The Calm Before the Camera Crews

St. Tropez is currently experiencing its quiet off-season, a stark contrast to the bustling summer months. With the harbor empty of yachts and the streets largely deserted, the town remains in a state of tranquility. However, this peace is set to be interrupted in April when HBO’s hit series, The White Lotus, begins filming its fourth season on the Côte d’Azur.

The Potential for a Tourism Surge

While production remains shrouded in secrecy, regional tourism officials note that spring reservations are already strong. Industry experts, such as private travel designer Pierre-Alexandre Francin, suggest the show could trigger a massive influx of visitors. Previous seasons in Sicily and Thailand resulted in immediate spikes in interest, with hotels being overwhelmed by booking requests following the show's broadcast.

Local Perspectives on the Production

The reception among locals is varied, ranging from indifference to cautious optimism:

  • Alain Rondini, owner of the historic sandal shop Rondini, remains largely unfazed by the news, noting that the village is already at capacity during peak summer months.
  • Anaïs Rondini suggests that if the production encourages tourism during the slower off-season, it could be a positive development for the local economy.
  • Viviane, owner of the boutique Blabla, expresses concern over the potential for overcrowding in July and August, though she acknowledges the benefit of increased foot traffic in the spring.
  • Walter Wolkowicz of La Vieille Mer views the attention as a positive, noting that any event drawing interest to the town is welcome for shopkeepers.

A Legacy of Glamour and Scandal

For those familiar with the history of St. Tropez, the themes of The White Lotus—wealthy individuals behaving poorly in paradise—are nothing new. Author Frédéric Mauch, who grew up at the legendary beach club Épi Plage, points out that the town has long been a stage for a Comédie Humaine. From the 1960s onwards, the area played host to celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and figures like the “Sun King of St. Tropez,” whose lives were often defined by both glamour and tragedy. As the production prepares to arrive, many see it as simply the latest chapter in the long, dramatic history of this iconic French village.