The name Saint-Tropez conjures up images of sunbathing celebrities, designer boutiques and luxury yachts. It’s hard to believe that this enchanting town was once a simple fishing village. The appeal of Saint-Tropez was first discovered in the late 19th century by the impressionist painter Paul Signac, who later lured artists such as Matisse and Marquet here. Then in 1955, the film Et Dieu Créa la Femme ( And God Created Woman ), starring Brigitte Bardot, forever transformed this small port town into a legendary seaside resort, sparkling amid the glitz of the Côte d’Azur.
Saint-Tropez is one of the most glamorous places in France, with sunny weather, sandy beaches and mild Mediterranean waters. Picturesque pastel-coloured houses, narrow cobbled streets and shady squares add to the charm. In addition to the enchanting azure seas, Saint-Tropez also boasts a green landscape of pine trees, olive trees, cypresses and scrub.
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1 Vieux Port (old port)
The atmospheric Vieux Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez, where the old fishing village first came to life. Visitors are charmed by the idyllic scene of small fishing boats and fashionable yachts moored in the harbour, which is lined with pastel-coloured Mediterranean houses and lively terraced cafes. On the wide sidewalk at the water’s edge, artists sell colorful paintings depicting scenes from Saint-Tropez.
A well-known establishment along the harbor is the Café Senequier , recognizable by its bright red facade and awnings. One of the best things to do in Saint-Tropez is to stop at this café, or one of the others, for a refreshment, to soak up the sun and enjoy people watching.
Another attraction near the port is the Place aux Herbes , the old market square that is filled with colorful fruit, vegetable and flower stalls in the early morning. Nearby Halle aux Poissons , the daily fish market (also early in the morning) offers some of the freshest fish in Provence, which is sold to locals and the chefs of the city’s fine restaurants. There are also many gastronomic specialty shops in the area. Enveloping the port on the North, the Môle Jean-Réveille promenade offers an exceptional view of the Vieux Port. This idyllic coastal location inspired the Impressionist painters. Luxury yachts in the harbor provide a beautiful spectacle, especially when the regatta “La Nioulargue” is held in early October.
2 La Ponche: The old town
The old town of Saint-Tropez, known as “La Ponche” borders the harbor basin of the Vieux Port and lies below the citadel . La Ponche is the historic center of the fishing village and is the most picturesque part of Saint Tropez. Part of it is laid out as a pedestrian zone with narrow alleys and picturesque cobblestone streets lined with small shops, luxury boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Tourists can start exploring this lively district on the Rue de la Citadelle which leads to the center of the old town. Turn left on Rue du Portail-Neuf until reaching the 18th century Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption (26 Rue Gambetta). With its beautiful Italian Baroque bell tower, this church punctuates the skyline of Saint-Tropez. Inside, visitors can admire the bust of Saint Tropez, the city’s patron saint, and the delicately carved wood carvings. At Christmas time there is a lovely Provencal nativity scene. Continuing northwest from the Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption near the port and past the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), visitors will stumble upon the Palais des Bailli Pierre-André de Suffren who was the bailiff of the Order of Malta and one of the most important admirals of the French naval fleet in the 18th century.
3 Annonciade Museum
One of the main tourist attractions in Saint-Tropez is the art museum, which is the former Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade (Chapel of the Annunciation), a stone’s throw from the port of Saint-Tropez. This chapel, dating from 1510, was once the church of the White Penitents, a Catholic brotherhood founded in the Middle Ages. With its remarkable range of impressionist paintings, the museum recalls the village’s avant-garde artistic past. The museum features a wide collection of works, from Signac’s Pointillist works to the vibrant Fauvist paintings of Matisse and the evocative Nabis style pieces. Most of the works on display were created by artists who came to live and work in Saint-Tropez in the late 1890s and early 20th century. Artists include Paul Signac, Georges Braque, Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse, Edouard Vuillard, Raoul Dufy and Maurice de Vlaminck.
