If you are a Rolling Stones fan, then this tiny chapel in Ramatuelle is a must-see! Only open to the public three times a year you will need to plan well if you are intending to visit. Built in the sixteenth century, it was long disused and eventually restored during the sixties.
Mick and Bianca Jagger got married here on May 12th 1971, when she was four months pregnant. Guests included Paul and Linda McCartney, Ringo Starr, film director Roger Vadim, Eric Clapton, as well as Jagger's bandmates.
The entire event was not without drama, as you might expect from the marriage of a 1970s rock star, with issues being flaunted about The Stones lack of money and their position as tax exiles. The civil ceremony in Saint Tropez town hall was in danger of being cancelled at one point, due to the number of photographers and journalists who crammed into the small space. A dispute reportedly occurred between Jagger's spokesman and local police over the number of reporters allowed into the town hall. The mayor of Saint Tropez is said to have stated that the hall is a public place, and as such everyone had a legal right to be there. That didn't go down well with Jagger.
A little late but still on track, the couple arrived at the town hall around 5pm and after a brief ceremony they then left for the Chapelle Sainte Anne for a religious ceremony. Along with the hundreds of journalists, numerous hippies turned up on foot and bicycles, mingling with members of the international jet set, who arrived in Rolls Royces for the wedding.
Paparazzi again surrounded the couple and the tiny chapel. Pictures of Bianca wearing a white trouser suit by Tommy Nutter, with a bit more cleavage on show than what is normal for a Catholic wedding, are now popular iconic images.
The reception was hosted by Jagger in the Café des Arts and the party went on into the early hours of the morning when the newly-weds left on the yacht Romeang, for their honeymoon.
No matter the scandal around the event, Saint Tropez is certainly well ingrained in Rolling Stones history, and the chapel is worth a visit for the magnificent views alone. With it being opened to public merely three times a year, you will certainly have to plan your trip in advance if you want to sneak a peak inside this iconic building.
If you're planning a trip in summer 2016 then the chapel is open on May 18th during Les Bravades de Saint Tropez, on July 16th, the day of Saint Anne, and August 15th, Liberation day. Don't forget your floppy white sun hat and a copy of the Rolling Stones greatest hits for the ultimate experience!
