Saint Tropez

Last update on Dec 12, 2025

On the Mediterranean coast between Hyeres (40 km) and Sainte-Maxime (14 km).

Saint-Tropez, legendary village on the French Riviera.

Saint-Tropez has fascinated the entire world since 1956. That year, Roger Vadim filmed “And God Created Woman” there with Brigitte Bardot. The film transformed this fishing village into a legendary destination. Brigitte Bardot bought La Madrague two years later and never left.

Saint Tropez dans le Var.

You are about to discover a surprising place. The port is home to the most luxurious yachts in the Mediterranean. Yet local fishermen still moor their boats along the Jean-Jaurès quay. Chic boutiques rub shoulders with the Provençal market on the Place des Lices. This dual identity is what gives Saint-Tropez its charm.

Le port de Saint Tropez.

Pampelonne Beach stretches for 5 kilometers between Ramatuelle and the gulf. Here you will find lively private clubs and quiet public areas. The town center is easily accessible on foot from the port parking lot. The citadel overlooks the bay and offers spectacular views of the Maures mountains.

Plage de Pampelonne.

Nice and Toulon airports are an hour's drive away. The high season starts in June and ends in late September. During this period, you will need to book your accommodation several months in advance. Out of season, you can enjoy the village without the crowds and discover the authenticity of Provence.

Brigitte Bardot, jet set: the history of Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez became “Saint Trop” in 1950, when the Parisian artistic and intellectual world, captivated by the charm of the small port, descended on St Trop for the summer. Sagan, Picasso, Prévert and many others rubbed shoulders at the port. The myth grew with the arrival of Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, who has lived there for over 40 years.

Brigitte Bardot à Saint Tropez dans les années 1960.

Since then, St. Tropez has become a favorite place to stay and relax for the Parisian social scene and the international jet set. The nightlife is very lively, with several private parties taking place every evening in the luxurious villas of the gulf, where some of the guests arrive by helicopter to avoid traffic jams.

The port of Saint Tropez

In summer, on the café terraces, the favorite pastime of visitors is to “see and be seen”. In the port, gigantic yachts sit proudly, competing in size, cleanliness, crew, and the beautiful people who show themselves off to curious and fascinated passersby strolling along the quays.

Yachts dans le port de Saint Tropez.

When to go to Saint Tropez?

If you have the choice, opt for May, June, and September to enjoy St Tropez. Without the crowds, old Saint Tropez will reveal itself with its charming little streets decorated with flowers in warm colors.

Saint Tropez dans le Var.

Early in the morning, the Place aux Herbes offers vegetables, fruit, and flowers next to the marina, where a few fishermen sell their fish at the market, not far from the famous brasseries “Le Gorille” and “Sénéquier.”

Market and festivities in St. Tropez

A typical Provençal market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning on the Place des Lices. The “Bravades” of St. Tropez, religious and festive processions, are very lively. The first ones begin in May, and the last one takes place on June 15.

Rent a classic car

What could be more chic than discovering Saint-Tropez, the jewel of the Côte d'Azur, in a classic car? Stroll along the famous Place des Lices, enjoy the exceptional panoramas of the coastal roads or arrive at the beach in timeless elegance. With Voitures Passion, your stay in the Tropez will take on a decidedly glamorous air, ideal for blending into the atmosphere of this legendary destination.

Luxury holidays in Saint Tropez

Many wealthy tourists come to Saint Tropez for a luxury holiday. They use specialist companies such as Excellence Riviera :

Our map of Saint Tropez

To find your way around Saint Tropez, you can use our interactive map. We've also included our accommodation recommendations if you'd like to spend a few days in Saint Tropez during your holiday.

What to see

Annonciade Museum (Paul Signac, Braque, Matisse, Utrillo, Van Dongen, Bonnard, Dufy).
The butterfly house of the painter and entomologist Danny Lartigue.
The old port. Place des Lices.
Rue Gambetta.
Place des Ormeau.
The 18th c. church and bell tower.

Leisure activities

Water sports.
Tennis. Squash. Golf.
Horseback riding.
Hiking along the coast.
Night clubs.

Hotels

With direct access to the beach, this hotel has a great location. Relax on the furnished terrace by the outdoor swimming pool, just 1.5 km from Saint-Tropez. All of the hotel's air-conditioned rooms are soundproofed and feature a desk and flat-screen cable TV. The en suite bathrooms are fitted with a bathtub and free toiletries.

10-minute walk from Saint Tropez town centre and the beach
Rooms & suites with private garden or terrace. Some have a Jacuzzi
Free shuttle service to the town centre and the beach

275€ - 1080€

Holiday rentals

Excellence Riviera
Saint Tropez (Golfe St Tropez) | Nice : 100 km - Cannes : 86 km

Dream holidays in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez ... Rental of luxury villas, yachts, hotels and prestigious cars in Saint-Tropez. Our 7/7 concierge service and our Côte d'Azur experts at your service

Campings

Camping 4* situated in a 31 acre landscaped park 5 km from the beach
mobil home rental, bungalow 4/8 pers & camping pitches
Heated pools - Multisport field - Kid Club - Entertainment - Restaurants

Accomodations

Holiday houses - Furnished apartments and rooms.
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast

Campsites (see neighbouring villages).

Your questions about Saint Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a myth and raises many questions among our readers. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions, so that all visitors to Provence Web can find out more.