Address: Rue de l’Annonciade 2, Place Georges Grammont, Saint Tropez
4 Citadel
The citadel from the early 17th century towers high above the village of Saint-Tropez. In the gate of the citadel stands an impressive relief by Paul Landowski, with a naval cannon ready for action. This foreboding hexagonal fortress now houses the Musée d’Histoire Maritime (Museum of Maritime History) in the space that used to be the citadel’s dungeons. The museum allows visitors to discover Saint-Tropez’s maritime past through stories of the men and women who shaped the history of the village. Visitors can learn about the town’s fishermen who have traveled the world’s oceans, from short fishing expeditions along the coast of Provence to longer voyages aboard merchant sailboats. From the 16th century, enterprising fishermen began traveling across the Mediterranean from Europe to the Ottoman Empire, then to Africa in the 18th century and in the 20th century to the far reaches of the world including Cape Horn, India and the Far East. Visitors can learn more about these exotic destinations and local heroes such as Bailli de Suffren, the famous sailor of Saint-Tropez. The museum also has beautiful views from the bastions with beautiful views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Massif des Maures mountain range.
Address: Citadel of Saint-Tropez
5 Public beaches
Although Saint-Tropez is famous for its private beach clubs along the Pampelonne, several public beaches are free (except for the cost of renting sun loungers and umbrellas). The Plage de Bouillabaisse is a large sandy beach right outside the village’s harbour. This beach has free public showers and toilets, as well as a seaside restaurant. During the summer, a swimming area is cordoned off where swimming is permitted and lifeguards patrol the area.
The Plage des Canoubiers is a large sandy beach with free public showers and toilets. This beach is popular with residents of Saint-Tropez. Shaded by pine trees, the Plage des Salins is a large, wide sandy beach with crystal clear water. This family-friendly beach has lifeguards in summer, free public showers and toilets. The Plage de la Ponche and Plage de la Fontanette are in the old quarter of La Ponche, on the banks where fishermen once moored their boats. These small beaches are popular with sun seekers looking for a less crowded, more tranquil environment. Although the beach has no restaurant or snack bar, there are many restaurants nearby.
In addition to public beaches with well-equipped facilities, Saint-Tropez also has more natural beaches (without public toilets or showers). The Plage des Graniers is located close to the center of the village, within walking distance of the citadel. This coastline is a combination of sand and pebbles. The landscape around this beach has a wild and rugged feel. The Plage de la Moutte is a small sandy beach in a protected bay, accessible from the scenic path of the Treilles de la Moutte. The beautiful scenery of Moutte Beach makes it the ideal spot for a relaxing picnic lunch.
6 Place des Lices
This pleasant, shady town square (also known as Place Carnot) is located in the heart of Saint-Tropez, a short walk from the Old Port and the Annonciade Museum . Visitors will be delighted by the charming village atmosphere. In this beautiful square under the plane trees, the older men of Saint-Tropez still gather to play the ancient game of pétanque (the Provencal version of pétanque). On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, a traditional Provencal market takes advantage of this spacious square. Tourists will enjoy the vibrant scene with colorful stalls full of fresh local fruits, vegetables and flowers. Another attraction on the Place des Lices is the Café des Arts , a well-known establishment where boules players and other locals hang out. This café gives a sense of the ordinary, everyday village atmosphere that has not changed even as Saint-Tropez has become a world-class resort town.
7 Butterfly House (vlindermuseum)
A visit to the Maison des Papillons (Butterfly Museum) offers a change of pace from sunbathing, sightseeing and shopping in Saint-Tropez. With more than 35,000 objects on display, the museum allows visitors to admire a wide range of butterflies – from extinct species to rare species such as the Black Apollo. The collection also includes exotic species from the Amazon and the Solomon Islands, known as ‘the most beautiful butterflies in the world’. The specimens are organized by category and sometimes presented in an environment with their natural environment to give a sense of color and camouflage. Entomologists consider the collection of this museum to be of exceptional value. The average visitor will also enjoy the variety and beauty of the butterflies on display.
