1967-2017 50 years of magic at HOTEL Byblos and Les Caves du Roy Saint-Tropez

The «Palace» hotel of Saint-Tropez and its mythical nightclub will celebrate their golden anniversary in 2017. Fifty years of dreams and splendour!

In just five decades,H otel Byblos and Les Leaving their mark on history while setting new Caves du Roy have acquired mythical status trends, both are equally demanding when it thanks to their remarkable history, the passion comes to cultivating the luxury of French art of their owners – the Chevanne family – their de vivre. Their timeless nature is the secret of loyal staff, their amazing guests and their their charm and the youthful spirit that reigns prestigious partners. within their walls provides a promise of staying young while at the same time ceaselessly looking to the future.

2 3 On the eve of their 50th anniversary, HOTEL Byblos and Les Caves du Roy are already looking ahead to the next Luxury the fruit of unique 50 years in Saint-Tropez know-how

The «Palace» hotel of Saint-Tropez and its displaying the same attention to detail and mythical nightclub have never shone so the quest for uniqueness. Larger and more brightly as today. Bearing testimony to an glamorous than before, the new rooms offer Constantly driven by the desire to develop in tune with exceptional way of life that is continuously a blend of contemporary interior design and the times, Le Byblos Saint-Tropez celebrated in 2002 the reassessed and renewed, these two symbolic eternal, timeless charm, associated with the inauguration of its iconic restaurant, Spoon by Alain landmarks of the French Riviera are always one very latest technologies to satisfy the needs Ducasse. Five years later, the Sisley brand chose Hotel step ahead of their time, creating today the and desires of international guests who are Byblos as the location to install its very first spa, Spa legends of tomorrow. used to staying in the finest hotels in the world. Byblos by Sisley Cosmetics.

Impossible to replicate or to duplicate, Le Byblos Offering a combination of the very best from 2012 was a groundbreaking year in Hotel Byblos’ history, welcomes guests to 17 000 square metres of the past, the present and the future – such is the 5-star hotel being upgraded to «Palace» status, the luxury living space, resolutely modern with all the promise delivered by this eternally visionary ultimate symbol of luxury acknowledging the quality of the very latest technologies but retaining at family. Rest assured that tomorrow, as today, its 91 bedrooms, including 50 suites, each one different all times its unique and indelible charm and Hotel Byblos and Les Caves du Roy will always from the other and all fully renovated and refurbished. In character. A new generation of bedrooms and astound and delight those in search of the true 2013, Spoon was replaced by «Le Rivea», a new restaurant suites has recently been unveiled, each one luxury of the French art of living. giving pride of place to the finest produce of the Riviera, orchestrated once again by Alain Ducasse, ably assisted by Head Chef Vincent Maillard, in an intimate, ultramodern, «bijou» setting designed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Veil.

4 5 Complicit partnerships with famous names from the world of luxury

Firmly in tune with the times, while at the same time designed by prestigious brands and sold exclusively preserving their very own inimitable style and their at the hotel. independent character, Hotel Byblos and Les Caves BYBLOS BY GOYARD, BYBLOS BY ROLLS ROYCE, du Roy will celebrate their golden anniversary together Indeed, to celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2007, Van Sophistication in its most authentic form... A constant quest for excellence… in May 2017, sharing this unique moment with a select Cleef & Arpels, Perrier-Jouët, Elie Bleue and Jaeger- group of prestigious partners, all of whom uphold the LeCoultre were part of the great adventure. Five years It is said that certain marriages are made in heaven. A highly sophisticated duo, Hotel Byblos and Rolls-Royce same philosophy: to dedicate their know-how to the later, to commemorate 45 years of luxury hospitality and With their family-based organization, their loyalty to have been playing the same tune together for many world of luxury. its entry into the select circle of «Palace» hotels, Byblos French luxury, their quest for the ultimate in contemporary long years now. Both brands share the same passion for once again proudly presented a range of magnificent sophistication and their unique know-how and personal detail and the same willingness to provide a personalized, In 2007, in keeping with this historic aura, Antoine creations by Cristal Roederer, Montblanc, Pinel&Pinel way, Hotel Byblos and Maison Goyard are made for one made-to-measure service. Chevanne inaugurated the very first collection of «Byblos and Jaeger-LeCoultre. another – two institutions that have never lost sight of Exclusives Series», a limited edition of exceptional items their heritage and their values. With a close and complicit mutual awareness and understanding, they share the same approach to luxury Set down alongside a recliner by the pool or placed in its very purest sense. Although their histories could upon a seat in the Rivea restaurant, the linen and cotton hardly be more different, both strive for perfection and bags bearing the famous chevron pattern symbolize excellence by constantly seeking to renew the exclusive the love of timelessness that the luggage-maker of rue nature of what they have to offer… In 2017, to commemorate its golden Saint-Honoré and the Palace hotel of Saint-Tropez both share. A testimony to their mutual exclusiveness. All things considered, isn’t that the key to the long- anniversary, HOTEL Byblos has a number lasting romance that unites legendary couples? What experience could possibly be more luxurious than climbing of magnificent surprises up its sleeve, aboard a Rolls-Royce cabriolet down by the coast, driving along the winding clifftop «Petite Corniche» and arriving with exclusive creations bearing at the gates of Byblos in Saint Tropez for a memorable stay? For car enthusiasts, the interlaced double R is the names of Missoni Home, a brand logo that will never cease to inspire those in Audemars Piguet, Goyard, Dom Pérignon, search of perfection. Rarity, the essence of true luxury. Sisley & Rolls Royce… BYBLOS BY MISSONI HOME, Living the «Dolce Vita»…

