Skip to content

About Ile de Bendor

Overview of Ile de Bendor in the 50's

Bendor Through Time

Facing the town of Bandol in Provence, the seven-hectare island was first brought to life in 1950 by Marseille-born pastis pioneer Paul Ricard, and this meticulous five-year revival has been spearheaded by hotelier Arnaud Zannier, hand-in-hand with Ricard’s great grandson, Marc de Jouffroy of Société Paul Ricard.

1950: The Ricard Family

Paul Ricard, the entrepreneur to whom Pastis owes its great renown, acquired the island of Bendor in 1950. He dreamt of bringing everyone to the island, imagining a miniature world of art, hedonism, water sports and nature.

Paul Ricard on Ile de Bendor in 1950

1960: All time hotspot

Over the years, Bendor gained the reputation as the hedonistic port of all. Unforgettable regattas and Provencal culture combined to attract holidaymakers, locals and celebrities including Guy Béart, Gilbert Bécaud, and Annie Cordy.

Ile de Bendor in the 60's, a all time hotspot

1980: Artistic soul

A patron of the arts and painter in his spare time, Paul Ricard saw the island as a haven for creativity. He envisioned an artisan’s village at the heart of Bendor with workshops where generations of local artists have come to flourish. The most famous statue he commissioned greets visitors on arrival. Crafted by Louis Boitinelly, the inscription reads ‘Nul bien sans peine’ – ‘No good without pain’ – sentiment dear to him

An island born of imagination. Ile de Bendor is Paul Ricard’s tribute to art, artists, and the enduring power of creativity.

2026: Regeneration of a dream

Seventy years after Paul Ricard’s vision, The Société Paul Ricard, a group of the founder’s descendants, appoints Zannier Hotels to reimagine and operate the island with a five-year transformation and reopen as Zannier Bendor in May 1st 2026.

Outdoor pool at Soukana, Zannier Bendor

Location

43.1282° N, 5.7525° E

Zannier Bendor, Île de Bendor, 83150 Bandol, Var Department, France

Regular shuttle from Bandol harbour (10 min, every hour) or a small vintage wooden boat. This is complimentary for anyone with a reservation on the island.
300m off-shore from the town of Bandol.

All facilities are at a 10 to 12 min walking distance from each other. The whole island is car free. Assistance with electric buggies can be provided.

Zannier Bendor Delos Pool with elegant design and poolside area