The area where La Villa Mauresque now stands was once a massive woodland along the sea, growing along the low rocky cliffs of Saint-Raphaël. In 1881, Dr. Jules-Eugène Lagrange saw this beautiful and scenic location and claimed part of it, building a villa estate where he could lovingly spend his days with his wife. He commissioned the design to Pierre Chapoulart, a renowned architect known for using designs inspired by Moorish and Middle Eastern aesthetics. Over the years, the property lost some of its features due to the ravages of time, but its eventual reopening as a luxury hotel would see its classical aesthetics restored.

Design and Architecture

The exterior of La Villa Mauresque has retained most of its original Moorish-inspired design, featuring alabaster-white walls set with horseshoe arch windows and portals. Its gardens are fittingly landscaped to look like those of a sultan's palace, but instead replacing fountains and tents with swimming pools and pavilions. For the interiors, the decor and furnishings lean toward Western conventions, opting for contemporary bedrooms and living spaces with sleek yet cozy sofas and beds. In some parts, the interiors are influenced by slight nods to Greek Revival, with contrasting black and white combinations that enhance the Mediterranean ambiance.

Chef David Boyer leads Le Bougainvillier, the signature restaurant of La Villa Mauresque. Recognized in 2023 with the country's highest professional honor, the Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Chef Boyer showcases his mastery of the culinary arts by creating exquisite dishes made from the Mediterranean's finest catches and the region's best produce. Their menu also includes many seasonal items, often fruits and garnishes. Aside from dishes such as bouillabaisse and slow-cooked fish fillets, they also offer sublime A5 wagyu steak sourced from Japan.

La Villa Mauresque also offers a delectable breakfast, available every morning via room service from 8 am until 10:30 am, or served in the dining room and terrace from 7 am until 10:30 am. Note that it is an add-on service and costs 36 EUR (41 USD) per person.

Just as Dr. Lagrange built La Villa Mauresque to express his love for his wife, you and your beloved can also privatize the hotel for your special destination wedding. The villa can accommodate up to 42 adult guests and 18 children, so invite your friends and loved ones to share this momentous occasion. The property itself boasts 4,000 sqm (1 acre) of landscaped greenery and gardens next to the Mediterranean Sea, providing numerous options on how to decorate for your ceremony and reception.

You and your guests will also have access to the hotel's facilities, including the pool areas, fitness center, and private docks. The service staff, which also includes security and housekeeping, will also be ready at any time to assist with your needs. A private chef and their team will also be available to prepare a celebratory feast, which can then be served outdoors or in the dining hall.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

La Villa Mauresque's seaside location makes for a fantastic starting point for exploring and enjoying what the Azure Coast offers. The concierge will be eager to assist you in planning out any excursions, day trips, and local activities. Try horseback riding around the coasts and hills of Saint-Raphaël, guided by two local horse riding schools. You can also rent a bike or hike to visit the many hill trails, including the ones on the Massif de l'Esterel. Aside from these outdoor adventures, you can also keep fit and active with a few games at the commune's tennis courts, going out for a few swings at the local golf course.

As for cultural immersion, Saint-Raphaël and its neighboring communes are filled with historical sights and landmarks worth visiting. Drop by the Saint-Raphael Archaeological Museum and see the various exhibits discovered from Roman ruins and underwater archaeological sites. The town of Fréjus also has remnants of structures from Roman times, particularly the town's aqueduct, and an amphitheater that is still used to this day.

Other Celebrations

Make your birthday or anniversary all the more memorable by celebrating it next to the majestic waters of the Mediterranean. Get in touch with the management to request some personalized service at the hotel's restaurant. You can also collaborate with Chef Boyer on planning a sumptuous meal that commemorates your special day.