With a shared passion for the pleasures of the Riviera, the colours of the Mediterranean and an elegant lifestyle, these two family-based luxury houses had every reason to combine their talents.

Famous for its zig-zag stitch and its vast array of colourful motifs, the Missoni family brand has been disseminating BYBLOS BY SISLEY, BYBLOS BY AUDEMARS-PIGUET, BYBLOS BY DOM PERIGNON, since 1953 a touch of Italian «dolce vita» in the fashion Beauty above all else… Time has no hold over those A truly singular experience... world, and more recently inside the home. The much sought-after Italian chic is gracefully transposed to the The same passion for the Basque country, the same of a visionary nature… domestic environment via a range of household products: fascination with the French Riviera - the bond of friendship From the very beginning, Dom Pérignon champagne has Missoni Home. between the Chevanne and d’Ornano families was forged embodied the pursuit of an ideal, with vintages being With a history dating back over more than 140 years, the by a mutual attraction for magical, inspirational locations. exclusively assembled only in the very best years and Swiss village of Le Brassus, the birthplace of high-precision, Inspired by the colours of Saint-Tropez and the fascinating thereafter placed in the cellar for at least eight more high-quality watchmaking, constantly pays homage to aura inspired by Le Byblos all around the world, Rosita Focused on providing excellence, without any outwards before being considered ready for tasting. the excesses of time. Millenary and Royal Oak are just Missoni, who shares with the Chevanne family the passion signs of pretention, these two prestigious brands also two of the legendary names that bear witness to expert for making people feel «at home, away from home», share a common desire to instil a sense of happiness Sampling a Dom Pérignon vintage is a highly sensorial know-how that is able to give birth to sought-after items explored the entire range of colour combinations to and well-being. One of the fruits of this long-lasting experience which, when placed in the context of Les that have become real icons. Precision, excellence, bring her own personal touch to this heavenly cocoon affinity, the very first Sisley Spa was unveiled to the world Caves du Roy or a suite at Hotel Byblos, reaches a whole sobriety and the desire to create a timepiece that is nestled amidst lush greenery. at Byblos in 2007. new level; a singular, exceptional, rare moment of luxury. the epitome of contemporary beauty… this sums up the pleasure-giving philosophy that is shared by Audemars Retracing the history of her brand along with that of A symbol of luxury in its own right, Sisley has attained Byblos Saint-Tropez is the ideal location for such a Piguet and Byblos, providing a means of keeping track Le Byblos and Saint-Tropez, she outlined her vision of mythical status in just forty years of existence. Through its happening: a palace like no other in which to appreciate of time while holiday-making in Saint-Tropez. A highly modernism via a sophisticated and fun-filled palette will to deliver high-end, hi-tech cosmetics and meticulously truly unique champagne. desirable item with its own discreet charm; a watch that - a profusion of colour that will cause both delight prepared skincare programmes, Sisley has made the will last a lifetime or more. and surprise. pursuit of beauty a genuine «art de vivre».

