Sainte Maxime

Discover the charming town of Sainte-Maxime near Saint-Tropez

Sainte-Maxime is a seaside resort in the Var department that has managed to stay true to itself despite the hustle and bustle of its neighbor, Saint-Tropez.

Nestled on the northern shore of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, it is sheltered from the mistral by the Maures Mountains—which gives it a particularly sunny Mediterranean climate. Looking for a family-friendly destination on the French Riviera, with real sandy beaches, a lively harbor, and seaside activities? Sainte-Maxime checks all the boxes—without the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez—making it one of our favorite destinations on the Riviera.

A town by the sea

The town stretches 11 km along the Mediterranean and offers six kilometers of beaches, including the famous Nartelle Beach. The recently renovated waterfront is perfect for a stroll, and the marina sets the tone: here, life revolves around the sea. When it comes to leisure, water sports abound—sailing, diving, jet skiing, kayaking—and the Myrtes Botanical Garden offers a green oasis just a stone’s throw from downtown.

The History of the town

The town takes its name from an 8th-century Provençal nun, the mother superior of the Callian monastery. Sainte-Maxime is celebrated annually during a traditional festival in May. This history, this Provençal heritage, and the Square Tower Museum, which showcases local folklore: these are what set Sainte-Maxime apart from a typical French seaside resort.

The old town

You enter the old town through lively pedestrian streets; the stroll continues toward the superb gardens of the Promenade and ends at the large pier, where you can take in the marvelous panorama of the Gulf. To explore Sainte-Maxime, the Sainte-Maxime mini-train is very popular with tourists.

The most beautiful beaches

The undisputed star remains La Nartelle Beach. It stretches for nearly 800 meters of fine sand with a large free parking lot, a water sports center, and private beaches known for their chic atmosphere. The eastern section, which is more rugged, is ideal for those seeking to escape the summer crowds.

Just before that, the Pointe des Sardinaux is worth a look. This natural peninsula, nicknamed “Little Corsica,” can be explored on foot from the cliffside road lined with umbrella pines. In the city center, Casino Beach faces due south with a direct view of Saint-Tropez. And for snorkeling, head to La Madrague and its Posidonia-filled coves.