Explore Saint Tropez surroundings
With shopping and nightlife to rival Hollywood, dramatic landscapes, and charming villas, the wealthy and famous have flocked here since the late 1950s. During the winter and spring off-seasons, St. Tropez is not crowded, but the traffic becomes heavier in the summertime when the beach weather is perfect.
St. Tropez has been known as a haven throughout its history. In the 1920s, international fashion stars escaped to this stunning destination, which also became a beach landing site during World War II. In the 1950s Brigitte Bardot made it known as a luxury holiday destination.
Now this modern version of a medieval town has many events all year to draw visitors to its shores. Set on the sparkling Bay of Saint-Tropez, St. Tropez hosts an internationally renowned regatta, Les Voiles, at the end of September each year. The International Polo Cup takes place in July and the Gold Cup is held in the autumn. A vintage car rally, Rallye des Belles, is held each May. Also in May is the St. Tropez Bravade, a military parade in honor of the town’s patron saint.
The best beaches are a car ride away, however there are a few near the center of town. The largest collection of beaches is the Pampelonne-Ramatuelle Beaches just 3km south of St. Tropez. The Plage de Tahiti, just southeast of town is another popular destination. Many nude beaches dot the area as well.
If you need a break from the sun, visit Musee de l’Annonciade. Housed in an abandoned chapel, this museum has a rich modern art collection, including works by Signac, the first Parisian artist to settle in St Tropez. The Citadel, built between 1590 and 1607, is a well-preserved hexagonal fortress. Inside the Citadel is a Museum of Shipping and Local History. Three defensive towers – Guillaume Tower, Portalet Tower and Jarlier Tower, offer spectacular views of the bay.
Spend time meandering down the small winding streets and stop in one of St. Tropez’s many terrace cafes. The old town is just west of the Citadel and is filled with boutiques and restaurants. If you walk on Rue du Portail-Neuf, you can visit the Italian Baroque 18th century church in which stands a bust of St-Tropez. Northwest of the church you can see the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and the palace of Pierre-André de Suffren, an important French admiral who participated in the War of the Austrian Succession.
From here, wander over to the Mole Jean-Réveille, a man-made pier enclosing the harbor from the north, and enjoy a spectacular view of the town’s seafront, yachts and luxury St Tropez Villas.
Place aux Herbes is the most bustling of the town’s squares. You can buy all the vegetables, flowers, and fresh meats that you could wish for here. The St. Tropez tourist information office is located here. If you would like to see some of St. Tropez’s traditional street entertainment and a game of boules, head to Place des Lices, where you can also enjoy the most casual dining in town.
St. Tropez even has some hiking. A 12km coastal footpath begins at the Portalet Tower of the Citadel and takes you across gorgeous coastline all the way to Pampelonne Beach.