6 7 Byblos © Rue des Archives - AGIP 1967

Our story begins in Saint-Tropez…

On the tree-lined avenue Paul Signac, just a designers and artists, drawn by its unworldly stone’s throw from the Place des Lices and beauty and the promise of enjoying a good beneath the citadel of Saint-Tropez, the hotel time. In 1956, Roger Vadim’s movie «And God was widely talked about as soon as building created Woman» introduced Brigitte Bardot began in 1966 in this tiny fisherman’s village that to the world and made Saint-Tropez the living had already attracted so many writers, painters, symbol of libertarianism.

Saint-Tropez / Office du Tourisme de Saint-Tropez

In the middle of the turbulent , the Lebanese billionaire...

In the middle of the turbulent 1960s, the Lebanese billionaire Prosper Gay-Para decided on a whim to build a luxury hotel, a village within a village, and also a nightclub with an antique-style interior design. An idyllic holiday destination, full of glamour, just like «BB» with whom, it was said, he had fallen hopelessly in love…

Several other movies were filmed here, including the unforgettable feature-length comedies by Gérard Oury, «Le gendarme se marie» with Louis de Funès in the lead role and «Le coup du parapluie» starring .

Through such artistic vehicles, the magnificent aura and the incomparable «joie de vivre» of Hotel Byblos and Les Caves du Roy were communicated to the world.

Brigitte Bardot by Claude Dronsart

8 9 Antoine Chevanne, CEO of Groupe Floirat

Inaugurated on 27 May 1967 in a blaze of glorious celebrations, Hotel Byblos and Les Caves du Roy have contributed from their very earliest days to the international renown of Saint-Tropez, without ever losing sight of their primary vocation: to provide comfort and pleasure.

A stunning guest list comprising international royalty, movie stars, singers, rock idols, writers and hedonists in search of happiness… Whole generations have rubbed shoulders, enjoyed informal get-togethers and even forged lasting friendships… and many others will continue to do so in the future.

«As a child, all my holidays were spent at Byblos. It’s where I grew up, alongside its guests, many of whom have become friends over the years. This is what I mean when I speak of the family spirit that runs through the hotel» explains in simple terms Antoine Chevanne, CEO of Groupe Floirat.

Mythical, legendary… with an ETERNAL family spirit

Never seen before in the world of luxury hospitality, this joyful alchemy is the work of a French family, the Chevanne, owners of Byblos a part of the Groupe Floirat. Their passion has been handed A Palace worthy of Zeus down through four generations, with always the same level of sincerity, the same high standards and an incredible sense of loyalty, values shared by our staff, some of whom have been with us for thirty to forty years now. The owner of two hotels in Beirut, including The architects Christian Auvrignon, Philippe the Excelsior and its discotheque, Les Caves Monnin and Philippe Siccardon envisaged Far-removed from the flashy, ostentatious luxury of du Roy, Prosper Gay-Para wanted to create the hotel as a small Provence-style village, the grand hotels of the Riviera, Hotel Byblos offers «a bridge between the French Riviera and the with narrow houses of different shapes & sizes each and every guest the feeling of being at home, Middle East». He named his creation «Byblos» and dotted with balconies here and there. under the ever watchful eye of its attentive staff, who after one of the most ancient Lebanese towns, Boutiques, a bar, luxuriant patios, fountains, together form a family of their own, demonstrating which Greek mythology tells us was where restful lounges; life revolves around a paved their exceptional professional know-how while Adonis and Aphrodite became lovers. square in the shade of a century-old olive creating an atmosphere of pure contentment. tree, imported from Lebanon. The interior A palace worthy of the Arabian Nights, with a designers André Denis and Serge Sassouni Thanks to a sizeable dose of humanity, a focus on mosaic at the entrance depicting Zeus, who embellished the interior with glazed «azulejo» individual care and attention and a real sense of has been transformed into a bull in order to tiles from Andalusia, colourful madras cotton attachment to the hotel, the pleasure is shared by abduct Europa, a Phoenician princess from drapes with golden thread, artistic furniture staff and guests alike. With an unrivalled sense of Greek mythology. Nothing was considered and collector’s items. From the wrought iron hospitality and an unequalled attention to detail, too beautiful for this newly-built jewel of a staircases, the visitor’s gaze falls upon the Hotel Byblos demonstrates the very best in terms hotel in which all the different styles of the polychrome mosaics of Roger Capron, Alain of French-style luxury living, a commodity that is Mediterranean from all different ages are Vagh and Jean Derval, the leading lights of in such rare supply nowadays. brought together in a timeless harmony ... the Vallauris ceramic movement.

