Interview with Christophe Vallet

Saint Tropez based Christophe Vallet founded the Authentic Hotels & Cruises Collection.   His 48-room La Ferme d’Augustin is one of St Tropez’s oldest hotels, a tranquil Provençal-style farmhouse opened in 1955  “My grandfather, Augustin Vallet, would often invite neighbours, artists and writers passing through, grill some fish and serve his own vineyard wine,” says current owner, Christophe Vallet. “Little by little, he fixed up a few rooms so that guests could spend the night, my parents eventually turned it into a hotel and I’m keeping the family tradition going.” What are you most proud of in terms of your own achievement? Authentic Hotels & Cruises is really top of my list. I set out to create a perfect collection of hotels and cruises without charging participants to be included : they’re in the guide because they are all my idea of perfection. But frankly my equally brilliant success stories are Alexandre and Axel, my two sons. Your secret talent is? I’m interested in terrestrial biodiversity, taking time to discover, admire and protect the environment. Where were you born? In the centre of France, there where people still take time to appreciate what goes on around them. If you could share a coffee or bottle of wine with a fellow Parisien/St. Tropezien, from past or present, it would be? I dream of lunching with Yann Artus Bertrand, the French photographer, reporter and journalist. He founded Altitude Agency in 1991, the world’s first press agency and image bank, specialising in aerial photography. His photo-reportages are superb and I respect his concerns for the environment. A local person you admire? My mother Ninette. For me an icon who knew the belle epoque of St. Tropez, Bardot & Co. Who ran a discreet and authentic hotel, preserving the charm of La Ferme d’Augustin. What’s your favourite thing about Paris & St. Tropez? The contrasts of atmosphere ! The common denominator between Paris and St. Tropez is the diversity. In Paris, in a few minutes you pass from the crowds on the Champs Elysées to the calm of the I’lle de la Cité. In Saint Tropez it’s the same: you go from the Port, buzzing with people. to the relative calm of the tiny Ponche plage and the cemetary. One object every Parisien/St. Tropezien should own? The Authentic Hotels & Cruises Guide. It permits him/her to travel with a few flicks of the page! An item you can’t live without? I’m ashamed to admit it’s my cellphone! For both work and keeping in touch with friends and family. It’s an amazing source of information, in a few seconds you have the answer to everything. Favourite address for lunch in Paris? La Table d’Aki for the authenticity. Akihiro Horikoshi brings new meaning to the phrase “one man show.” His 16-seat restaurant has a single employee: Aki. He shops, he creates the menu, he cooks, he takes orders, he serves, he cleans up! 49 rue Vaneau,7th T: 01 45 44 43 48 And in St. Tropez where’s the best place for aperitif/drinks/to chill? The balcony of Le Sube, for the view and the atmosphere of the port, but away from the crowds. 15 Quai Suffren T: 04 94 97 30 04 Dinner In St. Tropez? La Ferme d’Augustin because it’s so charming and the products are of exceptional quality,  there’s the house rosé from our vineyard, olive oil and vegetables from the kitchen garden. Where do you shop for clothes? Usually chez Victoire, Hommes, St. Tropez. I’ve been going there for years; they always put together classic clothes made with superb fabrics that never date. And for produce/groceries? I have to admit it’s not me that does the shopping! My wife Marie-Laure takes care of that. Don’t forget we have our herb and vegetable garden, the rest comes from organic shops or from little producers in Ramatuelle or Gassin Your favourite neighbourhood in Paris? Definitely the 6th arrondissement for the Luxembourg Gardens and St. Germain des Près. A favourite address is Le Bon Marché on rue du Cherche-Midi. The most fun thing to do in Paris & St. Tropez is? In both locations I think it’s boating ! I love the sensation of being on the water the feeling of lightness, freedom, to see both places from a different aspect. Sailing on the transparent blue sea around St. Tropez, finding little creeks being in the middle of nature. Pure bliss! In Paris, the Bateau Mouche ! What’s the “touristy” truc you secretly long to do in Paris: but haven’t? Dine at La Tour d’Argent What’s the most “touristy” thing you’ve done in Paris? Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Best life lesson? Patience Three words to live by? Enterprise: Authenticity: Respect You have a magic wand – what do you do with it? Protect the Environment – Save the planet One thing Parisians/Tropeziens should stop whining about? They have one thing in common, they don’t respect tourists enough. We must work harder to give a better impression of the French. You have 25€ left. What will you do with it? Treat my family to a good meal. It is possible if you have the right addresses. Favourite Book? The Guide Authentic Hotels & Cruises bien sur ! All time favourite movie? Manon des Sources. The Provence I love: a masterpiece of the French cinema Favourite city to visit (apart from Paris & St. Trop) London Is there an annual event such as a festival, gala or exhibition that you look forward to each year? Les Voiles de St. Tropez at the end of September. What’s the one spot you HAVE to take an out-of-towner in Paris? I would go to Giverny, for Monet’s Gardens. Then to dinner and spend the night chez Eric Guerin at Le Jardin des Plumes, my idea of luxury to-day.