Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, St. Tropez remains at the top of the jet set holiday destination list. A glimmering village located on the shores of the French Riviera, St. Tropez is a place to see and be seen during the summer months. Here is your complete guide to St. Tropez as you plan your bucket list summer getaways.
Getting There
St. Tropez is not the simplest place to get to. Fly into Nice and then make your way West. By car this could take 1.5 hours to 4 hours all depending on traffic. An Uber will cost about 200 euros and they are readily available at Nice. Unfortunately, there aren’t any bus shuttles or trains that take you directly to St. Tropez, but you can catch a boat a few times a week out of Cannes if you would prefer to make that your home base.
Where to Stay in St. Tropez
There are a number of 5-star hotels located in and around St. Tropez and in the high season when they are all open, you have a wonderful assortment to choose from. We have personally stayed at both the Pan Dei Palais located in the port and Villa Marie, which is up in the hills of Ramatuelle.
The Pan Dei Palais is quite literally a palatial property once home to General Allard and Princess Pan Dei of Punjab. It is now a beautiful Relais & Châteaux property, with immaculate Indian décor and a luxurious pool. Located on the Rue Gambetta, the hotel isonly a few minutes from anywhere downtown you would like to go. The hotel is on the petite side, there are only 10 rooms and 2 suites, but each and every guest is treated like royalty as soon as they walk through the door. The lobby leads into a beautiful library and onwards to the outdoor pool.
The rooms feature both Bulgari bath products and a complimentary mini bar. After a long day exploring, this is exactly where you want to come back to.
If you are looking to truly get away from it all head 10 minutes up into the hills to Villa Marie. This property overlooks both the countryside and sea. You trade in walking to the cafes for waking up to the sound of the birds chirping.
Each room has a unique design and most likely a unique color and lots of French antiques. Villa Marie is a larger property and has many little areas to relax and explore. For example, you could wake up to have breakfast in the garden and then you could swim in the outdoor pool, which overlooks the Mediterranean.
What To Do in St. Tropez
Any trip to St. Tropez is guaranteed to include: sun, beach, shopping and fine dining, here are a few of our top recommendations:
- Shopping in the port: Brands like Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton can all be found in the port area of St. Tropez, but don’t skip the smaller, but just as high-end boutiques where you’ll find things unique to St. Tropez.
- Dine at Dolceva: Located on Rue des Feniers, this restaurant offers just the type of evening you want on the Riviera. The candles in the moonlight, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and that alfresco breeze makes the evening with your loved ones just perfect.
- Beach: Head to La Réserve à la Plage, which is located just next to Nikki Beach for a luxurious beach day. La Réserve à la Plage opened this year and has luxurious beach beds, a full-service restaurant, showers and bathrooms. Its stretch of beach is sandy, beautiful and sunny so plan on spending at least a whole day here. You may even find yourself coming back the next day!
- Nightlife: Even in the shoulder season, you can have a wild night out in St. Tropez. Head to the port for lots of fun bars and clubs.
For more South of France recommendations read about spending a sunny vacation in Cannes and a luxurious weekend in Monaco!
10 of the best things to do in Saint-Tropez
1. Spend the Day at Pampelonne Beach
Just outside town, Pampelonne Beach is the most famous stretch of sand in Saint-Tropez. It’s home to legendary beach clubs where visitors spend the day lounging, swimming in turquoise water, and enjoying long seaside lunches.
2. Visit the Iconic Club 55
One of the Riviera’s most famous beach restaurants, Club 55 has been a Saint-Tropez institution since the 1950s when it hosted the cast of And God Created Woman. Expect simple Mediterranean dishes and a stylish crowd.
3. Wander the Old Town of La Ponche
The charming historic district of Saint-Tropez features narrow streets, pastel houses, small galleries, and cafés. It’s a reminder that the glamorous resort was once a humble fishing village.
4. Explore the Citadel of Saint-Tropez
This hilltop fortress offers incredible panoramic views over the town, harbor, and Mediterranean. Inside you’ll find the Maritime History Museum telling the story of Saint-Tropez’s seafaring past.
5. Stroll the Harbor at Vieux Port Saint-Tropez
The colorful harbor lined with cafés and luxury yachts is one of the most iconic scenes on the Riviera. Walk along the waterfront and admire the superyachts while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
6. Shop at the Place des Lices Market
Held several mornings each week, this classic Provençal market features local cheeses, olives, flowers, clothing, and antiques. The square is also famous for locals playing pétanque beneath the plane trees.
7. Visit the Annonciade Museum
Set in a former chapel, this museum showcases works from artists who were inspired by the light of Saint-Tropez, including Paul Signac and Henri Matisse.
8. Relax at Plage de Tahiti
Located at the northern end of Pampelonne Beach, Tahiti Beach is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. It has long been a favorite spot for sunbathing on the Riviera.
9. Enjoy Sunset Drinks at Sénéquier
This legendary red-awning café on the harbor is one of the best places in town for people-watching. Order a rosé or coffee and watch the boats come and go.
10. Experience Saint-Tropez’s Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the town’s nightlife comes alive. Iconic venues like Les Caves du Roy have drawn celebrities and jet-setters for decades.
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