Highlights
The charm and prestige of Saint-Tropez far exceed its geographical dimensions.
It would be an understatement to claim the resort offers a plethora of activities, given its modest size.
Nonetheless, the true appeal of Saint-Tropez lies in its enduring glamour, which has remained vibrant since its fame began over six decades ago.
It is fundamentally about the experience of being present in the location, the visibility it grants, and the ability to share that experience.
If the allure of indulgence captivates you, do not hesitate to invest in designer fashion or dine at lavish establishments.
Alternatively, you may wish to embrace the notion that some of life’s finest experiences are free, as evidenced by the invigorating winds of the Mistral and the exceptional light that inspired the post-impressionists.
Let us delve into the most noteworthy activities to experience in Saint-Tropez:
1. L’Annonciade
This converted 16th-century chapel, situated away from the bustling port, serves as compelling evidence of Saint-Tropez’s status at the forefront of early 20th-century art.
The narrative begins with Paul Signac, the pointillist painter who became enamored with the unique light of Saint-Tropez in 1892, inviting contemporaries such as Matisse, Derain, Cross, and Marquet to join him.
The museum showcases several pieces by Signac alongside six from Henri Matisse, as well as works by Braque, Vallotton, Delaunay, and Bonnard.
The collection emphasizes early modern art movements from the 1890s onwards, including pointillism, fauvism, and Les Nabis.
2. Citadelle de Saint-Tropez
Located east of Saint-Tropez, this early 17th-century fortress stands proudly above Pointe de Cimétière.
Built after the French Wars of Religion, this hexagonal structure served as a vital defense between Toulon and Antibes, guarding what was once considered a strategic frontier.
Notably, the fortress was tested shortly after its construction, successfully repelling an attack by 21 Spanish galleons in 1637. Its labyrinthine interiors house a recently refurbished Maritime Museum, featuring antique globes, model ships, maps, cannons, and accounts from 17th-century mariners.
3. Saint-Tropez Harbour
While overpriced establishments may deter some, you can embrace the luxurious atmosphere of Saint-Tropez without incurring costs.
Venturing a couple of streets from the waterfront will lead you to modest eateries serving crêpes and soft drinks, an appealing alternative to the high prices at the quayside. Take a leisurely stroll along the Jean Réveille jetty, admire the magnificent yachts, and cherish the light and ochre shades that captivated early modern artists.
Numerous painters line the quayside, capturing the stunning scenery, providing opportunities to purchase art as unique keepsakes.
4. Plage de l’Escalet
Nestled between Cap Camarat and Cap Taillat, Plage de l’Escalet features a trio of beaches characterized by a combination of sand and pebbles, each separated by smooth stones.
The beach adjacent to the parking area tends to fill quickly during the summer months, but if you venture around the bay, you will discover a more secluded experience.
Protected by headlands, the turquoise waters here remain calm and are ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
5. Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma
The specificity of this attraction’s name is largely due to the prominent role played by the façade of Saint-Tropez’s police station in several films.
Frequented by the director Jean Girault as an establishing shot for his Gendarme films, starting with the classic comedy “Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez” starring Louis de Funès, the museum enriches its offerings with interactive displays and film memorabilia to celebrate Saint-Tropez’s cinematic charm.
Moreover, the film “And God Created Woman” from 1956, featuring Brigitte Bardot, marked a significant moment in the town’s film history.
6. Plage de Pampelonne
Spanning five kilometers, Plage de Pampelonne boasts luxurious white sands and warm waters, making it the longest beach near Saint-Tropez.
This beach has established itself as a societal landmark since 1955, serving as an essential stop for obtaining photographs and experiences to share with friends.
Various beach clubs line the shoreline, necessitating reservations for sun loungers, while shuttle buses provide transportation from the resort center.
If you possess a private yacht, chauffeur, or helicopter, you may join the ranks of fellow visitors arriving in style.
7. Marché de Saint-Tropez
On Tuesday and Saturday mornings during the summer season, as many as 120 vendors display their offerings beneath the plane trees on Place des Lices, conveniently located near the harbor.
Guests are treated to an array of pastries, fresh produce, charcuterie, fish, seafood, artisanal products, flowers, clothing, Provençal herbs, kitchen accessories, vintage posters, and much more.
