There are hotels that promise sea views, and then there are places where the Mediterranean becomes part of everyday life. At Les Roches Rouges, the sea is not simply a backdrop — it is the soul of the hotel. Waves replace traffic, pine trees perfume the air, and every window frames a living painting of endless blue stretching towards the horizon.
Perched on the dramatic Golden Corniche between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes, facing the legendary Île d’Or and the protected landscapes of the Estérel Massif, Les Roches Rouges occupies one of the most extraordinary locations on the French Riviera. Built in the late 1950s, the hotel’s modernist architecture remains one of its most distinctive features: pure lines, open spaces and a design philosophy that allows nature to take centre stage.
Rather than competing with its surroundings, Les Roches Rouges was conceived as a dialogue with them. The architecture disappears into the landscape, creating a seamless connection between the Mediterranean, the gardens and the interiors. This vision was carefully reinterpreted during the hotel’s transformation by architects Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay of Festen, who preserved the spirit of the original building while giving it a contemporary identity.
“Captivated by the ever-present Mediterranean at Les Roches Rouges, we wanted to enhance the views and create spaces that live in perfect harmony with the environment,” explain Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. Their approach was not about adding luxury, but revealing what was already there: the light, the horizon and the extraordinary relationship between architecture and nature.
The result is a modern Riviera retreat where simplicity becomes the ultimate form of sophistication.
The hotel’s colour palette reflects the landscape itself: the deep blue of the Mediterranean, the pure white of the architecture and the warm ochre tones of the Estérel’s volcanic rocks. Interiors are intentionally understated, filled with natural light and designed around the idea of slow living. Vintage furniture, carefully selected artworks and handcrafted details create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and personal.
Every room invites guests to reconnect with the elements. The sea can be admired from the bed, the balcony, the desk — and even from the bathtub. Designed as private sanctuaries, the rooms feature custom marble bathrooms, Diptyque amenities, personalised playlists, curated film selections and furniture inspired by the golden age of Mediterranean holidays.
The creative vision behind Les Roches Rouges extends far beyond architecture. A carefully selected group of artists, designers and craftsmen contributed to shaping the hotel’s unique identity. Artist Rosemarie Auberson created works inspired by the changing shades of the Mediterranean, from soft coastal blues to deeper, almost nocturnal tones. Antique dealers Hélène Breheret and Benjamin Desprez introduced iconic pieces from French and international designers of the second half of the 20th century, adding character and history to the interiors. Landscape designers Stan Alaguillaume and Gwenaëlle Grandjean created a Mediterranean garden where native plants, pine trees and coastal vegetation continue the dialogue between the hotel and its natural surroundings.
A new chapter in the hotel’s architectural story has arrived with the Riviera Suite, an extraordinary 260-square-metre rooftop residence suspended between sky and sea. Designed by Atelier Saint-Lazare, this private sanctuary reinterprets the modernist spirit of the Côte d’Azur through a bold yet minimalist architectural gesture. With 135 square metres of interior space and 125 square metres of panoramic terraces, the suite feels less like a hotel room and more like a private Mediterranean home.
Its defining feature is a sculptural curved concrete veil inspired by the work of Richard Serra, flowing through the space as both an architectural element and a work of art. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, continuous terracotta flooring and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions dissolve the boundaries between the residence and the landscape, allowing the Mediterranean horizon to become part of the experience. A landscaped terrace designed by Atelier Lamarck features a private basin and outdoor shower, creating a secluded retreat above the waves.
The Riviera Suite also celebrates craftsmanship and local heritage, with carefully selected pieces by Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Paulin and works by contemporary artists adding depth and character to the interiors. Designed as both an intimate residence and a unique venue for private gatherings, dinners or celebrations, the suite embodies the essence of Les Roches Rouges: a timeless dialogue between architecture, nature and the Mediterranean.
Yet it is outside where Les Roches Rouges truly reveals its magic. The hotel’s iconic seawater pool, carved directly into the rocks and stretching nearly 30 metres along the coastline, has become one of the Riviera’s most recognisable images. Swimming here feels less like being in a pool and more like floating directly in the Mediterranean. A second heated lap pool offers a quieter morning ritual, while guests can explore the coastline by paddleboard, kayak or snorkelling directly from the shore.
Food plays an equally important role in the experience.
At the Michelin-starred restaurant Récif, located on the hotel’s rooftop terrace overlooking the sea, Chef José Bailly creates refined Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the daily catch and the seasons. Each dish celebrates the flavours of Provence with a focus on exceptional local ingredients.
For a more relaxed experience, La Plage captures the effortless spirit of Riviera summers, serving generous Mediterranean dishes in a setting where lunch naturally extends into the afternoon. By the water, La Cabane offers cocktails and light bites throughout the day — the perfect place to watch the sun disappear behind the red cliffs.
Perhaps the most intimate experience is Le Ponton, where a private table positioned almost at sea level creates an unforgettable setting for a romantic dinner facing Île d’Or. As the last rays of sunlight reflect on the water, the moment feels suspended in time.
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Beyond dining and the beach, Les Roches Rouges offers a complete Mediterranean lifestyle: a peaceful spa, outdoor yoga, cycling routes through the Estérel, cooking classes, cinema under the stars and water activities directly from the hotel.
Les Roches Rouges is not a place that tries to imitate the glamour of the Riviera. It represents something more authentic: a return to the essence of Mediterranean living. Here, luxury is measured not in excess, but in emotion — in the sound of waves at sunrise, the scent of pine trees in the afternoon and the golden light that transforms the coastline every evening.
A true front-row seat to the beauty of the Côte d’Azur.
Address: 90 Bd de la 36ème division du Texas, 83700 Saint-Raphaël
Phone: 04 89 81 40 60