Every year, the town of Saint-Tropez in Provence celebrates the Bravades, a traditional festival rich in history and color. To fully enjoy this unique experience, the Hôtel Lou Pinet is the ideal base, offering a luxurious setting that is total immersed in the spirit of Saint-Tropez.
This year’s event takes place from May 16 to 18, 2024. Book your stay at Lou Pinet now to make sure you don’t miss out on the 466th exceptional celebration.
Origins and history
The Bravades date back to 68 AD, when Saint Tropez refused to renounce his Christian faith before the emperor. He was beheaded and his body, accompanied by a rooster and a dog as a sign of dishonor, was placed in a boat and abandoned to the currents. The boat eventually reached the shores of Saint-Tropez.
At the end of the 15th century, the town was rebuilt and repopulated. The new inhabitants were given the task of defending the town.
For over 450 years, these festivities have celebrated the Tropezians’ loyalty to their glorious military past and their devotion to their patron saint.
Highlights
The day kicks off with the parade of the bravadeurs, where tradesmen and Tropezians, dressed in their musketeer or sailor uniforms, proudly parade through the streets of the town to celebrate the feast of the Patron Saint, sounding their blunderbusses and rifles in his honor, just as they did in the past to scare off attackers.
Cannon firings, blunderbusses in the streets, traditional music and dance performances punctuate this traditional festivity.
On the programme:
Thursday May 16: From 8am there will be the artillery salute at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, followed by wreath-laying at the Monuments aux Morts des deux Guerres at 11am. In the early afternoon at 2:30pm is the meeting of the bravade corps, then at 3pm the taking of the pike and flag blessing of arms.
Friday May 17: From 8 a.m. the bravado corps meets on Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, then at 9 a.m. there is a solemn mass in the parish church, followed by the general procession through the town. In the afternoon, a second meeting takes place in the main square. The main festivities begin at 4pm, followed by the surrender of the pike and flag at midnight.
Saturday, May 18: From 8 a.m. the bravado corps meets in the main square, then at 9 a.m. there is a thanksgiving mass in the chapel of Saint-Anne, followed by a parade and a vermouth d’honneur.
To make the most of these unforgettable moments, the Lou Pinet team will be delighted to guide and advise you on the best places to admire the parades and shows.
Hotel Lou Pinet: Your haven of peace in Saint-Tropez
An experience of luxury and authenticity
Nestled in the heart of Saint-Tropez, Hôtel Lou Pinet is a veritable oasis of luxury and authenticity, just 5 minutes from Place des Lices, the lively center of the bravades. Thanks to its ideal location, you’ll be able to follow in the footsteps of history and enjoy its festivities easily.
The hotel’s Mediterranean architecture, designed by talented local artists, will immerse you in the warm, refined atmosphere of Provence. Every detail, from shaded patios to fountains, has been carefully thought out to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience.
Architect and interior designer Charles Zana, a native of Saint-Tropez, has transformed Lou Pinet into a refined, intimate setting, enriched by a wealth of antique pieces. François Viellecroze, a local architect for decades, has modernized the hotel while respecting its original Tropezian spirit.
Rooms and suites with Provencal elegance
Lou Pinet’s rooms and suites offer generous spaces bathed in light thanks to multiple large windows in several rooms, each with its own private garden and outdoor lounge. Architect Charles Zana has transformed the sunny atmosphere of the rooms with natural materials and rounded shapes, paying homage to the style of the 60s and 70s.
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Saint-Tropez at Lou Pinet
Fine dining at the Beefbar
After an eventful day, Hotel Lou Pinet invites you to discover its restaurant, the Beefbar. Here, the Chef utilises local produce from Provence as well as offering an exceptional selection of meats, including the famous Kobe beef. An unforgettable gastronomic experience in elegant, convivial surroundings.
Relaxation and well-being at the Lou Pinet Spa
To recharge your batteries after the festivities, the spa at Hôtel Lou Pinet welcomes you to a haven of serenity. In partnership with organic cosmetics brand Tata Harper, the spa offers a range of exclusive, made-to-measure treatments, combining ancestral techniques with natural products. Let yourself be tempted by a soothing massage or a revitalizing facial to restore your energy.
Discover Saint-Tropez differently
Activities and discoveries nearby
Although the Bravades will be the highlight of your stay, Saint-Tropez and the surrounding area are full of other treasures to discover. The Lou Pinet concierge will be delighted to advise you on the best cultural, sporting and leisure activities to enjoy in the area.
Whether you’re tempted by a boat trip to admire the famous calanques of the Côte d’Azur, wine tasting in the vineyards of Provence or a lazy day on the sandy beaches, Saint-Tropez is sure to meet your expectations.
The bravades is a unique experience combining tradition, festivities and authenticity, and by choosing the Hôtel Lou Pinet as your base, you can be sure to experience this celebration in the best possible way.
Book your stay now and let yourself be seduced by the timeless charm of Saint-Tropez.
The Hôtel Lou Pinet opened its doors on 07 May 2024. For more information or to book your stay at the hotel, visit our website or contact our reservations team at reservations@loupinet.com or by telephone on +33 (0) 4 94 97 04 37.
