Golfe St Tropez
Welcome to this exceptional area of the Côte d'Azur! The Gulf of Saint-Tropez stretches for 12 kilometers between Sainte-Maxime and the Saint-Tropez peninsula. Are you looking to prepare for your stay? Here is what you need to know: this unspoiled natural site is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, crystal-clear waters and 12 municipalities, each with its own unique character.
From Cogolin to Ramatuelle, via the legendary port of Saint-Tropez, each village offers a different experience. In the middle of the Maures mountains, you will discover a perfect balance between wild nature and the Provençal art of living. Whether you come for relaxation, culture or water sports, this page will guide you to the best discoveries in this little corner of paradise in the Var.
The Gulf's must-see villages
The Gulf territory is made up of 12 municipalities, each with its own personality:
In Sainte-Maxime, you will appreciate the lively family atmosphere. The town offers the Gulf's longest beach, ideal for family swimming. From the port, take the shuttle boat to cross the gulf - it's also the fastest way to avoid traffic jams in summer!
Head for Cogolin, in the middle of the land. This authentic village will surprise you with its artisans who perpetuate the tradition of pipes and carpets. Don't miss the exceptional site of Port Cogolin, created in the 1960s, with its canals reminiscent of a little Provençal Venice.
Grimaud is well worth a visit. This hilltop village offers a magnificent view over the entire gulf. Its medieval castle, even in ruins, remains majestic. Below, Port Grimaud, nicknamed the “Venice of Provence”, is an exceptional architectural creation from the 1960s. Its canals and colorful houses make it a unique place on the French Riviera.
The small port of Saint Tropez is fascinating for its dual nature: that of a historic fishing village and that of an exceptional seaside resort. Beyond the glamor and the yachts that have made it famous in the gulf, the old village reveals its secrets: a 16th-century citadel overlooking the sea, ochre-colored facades and artists painting on the site of the legendary Sénéquier café. The unique light that bathes its narrow streets has inspired the greatest painters, from Signac to Matisse.
At the foot of the Massif des Maures, Gassin is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. From its picturesque ramparts, you can take in a 360° panorama of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. According to legend, on a clear day, you can even see the waters of Corsica!
Places not to be missed:
Place des Lices in Saint-Tropez on Tuesday and Saturday mornings for its Provençal market
The medieval streets of Ramatuelle, perfect for escaping the summer heat
The coastal path at La Croix-Valmer, for its wild coves and turquoise waters
The small fishing port of Cavalaire-sur-Mer, ideal for tasting fresh fish
There are many other towns in the gulf that are well worth a visit.
The most beautiful beaches of the Gulf
Pampelonne beach is the star of the region. This 5-kilometer stretch of sand, in the commune of Ramatuelle, is a legendary site on the French Riviera. Its turquoise water and fine sand make it the pride of the gulf. But beware: in summer, it's best to arrive early in the morning to find a parking space!
With the exception of the crowded beaches of Saint-Tropez, you will find more intimate coves. Escalet beach, nestled among the rocks, offers a breathtaking view of the Iles d'Or. Its small fishing port adds to the charm of the place. Families particularly appreciate its calm and shallow waters.
The commune of Sainte-Maxime is home to Nartelle beach, ideal if you are traveling with children. Less well known than its St. Tropez neighbor, it nevertheless offers 1.5 kilometers of fine sand and practical facilities: showers, toilets and first aid post.
At the foot of the Massif des Maures, the wild beach of Gigaro in La Croix-Valmer is a hidden treasure. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the coastal path. Snorkeling enthusiasts will be delighted by the richness of the seabed.
Little extras to know:
The beach of Bouillabaisse in Saint-Tropez offers a free parking page - a rare thing in the area!
The Plage du Débarquement in Cogolin is accessible by a lovely bike ride from the small port
For those seeking tranquility, the coves of Escalet are accessible by a color-coded marked trail
The community of municipalities provides free shuttles to the beaches in summer. Inquire at the tourist office, open 7 days a week
The best activities in the Gulf
In this exceptional area, water sports reign supreme. The Gulf of Saint-Tropez is a privileged spot for pleasure boating. From small catamarans on the beach to sailing trips, the sailing schools welcome all levels. At the port of Cogolin, introductory dives will allow you to discover the richness of the Mediterranean waters.
Hiking enthusiasts are not left out. The Massif des Maures offers more than 300 km of marked trails. From Sainte-Maxime, take on the coastal path for a breathtaking view of the coast. The municipality organizes guided walks to discover the local flora among the Mediterranean species.
