Patrice de Colmont, the much loved owner of the legendary Club 55 in Saint-Tropez, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. Tributes have poured in from around the globe.
Patrice’s philosophy of respectfully welcoming everyone as equals – from superstars to ordinary mortals – is credited with creating the ambience and massive popularity that the private beach and restaurant has always enjoyed.
The French entrepreneur, who was born in 1948, always said: “Ici le client n’est pas le roi… parce qu’il est un ami.” (Here, the customer is not the king… because he is a friend.)
Yesterday (Saturday 11 October 2025), his Club 55 team posted that quote, along with a brief, but heartfelt message: “Tu vas nous manquer, patron. 😢” (We will miss you, boss.”)
The unique spot, in Ramatuelle in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, was named Le Club 55 after the year it was created (1955).
Patrice was just seven then. His parents – Geneviève and Bernard De Colmont – had built three basic beach cottages on Pampelonne beach (with no electricity or running water). In front they ran an informal restaurant – a large wooden table for family and friends.
But in 1955, director Roger Vadim filmed ‘And God Created Woman’ in Saint-Tropez and asked to rent the cottages. The rest is history. The leading actress, Brigitte Bardot, Le Club 55 and Saint-Tropez itself became international stars!
Patrice took over the restaurant from his parents, playing host while his wife ran the shop, and his sister Véronique took care of accounts. Keeping it in the family, Patrice began handing over the reins to his daughter Camille in the last few years, according to Paris Match.
In recent years, Patrice was enjoying spending more time at Château de la Môle (one of his three agricultural estates) where he farmed organic vegetables and flowers. The eco-friendly restaurateur was devoted to preserving the local environment.
Patrice was also instrumental in creating the now famous Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. He first created it as a regatta in 1981, then called Nioulargue, featuring a race between just two skippers, and the loser had to pay for a Club 55 lunch for both crews!
One of his regular customers today wrote on Club 55’s Instagram page: “A king of humility and hospitality has left us! I am so sad! I always felt at home and valued at Club 55, even though I wasn’t one of the famous or wealthy! This man left his mark on this place like no one else! He brought magic to Pampelonne! I will miss him! But I am sure his daughter will continue his work in a fabulous way! Goodbye Patrice! I will miss you! 🤍 🌈 Thank you!!! 🙏”
Another said: “Those of us who shared those moments with you — the laughter, the stories, the long lunches that turned into evenings — will carry them in our hearts forever.
Your light lives on now through your beloved daughter and the team, who continue your legacy with the same love and spirit that defines you. You will be dearly missed, my friend — but never forgotten ❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Club 55 is open until November 2, 2025.