Address: 17 Rue Etienne Berny, Saint-Tropez
8 Sentier du Littoral: Scenic Seaside Path
This beautiful coastal path starts just outside the old quarter of La Ponche and runs along the Saint-Tropez peninsula. The Sentier du Littoral offers a pleasant way to explore the natural beauty of the coastline and marine environment. The route includes rough seaside footpaths, a staircase through the hills and gentler paths along the beach. For outdoorsy types, the Sentier du Littoral trail can be approached as a half-day hiking trail. It is also possible to walk along parts of the path on the way to the beach. For example, the path leads to the Plage des Salins with its wide coastline of fine sand and shady pine trees. On the way to Salins beach is the Crique des Salins (creek) and the grave of Emile Olivier, the former owner of the Château de la Moutte and last leader of government under Napoleon III. When walking along this trail, visitors are asked to respect the environment by avoiding litter and not smoking. It is also advisable to wear walking shoes and to take care when walking through parts of the trail on the edge of the cliff.
Where to Stay in St. Tropez for Sightseeing
The best place to stay in St. Tropez is in the old town, where you’ll find cobblestone streets, unique shops, and a slew of restaurants with patios. Accommodations are expensive in St. Tropez, but less expensive options can be found a little further afield. A good choice for those with a more moderate spending plan is to stay closer to the marina, a 10-minute drive from the Old Town, with nice beaches and restaurants. Below are some highly rated hotels in great locations:
- Luxury Hotels: The Hotel Sezz is a trendy hotel with modern rooms featuring the design talents of Christopher Pillet. Just minutes from Old Town, the hotel also has one of the largest swimming pools in the city and rooms have outdoor showers. A short walk to the center is the boutique hotel Villa Cozy, offering exceptional service, impeccable rooms and poolside breakfast service if you wish. The Chateau De La Messardiere is located on an elevation above the old town and offers a beautiful terrace overlooking the bay. The hotel has an on-call shuttle service that runs 24 hours a day and will take you into town in five minutes.
- Mid-Range Hotels: The recently renovated and conveniently located Hotel des Lices offers light, airy rooms and a swimming pool. It is located near the port and has free parking, which can be critical in summer. The La Bastide du Port is located very close to the beach and has large rooms with sea views; parking is included. At the top end of the mid-price range, the Hotel de Paris Saint-Tropez has a hip and fun atmosphere and features an impressive rooftop pool and pleasant courtyard.
- Budget Hotels: Hotel Playa offers cozy rooms at an attractive price in a good location near the marina. The simple rooms at Hotel L’Ecurie du Castellas offer spectacular views over the water and surrounding landscape and a good restaurant. A little further away, but with rooms with a balcony overlooking a swimming pool, is the comfortable Hotel La Romarine.
Day trips from Saint-Tropez
Cannes
At the other end of the French Riviera (about a 90-minute drive), the legendary holiday resort of Cannes lives up to its reputation for elegance and glamour. For many tourists, Cannes is a must-see on an itinerary of the Côte d’Azur. The city’s palm-lined, grand boulevards run along the picturesque waterfront and marinas of Golfe de la Napoule Bay, the perfect setting to soak up the sun or take a leisurely stroll. Almost any season is pleasant in Cannes, thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate with mild winters. Sunbathing or dining on the beach is pleasant from May to October. Travelers who come in May will experience the Festival de Cannes film festival, a stunning red carpet affair, attended by filmmakers and celebrities from around the world. In any season, Cannes is a wonderful place to visit museums, shop in luxury boutiques and enjoy gourmet meals in chic restaurants. On the drive to Cannes, tourists may also want to stop at Fréjus (halfway between Saint-Tropez and Cannes). This attractive port city is appreciated for its beautiful marina, sandy beaches and interesting Romanesque cathedral.