For sports enthusiasts, the calendar is full. The Gulf Marathon in March, regattas all year round, the 3 capes trail in the fall... The tourist office website (page updated regularly) lists all the events with their registration code.
The local community also offers more original activities. At the foot of the hills, go on a photo safari in search of Hermann's tortoises, a protected wild species. Equestrian centers organize horseback rides on the beach out of season - an unforgettable experience!
Activities not to be missed:
A trip out to sea to observe dolphins and whales - departures all year round from the port of Saint-Tropez
Stand-up paddleboarding lessons at sunrise in the Baie des Canoubiers
A tour of the Ramatuelle wine cellars, with a tasting of rosé wines
Provençal cooking workshops with local producers
The night market in Port-Grimaud in summer, a great atmosphere guaranteed!
Accommodation around the Gulf
The area around the Gulf offers accommodation to suit all budgets. From Saint-Tropez to Sainte-Maxime, there are many options, but book early: it is an exceptional location that is very popular in summer!
For a luxurious experience, the small port of Cogolin is home to hotels with a view of the boats. Surrounded by vineyards, wine estates transformed into guest houses welcome you in an authentic setting. Some even offer direct access to the beach.
High-end campsites at the foot of the Massif des Maures offer a comfortable alternative. Their air-conditioned mobile homes and heated swimming pools are a hit with families. The community of municipalities has set up a page listing all accommodation open all year round.
For lovers of the great outdoors, opt for rentals in the hinterland. You will find renovated country houses with swimming pools, perfect for groups, or more intimate studios in the Provençal villages of the Var Riviera.
Discover our selection of accommodation in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez:
Highlights of the Gulf
The Gulf area is alive with events all year round. The exceptional site of Saint-Tropez hosts the Voiles in October: an unmissable spectacle where vintage sailing boats and modern yachts compete in the bay. On the beach, the crews create a unique atmosphere in the port.
In mid-spring, the Marathon du Golfe passes through each commune. The runners set off from Sainte-Maxime, run along the turquoise waters and finish in Cogolin. The local community rallies to encourage the 4,000 participants on a course considered to be one of the most beautiful in France.
Summer is particularly cultural. Every evening, a new festival appears on the calendar. From the small jazz festival to the Nuits du Château at the foot of the Massif des Maures, culture is expressed in all its forms. Mark your calendars: the Ramatuelle theater festival in August, under the stars.
Even in winter, the gulf is still open for festivities. The 83 postal code vibrates to the sound of traditional festivals: the mimosa festival in Sauvage, the santon makers at Christmas, the sea view evenings in the cabins of theazure.
Events not to be missed:
Les Nuits du Sud in Ramatuelle: free concerts in the village square. Festive and friendly!
The Grande Braderie de Saint-Tropez in October: luxury boutiques sell off their collections
Thursdays at the Nartelle in Sainte-Maxime: night markets and concerts by the sea
The Tragos Festival in Cavalaire: theater under the pines for over 40 years
The Literary Nocturnes: meetings with authors in hilltop villages
Getting to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
The gulf area is located in the department of Var, on the Côte d'Azur. For quick access, Nice international airport is 1h30 from the site. A tip: La Môle-Saint-Tropez airport welcomes private flights and offers helicopter transfers to avoid traffic jams in summer.
By car, several roads lead to the gulf. The fastest is the A8 motorway to the Le Muy exit, then the D25 to Sainte-Maxime. The GPS coordinates of the car parks are available on the page for each municipality. A tip: the car park at the port of Cogolin is often less crowded.
To avoid the stress of the road, take the train to Saint-Raphaël. The bus station offers regular shuttles to the middle of the gulf. In summer, waterbuses are a pleasant alternative: they connect the seaside resorts, from the beach of Issambres to the small port of Saint-Tropez.
The community of communes has set up an on-demand transport system with a simplified reservation code. It serves even the wildest corners, at the foot of the Maures massif. The calm waters of the gulf also allow for maritime connections open all year round, with a breathtaking view of the coast.
Transport tips:
The Sainte-Maxime/Saint-Tropez water bus: a 15-minute crossing compared to 1 hour by car in summer
Park and ride facilities at the entrance to towns, connected to free shuttle buses
Electric bike rental services for exploring the coast effortlessly
Water taxis that serve isolated beaches and seaside restaurants
The direct, air-conditioned express bus from Nice airport
We hope this article has made you want to discover the sumptuous Gulf of Saint-Tropez and come and spend a dream vacation there!