Estate Living Magazine The Slow Movement - Issue 39 March 2019 | Page 63

G O O D
L I F E
holidaymakers alike. I weave through the
crowds and find a parking spot in the
shade outside a small bakery. The smell of
fresh bread and roasting coffee triggers
my hunger pangs and I quickly head
inside for a buttery croissant and a rocket-
fuel espresso. I mention St Tropez and
Le Sube to the waiter, who replies with a
shake of the head; I must be crazy, all that
way on a bike just to go to a bar? I was not
crazy; I was simply in love and nothing was
going to stop me.
The scenery is changing now as the road
climbs away from the coast. I crest one
particularly steep hill and am greeted with
the most beautiful sight: St Tropez in all her
glory lying in the valley below.
The scene when I cruise into town is one
of relaxed opulence: exquisite classic
schooners and sloops line the port, while
playboys and trophy wives crowd into the
chic bars and cafés on either side of the
port. Standing head and shoulders above
all others, however, is Le Sube. Built in
the 14th century, the hotel was originally
a stagecoach relay before it became the
mansion of the Marquis Alban Martin
Roquebrune. In 1986, Jean-Louis Carré,
Thinking back on it now, perhaps I was a little crazy – all that way from Nice to
St Tropez, just for a beer in a bar? But that’s the thing. When you are in love you
tend to do crazy things.
Manie Steyn
R
An ancient staircase leads me to Reception, from where I am ushered through
to the princely lounge. The bar, with its deep leather couches, mahogany
countertop and scale model boats recalling the bygone era of the prestigious
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez yacht race, reminds me more of a private gentleman’s
club. Then again I would expect nothing less from Le Sube. Beer in hand, I take
a seat on the balcony and enjoy watching the cool of the evening roll in over the
bay, it’s the perfect end to a rather perfect day.
a passionate maritime lawyer, bought the hotel and transformed it into the
exquisite residence that it is today. I, however, am not here for the hotel. I’m
here for the bar.