Joining us as a guest editor this week for Designer Travels, Kelly Schandel, founder of the Santa Monica-based design firm thinkpure, recounts how her recurring trips to Saint Tropez have left a lasting impact on both her work and her life.
Destination: Saint Tropez, France
Month traveled: June/July 2025
Duration of trip: 2 weeks in Saint Tropez and another 2 weeks in Provence + Cap d’Antibes
Temperature range: lower 70’s to upper 90’s
Solo trip or vacation with family/friends? I have a dear friend who owns a home there and I try to visit him every year. Later, I met up with friends from Los Angeles who were traveling in the South of France, and together we visited Provence and Cap d’Antibes.
First visit or repeat destination? The first time I came to ST, I was in my early 20s and instantly fell in love with this idyllic village on the Côte d’Azur. From the joy of swimming in the Mediterranean, long lazy lunches at the ultra-chic beach clubs, and driving along the stunning vineyards with pins-parasols that populate the rolling hillsides, there is beauty wherever you look!
What drew you to this locale?
I studied French growing up and always appreciate the opportunity to practice it. And of course, visiting and meeting up with friends there makes the visits exponentially more special.
Lodgings…
I often stay at my friend’s perfectly-located flat, which is just a short walk from the center of the village. I have also stayed at Lily of the Valley, located in La Croix-Valmer, a short drive from Saint Tropez. It is a beautiful hotel with breathtaking views, designed by Phillippe Starck. It has a serene and sophisticated ambiance, which diverges from his more playful, colorful design style.
Must-sees for design lovers…
The undeniable charm of Saint Tropez stems from the fact that it was a modest fishing village that has evolved into a glamorous travel destination. The architecture of Saint Tropez is Provençal in nature, with its terracotta rooftops and pastel-colored walls, often covered with flowering vines.
There are several museums and dozens of art galleries scattered throughout the village where you can find everything from modern art to vintage furniture and decorative objects.
One of my favorite things to do is shop at the fabulous open market that happens at Place des Lices in the center of town every Tuesday and Saturday morning. You can find everything there from delicious baked goods, cheeses and charcuterie, to gorgeous fresh flowers and vintage Louis Vuitton luggage, antiques and objéts.
Postcard moment…
There are far too many places and moments to count, but one that comes to mind was walking into the restaurant called Kinugawa. It is an open-air restaurant with giant olive trees throughout and dozens of lanterns hanging from the branches. The seating is a combination of rust and nude tones, and the juxtaposition of this scene against the evening sky was truly sensational. The French have such a gift when it comes to creating ambiance.
Souvenirs…
I often purchase some of the beautiful fabrics from the shop on the beach at Club 55. They can be used as a pareo, scarf, or tablecloth. They make wonderful gifts and are easy to travel with.
Lasting influence…
First and foremost, ST is my happy place, so unwinding and spending time there with people I love always recharges and energizes me for my return and diving back into our projects.
Inspiration is all around you in Saint Tropez, from the beauty of the natural environment to the architecture of the village and the coastal villas, to the gorgeous table settings at the restaurants and beach clubs; it just doesn’t end.
Greatest takeaway…
Growing up in California, my childhood was filled with beach days that involved schlepping beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas, along with a picnic basket for a day at the beach. When I first went to a beach club in Saint Tropez, where all you had to do was show up in your swimsuit and everything you needed was provided, including an Aperol Spritz and a delicious lunch, I was hooked!
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