Where to walk in Saint-Tropez?
Take a stroll around Place des Lices, through the narrow streets of the old village, and along the harbor to admire the yachts and sailboats: it's the luxury that will impress you in Saint-Tropez. You can also take a walk along the coastal path.
When is the best day to visit Saint Tropez?
To enjoy the lively market on the Place des Lices, visit on a Tuesday or Saturday during the off-season. During peak season, avoid weekends and try to go early in the morning before it gets too crowded. The best months are April to June and September to October.
Which is the most beautiful beach in Saint-Tropez?
Among the beaches in Saint Tropez, we recommend Plage des Salins for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for swimming and taking short walks along the coastal path. Plage des Canebiers is also very charming.
Which celebrities live in Saint Tropez?
Apart from Brigitte Bardot, who still lives in Saint Tropez (now in La Garrgue), most big stars want large houses and have found them in the villages around Saint Tropez, such as Brad Pitt in Correns and Johnny Depp in Plan de la Tour. However, the parties in Saint Tropez attract the biggest stars of today (Rihanna, DiCaprio, etc.) every year.
Can you recommend a restaurant in Saint Tropez?
Among all the restaurants in Saint Tropez, try the Mediterranean cuisine at La Voile d'Or, which has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. For a less astronomical budget, try Pearl Beach along the beach.
What activities are there to do in Saint-Tropez?
The beaches offer a multitude of water sports. You can go water skiing, windsurfing, or paddle boarding at Pampelonne. Private clubs offer boat trips to explore the gulf.

A walk along the coastal path allows you to discover wild coves. You can also book a private tour of the citadel to learn about the village's maritime history. Events such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez in September attract thousands of visitors. A festive atmosphere reigns in the beach clubs and restaurants of the port.

Where to stay in Saint-Tropez?
The Byblos Saint-Tropez has been the village's legendary address for decades. This 5-star hotel attracts an international clientele seeking luxury and discretion. The Hôtel Sezz offers contemporary design and a spa renowned throughout the gulf.

For hotel stays, the Bastide de Saint offers an authentic Provençal setting with a swimming pool and garden. You will also find more affordable vacation rentals in Ramatuelle. Accommodation must be booked several months in advance during the summer season. Each establishment offers services tailored to your budget.

What is the history of Saint-Tropez?
The village's Greco-Roman origins date back to ancient times. The name comes from Saint Tropez, a Christian martyr beheaded by Emperor Nero in 68 AD. His body is said to have drifted to the shores of the Gulf in a boat.

The mythical village became a strategic fishing port in the 15th century. The governor of Provence fortified the citadel to protect the coastline from Spanish attacks. The maritime history of Saint-Tropez can be seen in the collections of the citadel museum.

Paul Signac arrived in 1892 and attracted many artists in his wake. The painter set up his studio facing the port and painted the colors of the Mediterranean. In 1956, Roger Vadim shot “And God Created Woman” with Brigitte Bardot. This film transformed the village into an international destination and launched its glamorous reputation. World War II also left its mark on the area with the Provence landings on the beaches of Pampelonne in August 1944.

How to get to Saint-Tropez?
Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport is 62 miles away, and Toulon-Hyères Airport is 31 miles away. Several shuttle companies offer direct transfers from both airports. The journey takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

The nearest train station is Saint-Raphaël, 35 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the village. By road, access is via the A8 motorway and then the D559, which runs along the coast.

Maritime transport remains an elegant option with speedboats connecting Saint-Tropez to Sainte-Maxime. The proximity of the port makes it easy to travel by boat in the gulf. Parking at the port is expensive in high season, so it is best to reserve a space in advance or opt for the car parks at the entrance to the village.

What are the culinary specialties in Saint-Tropez?
The tarte tropézienne is an iconic pastry invented in the 1950s. This brioche filled with mousseline cream was named by Brigitte Bardot herself. You can enjoy it in the tea rooms in the town center.

The restaurants in the port serve bouillabaisse according to Provençal tradition. This fish soup takes several hours to prepare and follows a precise ritual. Provençal cuisine features olive oil, aromatic herbs, and fresh seafood.

You will discover local dishes such as aioli, ratatouille, and daube. Mediterranean cuisine favors simple flavors and local products. The chefs of Michelin-starred establishments creatively reinterpret these traditional recipes. The market at Place des Lices is a great place to sample regional specialties and buy Provence rosé wine.

What events take place in Saint-Tropez?
La Bravade has been held every year on May 16, 17, and 18 since the 15th century. This festival honors the village's patron saint with processions, musket firing, and traditional costumes. The locals proudly perpetuate this religious and military event.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez brings together more than 300 classic and modern sailboats at the end of September. This nautical festival attracts celebrities and sailing enthusiasts from around the world. The event combines sporting competition with a festive atmosphere in the harbor.

Culture is also on display in the art exhibitions at the Musée de l'Annonciade and in the galleries in the center. Concerts are held in the summer at the Château de la Moutte in an exceptional setting. The big street market in October is a chance to hunt for bargains in the village streets. Christmas festivities light up the harbor and create a magical atmosphere in December.

Saint Tropez dans le Var.
Le port de Saint Tropez.
Le port de Saint Tropez.
Le village de Saint Tropez.
Saint Tropez dans le Var.
Plage de Pampelonne.
Yachts dans le port de Saint Tropez.

NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Gassin (9 km), Cogolin (9 km), Ramatuelle (10 km) and Grimaud (10 km).