most famous of the markets of the region (Tuesday and Saturday, 8 am-1 pm).

I have been frequenting this human-sized establishment for many years, discovering with the new seasons the changes made discreetly to this proud structure loaded with a very “people” history that has seen all the personalities of the world pass through and hosted prestigious events, such as Mike Jagger’s wedding for example, without forgetting the memorable evenings, which I had the pleasure of attending, which marked its fortieth and fiftieth anniversaries. I am impatiently awaiting the 60th, it will be in 2027.

And if nothing seems to change, the most famous hotel in the city always has an ace up its sleeve. This season, it has introduced us to the four new suites designed by Laura Gonzalez: a bold marriage of colors, materials, prints, and influences in the pure spirit of a luxurious family home with eternal charm. They fit perfectly into a harmonious ensemble of 87 rooms and suites spread across the colorful estate, including the Missoni Home (180 m²), designed by the famous designer.  

What does not change are the breakfasts by the pool. The first moment of happiness of a day that we will fill by adding them up. We can then go for a walk or decide to stay on a deckchair facing the translucent waters of a tempting pool. Going from the deckchair to the bar –Le B-, from the bar to the restaurant (Le Jardin d’Arcadia) will not require a big effort while bringing a lot of pleasure.

Bar, swimming pool, restaurant, beach, spa….a busy weekend

The day’s program can be written differently. For example, you can enjoy the spa. The schedule for September, and until closing on October 13, offers its diversity. Will you choose Reiki and its rebalancing power, with Gaëlle? Will you take the time to breathe during a “Spiritus Breathwork” session with the benevolent Nana? Will you be tempted by the harmonious world of Marion and her “Osthéo Thaï”? You can also add a meeting with Virginie, the stylist and “barber-makeup artist”, another with a hair treatment and of course, everywhere, Sisley’s expertise, … the spa is open every day, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., we could easily spend the day there.

Your schedule may differ, and you want to head to the beach. That’s understandable. You won’t be the only ones. Byblos Beach is playing overtime until October 6. We love it. The atmosphere is relaxed, and festive even, but you can also enjoy the peace of a deckchair facing the sea. We’ll meet up at the bar anyway, then at the restaurant, extending the morning until later if that’s your pace. The cuisine draws its rich produce from local producers and enhances its dishes with herbs, fruits, and flowers from the splendid vegetable garden cultivated by Yann Ménard of the Jardin de la Piboule. A high-performance team offers a wide selection of salads such as the Niçoise, the Caesar Bowl, fine beef carpaccio, or fish ceviche. We also appreciate the work on the meat with a choice of different pieces grilled on the Green Egg barbecue (beef rib, grilled cockerel, etc.), the catch of the day (sea bream, sea bass, John Dory, turbot, etc.) or the pleasure of tasting lobster or crayfish from the tank. And to finish, we let ourselves be seduced by the surprising sweet creations imagined by the pastry chef, like the sweet strawberry and rocket club sandwich. There is also a selection of vegetarian dishes: you never know…

We will then happily return to the calm of the hotel to prepare for the evening. It will also be gourmet, and always lively. We are in Saint Tropez after all. We then join the Cucina By Ducasse, choosing to be near the open kitchen or on the vast terrace. The original and authentic tastes of Italy are on the menu with a wide and beautiful suggestion of wine. If you need a little calm but also a gourmet treat, the Jardin d’Arcadia at noon becomes Arcadia in the evening, in a spirit always of quality.

We could leave it there, but if you come for a weekend, there is no way you won’t be at the “Caves”! The most famous nightclub in the region is only open on Fridays and Saturdays at the moment and will close its doors on October 5th. That’s in a month: let’s hurry! Otherwise,