Indagare Insider: Clémence von Mueffling’s French Riviera Favorites

Seemingly destined for a career in beauty journalism—her mother and grandmother were both beauty editors at French Vogue—Clémence von Mueffling worked at classic brands such as Clarins and Dior before founding her own website, Beauty and Well-Being, and writing a book, Ageless Beauty the French Way, which collects tips and tricks from three generations of French beauty editors. Here, Indagare speaks with the stylish author about her favorite spots on the French Riviera.

How long have you lived in or been visiting the South of France? 

We have a family house in the South of France, so I have been going since I was a child. I have made the absolute best memories there as a child, a teenager, and now an adult.

How would you describe yourself and your professional accomplishments?

I grew up in a family environment where everyone around me worked incredibly hard, which taught me some good values. I began with a fruitful career in the beauty and cosmetics industry, and five years ago, I launched my own e-magazine, beautyandwellbeing.com. Last summer, I published a book entitled Ageless Beauty the French Way, which shares the very best French insider beauty tips for women of all ages.

During the summer, the weather is always sunny. The Mediterranean Sea is beautiful and warm, all the flowers are blooming and the entire coast of the Riviera is just spectacular. It is no wonder that the most famous painters, writers and poets of the previous century would stay in Saint-Tropez. This place is magical!

What is your favorite way to spend a day in the South of France? 

Mornings are ideal for a long stand-up paddleboard session with friends or family, since the sea is still very calm and flat. Every morning, I meet my best friend “in the sea” for a swim, since we are neighbors. Afternoons are ideal for relaxing or taking a nap when the temperatures are at their highest. I like to work during the late afternoons before going out to town at night.

Do you have any favorite restaurants?

For morning breakfast, I like the classic Le Sénéquier for a cup of iced coffee and pain au chocolat!

For lunch, I enjoy Les Graniers, which is a perfect gem within walking distance from the town of Saint-Tropez that offers a lovely restaurant and quiet beach.

Otherwise, I like Bagatelle or Loulou, located on Pampelonne. They are more sophisticated, but these classics never disappoint.

For dinner, my new favorite spot is the delicious Japanese Kinugawa. The location is perfectly perched at end of the port and offers a breathtaking view of the sunset.

If I’m looking for something different, I also like to have drinks at the Hôtel Byblos and dinner at Le Tigrr next door or La Forge in the town of Ramatuelle.

If you stay on the Riviera, you can discover the lovely town of Ramatuelle, which holds a prestigious cultural event called Festival de Ramatuelle. Travelers should also drive further to visit the rest of the coast. This summer, I went to Provence for a tour of Avignon, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence and St Rémy–which was spectacular! Culturally and aesthetically, these are towns that are definitely worth visiting!

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