Sylvain Floirat, founder of Groupe Floirat

10 11 A family dedicated to the pursuit of excellence

On 19 September 1967, Sylvain Floirat (1899-1993), a former boilermaker who ultimately found himself at the helm of a self-made business empire (Aigle Azur, Breguet Aviation, Matra, Europe 1 and the French broadcasting corporation, CFT) purchased Hotel Byblos and Les Caves du Roy, both having acquired mythical status in such a short time… Since then, his descendants have devoted themselves to perpetuating the legend. Thanks to their exacting standards and their quest for excellence, Byblos and Les Caves du Roy are still today a place like no other, a rare haven of sophistication and elegance of Antoine was spending all his holidays at Byblos, enjoying international renown. endless games of backgammon, fashion shows by the poolside and incredible summer concerts. Early regular guests included the likes of Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton, Duke Ellington, Romy Schneider and The Chevanne family then took the decision to transpose French stars such as Louis de Funès, Bourvil, Michel their unique family spirit to Courchevel, the Alpine resort Polnareff, Gilbert Bécaud… Later, in 1971, Mick Jagger much-favoured by the jet set, opening «Le Byblos des chose Saint-Tropez as the destination for his wedding to Neiges» and its very own Caves du Roy nightclub in Bianca Perez. A memorable party in Les Caves du Roy Grace Jones by Edward Quinn, 1977 Mick Jagger by Claude Dronsart, 1971 1984. Regular visitors to the hotel in Saint-Tropez were with the Beatles among the guests of honour, followed by delighted to find the warmth and hospitality that they a honeymoon in Byblos’ largest suite. What more could were so used to, the staff from the summer resort having a couple of newly-weds possibly wish for…? packed their bags and relocated to the mountains for the winter season – a ritual that continued right through By now renowned the world over for its «joie de vivre» until the hotel’s closure in 2007. its sumptuous parties, its impressive guest list and its inimitable sense of freedom, Hotel Byblos then came Having been initiated since childhood in the pleasure of On this day - 27 May 1967… into the hands of Sylvain Chevanne who, respectful of welcoming guests and offering them the best possible his grandfather Sylvain Floirat’s wishes, also took control time, Antoine Chevanne became totally enamoured with of the Aigle Azur aviation company. But little by little, he the world of luxury hospitality and is now in the process found himself devoting all of his time to his «tropezian of writing the future chapters of the legend that is Byblos paradise» alongside his wife Mireille, an ardent interior Saint-Tropez. Following his studies (at -Dauphine and designer. By the end of the pulsating 1970’s, their only son Always in the spotlight from the moment were lucky enough to be there; the seven Cornell University) and a period of globe-trotting, the of its grand opening ceremony (under the hundred invited guests discovering a hotel heir to this rare family know-how began by taking over patronage of the French actress Mireille that totally shook up the established codes the helm as General Manager at Le Byblos (from 2001 Darc, whom the Lebanese billionaire had associated with luxury hospitality. to 2006) before becoming Chief Executive Officer of met at the Excelsior in Beirut when she was Groupe Floirat, paying homage to his great grandfather filming scenes for George Lautner’s «La However, the outbreak of the Six Day war in the process. Grande Sauterelle»), Byblos has become in June 1967 impelled Prosper Gay-Para to symbolic with the image of sun-drenched return to Lebanon and to give up his creative The family story has added several new pages with the holidays hidden away from prying eyes. dream. This heralded the beginning of a new acquisition of two quite exceptional four-star hotels, era in the history of Le Byblos and Les Caves La Réserve in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Les Manoirs de The opening night on 27 May 1967 will forever du Roy… the story of Sylvain Floirat and his Tourgéville in Normandy, where guests can be sure to be engraved in the memory of those who descendants, the Chevanne. find the same attention to detail, the same convivial atmosphere, the same quest for excellence and the same family spirit as in Saint-Tropez. The renowned French touch that is so sought-after in the world of luxury hospitality.

