The news is out: the cult series The White Lotus has chosen the South of France as the setting for its fourth season. Ostentatious luxury, hushed tensions, and biting social satire: the Riviera is set to become the new theater of high society excesses. And among the locations already confirmed, one exceptional hotel is attracting all the attention… the Château de la Messardière. This is an opportunity to find out a little more about this iconic location on the French Riviera.
The White Lotus is coming to Saint-Tropez!
Mike White and his team are heading to Saint-Tropez. After Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, the South of France will be the setting for the fourth season of The White Lotus. A successful satirical series since its release in 2021, it explores the mores and privileges of high society with biting black humor.
While the mystery still surrounds certain locations, others are already preparing to offer their sumptuous settings to the screen. With filming scheduled to take place from April to October, speculation is rife: will the Cannes Film Festival make an appearance in the script? Nothing has been confirmed yet. What we do know, however, is that the wealthy guests of the White Lotus will be staying at the Château de la Messardière. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the secrets of this luxury hotel, located less than 2.5 hours from Marseille.
Château de la Messardière, a symbol of luxury and elegance
Having joined the Airelles collection in 2019, this 19th-century building is a privileged holiday destination. Considered an architectural gem of the French Riviera, the Château de la Messardière perfectly embodies the charm and elegance of the region. Surrounded by olive groves and pine trees, it proudly overlooks Pampelonne Bay. With grounds covering several hectares and luxury facilities, it is the ideal setting for the fictional White Lotus chain . It is easy to imagine wealthy guests enjoying themselves here. A betrayal in the pool overlooking the bay, a confession in the shade of a pine tree, or a tantrum on the tennis court. We can’t wait to see what this season has in store!
From wedding gift to abandoned castle
© Airelles
The history of the establishment is all the more fascinating. Gabriel Dupuy d’Angeac, a wealthy 19th-century cognac merchant, had the château built as a wedding gift for his daughter Louise and her husband. Following the latter’s untimely death, Louise had no choice but to turn the château into a prestigious hotel. Word of mouth did its work, and during the Roaring Twenties, the Château became the preferred venue for luxurious parties by and for the Parisian aristocracy. It subsequently underwent changes of ownership and periods of neglect, before being completely restored in 1989. This restoration gave it a unique blend of styles while preserving its historic charm.
Of course, all this comes at a price: rates start at €1,390 per night. But let’s admit it, we’re right on theme!