Nice
Beyond Cannes (about 30 minutes further by car), Nice exemplifies the charm and culture of the French Riviera. This beautiful coastal city enjoys mild, sunny weather and a spectacular location on the Baie des Anges. The most emblematic sight in Nice is the Promenade des Angles , where locals and tourists can bask in the sun, enjoy the sea views and soak up the lively atmosphere (it’s a great place for people-watching). Other top attractions in Nice include the atmospheric Vieille Ville (Old Town); the Colline du Château park; and four great art museums : the Musée Matisse, the Musée Chagall, the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain and the Musée des Beaux Arts.
Ramatuelle in Port-Grimaud
Just 10 kilometers south of Saint-Tropez (about a 15-minute drive), Ramatuelle is a typical Provencal town, perched on a hill overlooking the Bay of Pampelonne. The medieval village is a cluster of ancient buildings that rotate in a snail shell pattern, with winding cobbled streets leading to pretty squares. The village’s characteristic Mediterranean architecture features cream-colored facades with brightly colored shutters. Fragrant jasmine, honeysuckle blossoms and vibrant bougainvillea bloom throughout the village. In the center of the city, the 16th-century parish church, the Eglise Notre-Dame , has a 14th-century bell tower and a beautiful decorative interior with golden-blue statuettes. For visitors interested in experiencing local culture, it is worth checking out the traditional Provencal market held on the Place de l’Ormeau on Thursday and Sunday mornings.
Another charming Provencal town nearby is Port-Grimaud (about eight kilometers from Saint-Tropez). This traffic-free waterfront resort is reminiscent of Venice, with walking paths and walkways (parking lots are outside the resort). Most of the colorful houses along the canals have their own moorings outside their front doors. Visitors can use motorboats available for self-drive hire to explore the canals. Tourists can easily visit both Ramatuelle and Port-Grimaud as well as other Provencal villages on a day trip. The best way to have a relaxing sightseeing experience is to take the excursion to the coast of Provence, visiting both cities.
Massif des Maures
A popular tourist destination near Saint-Tropez, the Massif des Maures mountain range extends for 60 kilometers along the coastline between Hyères and Fréjus, about 20 kilometers from Saint Tropez. There are 26 ancient villages within the Massif des Maures. One of the most beautiful villages, Bormes-les-Mimosas delights visitors with its vibrant floral decorations and red-roofed houses with pastel shutters. The most notable attractions in Bormes-les-Mimosas are the beautiful 16th-century chapel and terrace with exceptional views near the village’s castle ruins. Another picturesque medieval village, Collobrières has pleasant squares adorned with fountains and shaded by plane trees.
One of the natural highlights of the Massif des Maures is the Corniche des Maures , an area between the sandy beaches of Le Lavandou and Saint-Tropez. The Corniche des Maures offers exceptional scenery with many secluded coves and impressive cliffs. In the densely wooded forest of the Corniche des Maures is the Monastère de la Verne , which houses the monastic family of Bethlehem of the Assumption of the Virgin and Saint-Brunois. Visits to the monastery must be arranged in advance with the Collobrières Office of Tourism.
More seaside resorts and beautiful towns near Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a beach lover’s paradise and is perfect for a sunny and relaxing holiday. While Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous resorts on the French Riviera, visitors will also be delighted by other lesser-discovered resorts along the nearby Mediterranean coast, such as Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël and Sainte-Maxime. Another must-see resort on the Côte d’Azur is glitzy Cannes, less than two hours away or just over two hours by train. Tourists more interested in authentic local culture than glamor should visit the port city of Toulon, a 90-minute drive away. After visiting the area’s coastal destinations, the countryside outside Saint-Tropez awaits. The charming pastoral region of Provence is a two to three hour drive away. Particularly worth mentioning are the medieval hilltop villages of the Luberon and the UNESCO-protected nature reserve.
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