12 13 Classic Double Room

Beneath the stars at Saint-Tropez, a Palace has seen the light of day…

Beginning with sixty bedrooms, each one Hotel Byblos was awarded a fifth star following different from the next, Byblos has always a major renovation program in 2009, before drawn inspiration from the prevailing times in being granted the ultimate accolade in 2012: order to improve its offering to its guests. The «Palace» status. The 91 bedrooms, including purchase of a neighbouring plot of land in 1983 50 suites, each with their own individual provided the space to build an additional wing, design style, are all decked out with eight La Bastide, and a further separate outbuilding, different designer-stamped textiles, from Le Hameau, creating a tropezian paradise drapes, bedspreads to furniture upholstery, covering some 17 000 square metres. all handmade in the nearby workshops of Marseille. Alongside antique furniture, guests To make them even more spacious and to will find made-to-measure items with a more bring in more light, certain bedrooms and modern, but nevertheless harmonious feel; the suites were later joined together. Having whole ensemble creating a cocoon in which acquired four shining stars from the outset, one is made to feel totally «at home».

Duplex Room

14 15 Vincent Maillard, Executive Chief of Rivea

Gastronomy, a family passion orchestrated by Alain Ducasse

From Byblos in Saint-Tropez to La Réserve in Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Les Manoirs de Tourgeville in Normandy, the Chevanne family perpetuates its tradition for gastronomic and inventive cuisine, producing dishes that are in tune with the times and in phase with the seasons.

Over the years, the tropezian palace has «Spoon» was replaced in 2013 by «Le Rivea», constantly been at the forefront in providing an ode to the flavours and fragrances of the culinary delights, starting with «Le Beittedine» Mediterranean. and its Lebanese flavours and aromas, the Italian-style «Oléa», the lively poolside Vincent Maillard, a disciple of Alain eatery presided over by Picolette, and then Ducasse at the latter’s «Louis XV» restaurant the gourmet delights created by Michel in , is a master at seeking out the Rochedy, the star chef at Le Chabichou treasures of the French and Italian rivieras in Courchevel who came down from the in order to delight diners’ taste buds with mountains in summer to take up residence in hitherto unknown combinations of flavours the kitchens at Saint-Tropez. and aromas.

A new step forward was taken in 2002, with His creations can also be enjoyed as finger- the opening of «Spoon» by Alain Ducasse, food at «Le B», the poolside restaurant & presenting a concept of «chameleon bar. Sophisticated gastronomy that is also cuisine», a complete breakaway from essentially simple to enjoy – the very essence conventional culinary codes. Most recently, of luxury.

Restaurant « Le Rivea »

16 17 Myths and legends die hard… Brigitte Bardot by Claude Dronsart

A never-ending queue of eager revellers winding its way beneath the wisteria adorning the staircase, brightly-lit palm tree pillars, a discreet VIP area and a busy and bustling dance floor… little has changed over the years. The first «Queen of Tropezian nights», Jacqueline Veyssière enjoyed a thirty-year reign over the most famous night spot of the Riviera. She was then succeeded by the late Jean de Colmont, who brought his very own style of panache and eccentricity to the club. Presided over today by the somewhat impetuous Junior, Les Caves is still the place to be in Saint-Tropez. From the debut performances of the Gipsy Kings to the extravagant show by Grace Jones sitting astride a Harley Davidson, Les Caves du Roy has always drawn a host of international stars; Bono, Naomi Campbell, P. Diddy, Donatella Versace, Bruce Willis, to name but a few; all are drawn here by the promise of an unforgettable night-time experience…

The forthcoming anniversary will be one of the most important events for night revellers from all over the world, with Les Caves du Roy surely playing host to some of the most extravagant parties of 2017…

