Chic French Riviera town known for its luxury yachts, celebrity sightings, and beautiful beaches. Home to vibrant nightlife and a charming old port with fresh seafood.
Saint Tropez, a small coastal town on the French Riviera, is known for its celebrity sightings and Mediterranean beaches. You can climb the steps of the 16th-century Citadelle de Saint-Tropez for panoramic views, sunbathe at the famous Pampelonne Beach, or shop for local products at the Place des Lices market. The town has many dining options, from sidewalk cafes to the three-Michelin-starred La Vague d'Or, and becomes lively with parties and events during summer evenings.
Exploring the Old Town
The heart of Saint Tropez is its old town, La Ponche. As you walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, you'll see buildings painted in shades of ochre and pink, with green or blue shuttered windows and balconies adorned with bougainvillea. Visit Place des Lices, the main square where you can watch locals play pétanque under the shade of plane trees. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, a large open-air market fills the square, selling fresh produce, regional cheeses, and handmade crafts.
Beaches and Beach Clubs
Pampelonne Beach, located about 5 km from town in neighboring Ramatuelle, is the most popular beach in Saint Tropez. The 5 km stretch of sand has several beach clubs where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas for the day. Club 55, established in 1955, is one of the best-known spots, often visited by celebrities and offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu. For a calmer experience, try Plage de la Bouillabaisse or Plage des Graniers closer to town, where you can bring your own towel and picnic.
Shopping in Saint Tropez
Rue Gambetta and the surrounding streets form the main shopping area in Saint Tropez. You'll find international designer stores like Louis Vuitton and Dior alongside local shops selling Provençal textiles and beachwear. Consider buying a pair of Tropézienne sandals, a local specialty made of leather straps. For fresh produce and local products, visit the Place des Lices market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, where you can buy olives, lavender, and regional wines.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Saint Tropez offers a variety of dining options. Try the local specialty, tarte tropézienne, a brioche filled with a mixture of two creams, created in the 1950s by a local pastry chef. For seafood, you can dine at Le Café in the old port area, where you can taste bouillabaisse, a traditional Provençal fish stew. For fine dining, La Vague d'Or at Cheval Blanc hotel holds three Michelin stars and serves innovative French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Getting There and Around
The closest airports are in Nice (about 1.5 hours away by car) and Toulon-Hyères (about 50 minutes away). From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Saint Tropez. During summer, ferry services operate from Nice, Cannes, and other coastal towns. Once in Saint Tropez, you can explore the town center on foot. For trips to beaches or nearby towns, you can rent a scooter or take a taxi.
When to Visit
Consider visiting Saint Tropez in late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October). During these months, temperatures are typically around 20-25°C (68-77°F), and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months, with crowded beaches and frequent parties. Winter is quiet, with many businesses closed, but hotel prices are lower, and you can experience the town without the summer crowds.
