Saint Tropez
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Holiday rentals
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?
When is the best day to visit Saint Tropez?
Which is the most beautiful beach in Saint-Tropez?
Which celebrities live in Saint Tropez?
Can you recommend a restaurant in Saint Tropez?
What activities are there to do in Saint-Tropez?
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?
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 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?
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 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?
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.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Gassin (9 km), Cogolin (9 km), Ramatuelle (10 km) and Grimaud (10 km).