Family Saga: Three Generations in Service of Epicureanism
A Vision
Between dreams and reality lie willpower and hard work.
A native of the Var region who became head chef at the Lido in the 1950s, Marius Michel was deeply influenced by the world of entertainment and the elegance of grand Parisian hotels.
In his mind, an idea began to take shape: to create in his native Var a refined epicurean destination combining the charm of the Riviera, conviviality, and, of course, gastronomy. After acquiring a modest hotel on the Giens Peninsula in 1951, it took six years of work, led by architect Lucien David, to bring his dream to life: a four-star Riviera-style hotel, open year-round, serving both as a family home frequented by locals and a hidden paradise for celebrities. Marie-Laure de Noailles would come for lunch as a neighbor, and the Lido dancers would come down to rest and enjoy Thermidor lobsters.
Provençal Paradise
In 1962, the swimming pool brought Le Provençal even closer to the picture-perfect postcard: a seawater pool carved into the cliffside, with a diving board overlooking the deep blue sea. The Schneider sisters, along with the brilliant landscape designer Jean Mus, shaped the park with poetic flair.
The Hyères International Festival of Young Cinema brought its share of filmmakers and actors to the hotel—François Truffaut, Jean Marais, Michel Piccoli.
Busy at the Lido, Marius Michel entrusted the management of the establishment to his sister-in-law, Jeanne Boubal, who steered the ship with brilliance for 30 years.
Le Provençal is also a story of dreams, determination, and strong-minded women.
A House for Friends
From one generation to the next, the torch is passed - and the passion endures.
In 1979, Claude Michel, daughter of Marius, and her partner Jean-Paul Piffet, a pastry chef trained in Parisian palaces, carried the adventure forward.
They brought La Résidence to life: 23 rental apartments nestled in the Provençal's park, between Mediterranean nature and the deep blue sea.
They added a seminar room to the hotel and upheld the beloved tradition of lavish buffets: grand displays of pastries, towering pièce-montées, seafood feasts, and breakfasts that delight every sense.
Gastronomy is, without a doubt, one of Le Provençal’s cornerstones.
A Sense of Celebration
Gastronomy and celebration - Le Provençal is the place where designers, jury members, and guests of the Hyères Fashion Festival stay, as well as those attending the Design Parade organized by Villa Noailles since 1986.
The hotel has become a hub for designers and interior architects.
Passing the Torch
Since 2012, Damien and Benjamin Piffet, along with their partners Julie Liger and Lene Arentsen, have been writing the story in the present tense.
Benjamin carries on his father's pastry tradition, while Damien oversees the revival of Le Provençal. Lene manages guest services, and Julie leads the artistic direction.
A third generation, once again marked by strong, visionary women, and a boundless passion for Riviera-style hospitality - Le Provençal draws strength from its roots to embrace the future.
Renaissance
Once again, local artists and artisans are making the place their own, the four stars shine proudly year-round, gastronomy flourishes, and celebration finds its home in the gardens.
Driven by the founding quartet, the restaurants are being reimagined: the Bar du Soleil is taken to the next level, the Barbecue sets up facing the sea, and Villa Barret opens its doors in the heart of Giens.
With the creative collaboration of designer Rodolphe Parente, the hotel offers a fresh take on the timeless elegance of the 1950s. Jazz apéritifs and wellness masterclasses bring uncompromising joy to the forefront.
In the village, the boutique “Merci Marius” and its iconic products pay tribute to grandfather Marius Michel - a heartfelt nod that says it all.
From 1951 to today, a family saga in three chapters: the four-star Hôtel Le Provençal in Giens continues to build its legend.