As is customary in premier French markets, rotisserie chicken and other freshly-prepared items will certainly please your palate.
In the winter months, a smaller market remains operational at Place des Lices, albeit with fewer stalls outside the tourist season.
8. Chapelle Sainte-Anne
Constructed in 1618, Chapelle Sainte-Anne is tucked away within a grove of conifers on Mont Pécoulet, a hill situated behind Saint-Tropez.
In the 19th century, long-distance sailors would ascend this hill to seek protection from St. Anne before their voyages.
The chapel is positioned in a scenic location, offering sweeping views of the resort and the azure sea, while also holding a place in the annals of pop culture.
Notably, Mick and Bianca Jagger were wed here in 1971, with guests including Paul and Linda McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr.
9. Maison des Papillons
This museum showcases an extensive collection curated by Dany Lartigue, grandson of André Messager, who managed the French Opera and associated with notable cultural figures such as Gabriel Fauré and Claude Debussy.
Lartigue has dedicated a lifetime to gathering 35,000 butterfly specimens, which are now displayed at the family residence in central Saint-Tropez.
Visitors can explore every French butterfly species alongside exotic specimens from the Amazon and the Solomon Islands.
The museum offers dual appeals; its scientific significance and the artistic presentation of the butterflies.
10. Sentier du Littoral
Despite the challenges of urban development, a substantial portion of the coastline surrounding Saint-Tropez remains pristine.
This is evident along the Sentier du Littoral, a trail providing access to over 40 kilometers of coastline stretching from Saint-Tropez to Cap Taillat.
As you walk alongside the sea, you will traverse high cliffs and climb limestone formations adorned with pine and juniper.
Remember to bring swimwear, as you will encounter numerous opportunities to plunge into clear rock pools.
11. Nautical Sport
In the charming streets of Saint-Tropez, you will discover not only exquisite dining establishments, upscale fashion boutiques, and luxury real estate agencies but also yacht charter firms.
For those willing to invest a few thousand Euros, it is possible to hire a crewed or bareboat yacht for a week, indulging in opulent living while navigating to local beaches.
Additionally, the Violes de Saint-Tropez is among the premier regattas on the French Riviera, held during the week at the end of September, showcasing extreme sailing skills.
12. Port Grimaud
At the innermost curve of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez lies Port Grimaud, a captivating development initiated in the early 1960s by architect and urban planner François Spoerry.
This alluring waterfront community features a network of canals flanked by buildings designed to resemble the traditional fishermen’s homes found in the old quarter of Saint-Tropez.
Each residence is ideally located adjacent to the water, equipped with a berth for boats, often occupied by sleek yachts, making this “Little Venice” home to affluent inhabitants.
13. Gassin
Located just minutes inland from Saint-Tropez, Gassin is perched 200 meters above the sea.
This village features a slender, elliptical street-layout, originally established as a defensive measure against the frequent raids by Barbary pirates during the Early Modern Age.
The village offers an engaging exploration, complete with two historic churches, winding passages, and stairways.
One of the highlights is the Table d’Orientation located at Place du Portail Neuf, where visitors can contemplate a breathtaking panorama overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the verdant peaks of the Esterel Massif.
14. Sainte-Maxime
Utilizing the Les Bateaux Verts ferries, you can journey between Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud, as well as to the charming resort of Sainte-Maxime situated across the gulf.
Once you arrive, consider exploring the harbor and ancient quarter, an environment that feels refreshingly authentic, highlighting local French shops and a year-round community.
Continue your exploration along the impressive 10-kilometer coastline.
Plage de la Nartelle stands out as the premier beach option, featuring golden sands and clear waters while maintaining a sense of tranquility compared to the busier Saint-Tropez.
15. Food and Drink
As Brigitte Bardot helped cement the prominence of Saint-Tropez, the resort also introduced a signature pastry.
Tarte Tropézienne, created by Polish-born chef Alexandre Micka, is believed to have been named by Bardot during the filming of “And God Created Woman.”
This delectable pastry consists of brioche, whipped cream, and crème pâtissière, and pairs excellently with local rosé wines.
Speaking of wine, while Saint-Tropez houses three caves, it is also in proximity to numerous châteaux, ideal for tours.
Rosé constitutes 80% of the wine production within the surrounding Côtes-de-Provence region.
