Hôtel de la Ponche, the myth
The legendary Hôtel de la Ponche is a discreet, out-of-the-way Tropezian institution. A family home that became famous for welcoming distinguished guests in a carefree period that is no longer the case. Françoise Sagan, Romy Schneider and Brigitte Bardot all stayed at the Hôtel de la Ponche. Women with a capital F, with exceptional destinies and outstanding personalities. Icons who have contributed to Saint-Tropez’s worldwide renown and influence. Recently renovated, the hotel has retained its singular, authentic atmosphere, helping to make the Var peninsula one of the Mediterranean’s top summer destinations. (Re)discover.
From Paris to Saint-Tropez
On the restaurant side, chef Thomas Danigo composes an elegant, Mediterranean spring menu with Provencal accents. Recently awarded a Michelin star for his cuisine at the Galanga restaurant in the Monsieur George hotel in Paris, the young chef has adapted to the surrounding terroir to mark out his gastronomic territory. Lightly roasted white asparagus confit, accompanied by a tonnato sauce and fish roe, opens the seasonal dialogue with as much conceptual freedom as honesty towards its title. But the fresh goat’s cheese tartelette with Provençal herbs and bell pepper jam could also have won everyone over… for a future visit.
Mistral out and about
The lamb chops, wild garlic gremolata, pea fricassee and fatty jus embrace the vegetation while retaining their rosy identity, magnified by an intense, syrupy jus of great beauty. The mistral wind was out in force that evening, telling us the tale of a wonderful spring night. A blessed time before the summer tourist rush. With Thomas Danigo, a new culinary breath of fresh air invades the alleys of the Tropez. Let us be lulled…
