Lady Eliza Spencer, model and entrepreneur, reveals why Saint-Tropez holds her heart. It is not the glamour but the simple, joyful moments that make the destination special for her.
Why Saint-Tropez?
Saint-Tropez has been part of Lady Eliza Spencer's life for as long as she can remember. She spent family holidays there growing up, and it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and comfort. "Whenever I go back, there is a real sense of familiarity and comfort," she says. She loves the light, the sea, the food, and the pace of life. "It has glamour, of course, but what makes it truly special is that it never feels like it is trying too hard." She describes a perfect day: barefoot on the beach, a long lunch that turns into the afternoon, then dressing up for dinner.
Recent Visit and Companions
Lady Eliza was last in Saint-Tropez a few months ago with her sisters and her fiancé, Channing. Being with the people she loves makes it even more special. The South of France has become meaningful to her, especially since launching her rosé brand, Lala V. "It feels like a place where people genuinely know how to enjoy life," she says. She appreciates the simple things: morning coffee overlooking the sea, a swim before lunch, afternoon talks around a table, and a glass of rosé at sunset.
Accommodation and Dining
For stays, she prefers relaxed and peaceful places with family and friends. Hôtel Byblos is iconic for its timeless charm that captures the spirit of Saint-Tropez without being intimidating. Her favourite meals are simple: fresh fish, tomatoes, olive oil, warm bread, and chilled rosé. She notes that it is about who you share it with. She also enjoys The Niwaki, a Japanese restaurant in Monaco that feels very Riviera despite its different cuisine. Favourite restaurants include Club 55 for atmosphere, Le Girelier for seafood, L’Opéra for fun evenings, and Gaia, which recently opened in Saint-Tropez.
24-Hour Itinerary
If she had only 24 hours, she would start with coffee at Sénéquier and breakfast at Dior Café, then walk through Place des Lices market. Next, she would head to Pampelonne Beach for a swim and a long lunch with friends and family. In the afternoon, she would walk through the old town, browse boutiques, and spend time by the harbour. She would end the day with a drink overlooking the port and a relaxed dinner. "Order something simple at the beach, stay longer than planned and enjoy the moment. That is Saint-Tropez at its best," she advises.
Hidden Gems and Favourite Shops
She loves wandering through the quieter streets of the old town early in the morning before it gets busy. For letting loose, she goes to Shellona or beach clubs on Pampelonne where everyone is relaxed and barefoot. Her favourite shops are Bla-Bla and By Marie, where she finds homewares and linens. The one souvenir she would bring home is a bottle of local rosé, which brings back memories of long lunches and sunshine. Her packing essentials are a great swimsuit, oversized sunglasses, and a beautiful summer dress.
Memories and Dreams
Her favourite memories are family holidays with her sisters Amelia and Kitty. "When I think of Saint-Tropez, I don’t think about the yachts or the glamour first, I think about family, sunshine, laughter, long lunches and those beautiful moments where nobody is looking at their phones and everyone is simply enjoying being together," she says. Her dream home would be a villa overlooking the sea just outside Saint-Tropez, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Lala V Côtes de Provence Rosé is available for £23 per bottle at lalavofficial.com.