Jack Nicholson and Cher by J. Aponte

Les Caves du Roy by Christian Voigt

Beneath the legendary palm trees of Les Caves du Roy…

Reflecting the lively and joyful atmosphere that reigns the «Krak des Chevaliers» a mini-discotheque housed at all times in Saint-Tropez, Les Caves du Roy, an exact in the former champagne bar, now home to Sisley Spa. replica of the eponymous nightclub at the Excelsior hotel in Beirut, has long been a venue of choice for those The evening entertainment drawing to a close, everyone seeking the ultimate party atmosphere. Five decades of would head for Les Caves du Roy, where it would not be memorable all-nighters have seen Les Caves become unusual to find the French rocker Eddy Mitchell serving the stuff of legend alongside ’s «Studio 54», cocktails at the bar, to hear an impromptu recital with Ibiza’s «Le Pacha» or «Le Palace» in Paris. Charles Aznavour tinkling the ivories and Liza Minelli on vocals, or to witness the arrival of the «Barclay crowd», the Successive generations have flocked to Les Caves du king of vinyl having called a halt to one of his «white dress Roy to find «that little something extra» that cannot be only» parties in his magnificent villa on Cap Camarat, found anywhere else. to head down whatever the hour to Les Caves with his band of merry men in tow (Daniel Hechter, , The earliest visitors can still recall the same ritual: the party Stéphane Collaro, Carlos), ready to rub shoulders with would begin at Club 55 on the beach at Ramatuelle the likes of , Prince Albert of Monaco, and continue until sundown, before heading to Byblos George Michael and … for dinner at the poolside pop-up eatery run by Picolette and Lina (who had introduced Brigitte Bardot to her As night gave way to day and Les Caves du Roy closed future husband Gunter Sachs in their restaurant in nearby its doors, the joyous revellers would head down to the Gassin). They would then enjoy a hilarious drag show in portside bar «Le Gorille» for a tasty breakfast platter of French fries…

18 19 HOTEL Byblos key dates

27 May 1967: Inauguration of the hotel 19 September 1967: Purchased by Sylvain Floirat 2006: Antoine Chevanne, Sylvain Floirat’s great-grandson takes over the management of the Group 2007: First series of «Byblos Exclusives Series» (to commemorate the 40th anniversary) 28 June 2012: Acquisition of «Palace» status

The past 50 years have seen :

More than 500 000 nightly bookings at the hotel More than 2500 French and International celebrities have had the pleasure of discovering Le Byblos More than 1 500 000 revellers have taken to the dance floor of Les Caves du Roy

COMING SOON – A LEGENDARY ANNIVERSARY Other Byblos facts & figures :

A family affair presided over by Antoine Chevanne 17 000 square meters in the heart of Saint-Tropez 91 bedrooms, including 50 suites 1 private villa: Villa «La Capilla» Spring 2017 will see a range of festivities, All eyes will be focused on this tiny spot on the More than 300 staff partnerships and stupendous events to Mediterranean coast; a former fishing village 1 poolside restaurant, «Le B» celebrate the golden past and the future that has become the chicest resort in the world, 1 restaurant, «Le Rivea» by Alain Ducasse, led by Head Chef Vincent Maillard legends of Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez and Les where the magical aura of Hotel Byblos and 1 Spa by Sisley (the very first in the world) Caves du Roy. Les Caves du Roy shines more brightly than 1 nightclub: Les Caves du Roy ever before. For this fiftieth anniversary a whole host of sumptuous surprises are in store, right through The upcoming season will provide the setting until summer’s end. Celebrations galore, for a series of unique and rare events attended luxurious, joyful and fun-filled events that by stars from all over the world, delighted to will be engraved in the memory of all who bear testimony to their friendship and affection Reopening on April 13, 2017 and closing on October 15, 2017 have the chance to be there and that will be for this timeless location that has succeeded in widely reported in the society pages of the preserving the same family spirit and the same international media. joy of living over the past fifty years, thanks to the talents of the Chevanne family, masters in the art of French luxury hospitality.

20 21 PRESS CONTACTS

Peretti Communications

Françoise Peretti / Media Relations [email protected] / +44(0)20 7244 1931 / +44(0)7974 924190

Victoria Henson [email protected] / +44 (0)20 7244 1941 / +44 (0)20 7244 1930

HOTEL BYBLOS / 20 avenue Paul Signac, 83990 Saint-Tropez

www.byblos50.com #byblos50

www.lescavesduroy.com #cavesduroy50

Photo credits : Claude Dronsart, Edward Quinn, J. Aponte, Office du Tourisme de Saint-Tropez, Rue des Archives AGIP, Adrien Daste, Christian Voigt.