Perched above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Jacqueline de Ribes’s holiday home captures everything we love about summer in the South of France: effortless elegance, beautiful surroundings, long lunches, and a sense that there is nowhere else you need to be.
The Provençal home, Les Hauts de Saint Marc, originally belonged to de Ribes’s mother and was built in the 1960s. Over the years, it became a deeply personal retreat for the fashion icon, filled with family heirlooms, artwork, vintage furniture, and pieces collected throughout her life.
Rather than completely transforming the property, de Ribes embraced its existing character. Traditional Provençal details were paired with soft neutrals, local materials, colorful accents, and plenty of natural light. The result was sophisticated without feeling overly polished—a home that felt lived-in, welcoming, and distinctly French.
A Summer Made for Slow Living
What makes the property particularly enchanting isn’t just its interiors. It’s the lifestyle that surrounds it.
Summer days were spent swimming, playing pétanque, enjoying leisurely meals, and gathering with family and friends. Evenings moved outdoors, with dinners and drinks enjoyed on the terraces while the Mediterranean landscape provided the backdrop.
The home also became a gathering place for an impressive circle of friends and cultural figures over the years. But despite its glamorous guest list, its purpose remained deeply personal: it was a place for family, storytelling, and making memories.
The Beauty of Understated Elegance
De Ribes’s approach to the home offers a refreshing reminder that luxury doesn’t always mean excess.
Every detail had a purpose, from carefully chosen lighting to family portraits and regional furnishings. Nothing felt like it was there simply to impress. Instead, the beauty came from the combination of history, personality, and restraint.
That same philosophy extended to entertaining. Fresh local ingredients, simple drinks, outdoor dining, and good company were enough to create an unforgettable evening.
And perhaps that’s what makes the home so inspiring today.
In a world obsessed with making everything bigger, newer, and more extravagant, Jacqueline de Ribes’s retreat reminds us that the most beautiful spaces are often the ones that feel personal.
The ultimate French Riviera luxury? Having a beautiful place, good company, and nowhere you need to rush off to.