Walking through the bougainvillea-draped entrance of Club 55 last July 4, I was ready for the annual American Independence Day celebration.
The sun was shining over the famous Saint-Tropez beach, and I could already feel the familiar buzz of glamour that surrounds this legendary spot.
The outdoor space was a patriotic riot of stars and stripes, with flags hanging from the rafters and fluttering from every table.
But something felt off that day. The lively host who usually greets guests with effortless charm, Patrice de Colmont, wasn’t in his usual spot. Instead, his sister Veronique was at the helm.
“Where’s Patrice?” I asked, a little concerned.
“He’s not too well,” she said softly, “He’s in the back of the restaurant—you can see him. He’d love to see you.”
A Frail Figure with an Undimmed Smile
When I approached him, my heart sank a little. The vibrant, lion-haired, sun-kissed man I remembered was now a frail figure, struggling to stand.
Yet, that unmistakable smile and magnetism remained.
Even in frailty, Patrice’s warmth and charm lit up the room.
Hearing of his passing last week at the age of 77 brought back a flood of memories—not just of Independence Day celebrations, but of countless lunches shared at this iconic beach club.
The Birth of a Riviera Legend
Club 55’s story goes back to 1955, when the de Colmont family cooked meals in a tiny beach hut for Brigitte Bardot and Roger Vadim’s film crew for And God Created Woman.
After the filming wrapped, the family continued preparing meals, inviting only friends and acquaintances.
From that intimate tradition, Bernard de Colmont created Le Club 55.
The name reflected both the year it all began and the exclusivity of the club. “Club” was intentional—only those the family liked could enter.
And from there, Club 55 grew into the most stylish, effortlessly glamorous beach club on the Côte d’Azur.
Heads of state, movie stars, and socialites flocked there, yet the club maintained an unpretentious charm that made it feel like a hidden paradise.
Patrice’s Legacy of Selective Charm
Patrice, following his father’s example, was extremely selective about who could enjoy the club’s legendary atmosphere.
Reservations were notoriously hard to come by, even during the peak season.
On one occasion, I received a call from a Hollywood superstar asking if a table could be arranged for the following day.
When we said yes, the star asked hesitantly, “Shall we really?”—because they knew how rare an invitation was.
Under Patrice’s care, Club 55 continued to balance exclusivity with warmth, offering exquisite food, breathtaking views, and an ambience that felt both intimate and world-class.
A Bit of Heaven on the Riviera
For decades, Club 55 wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a destination, a touchstone of Riviera life where everyone who entered felt part of a special world.
Patrice de Colmont’s dedication to preserving this magical slice of Saint-Tropez, while keeping it personal and welcoming, ensured that the club remained legendary.
Though he is gone, his legacy endures in every sunlit terrace, every fluttering flag, and every unforgettable lunch enjoyed by those fortunate enough to enter this little piece of paradise.