Everybody’s heard of St Tropez, one of the most glamorous places in France. This beautiful Provencal town is home to many international celebrities and millionaires. Brigitte Bardot’s appearance here set the trend, transforming a barely-on-the-map village into the ultimate summertime destination for the wealthy. Today this French town is one of the best places to visit on the French Riviera. Whether this is your first, second or third visit, there is no shortage of things to do in Saint Tropez.
Spend a day here, and it becomes obvious why tourists and celebrities flock there.
ABOUT SAINT TROPEZ
St-Trop, as the French nickname it, has built up a reputation of being a destination for the rich and famous. This once-tiny fishing village certainly has it all: stunning beauty, rich history, culture and glamorous reputation.
St Tropez is famous for world-renowned beach clubs in the Bay of Pampelone, such as Nikki beach and Club 55. It also has exclusive nightclubs, designer boutiques and glitzy galleries. It has legendary restaurants, cafes and a harbour where the rich and famous moor their luxury mega yachts.
This pretty coastal town is home to some of the wealthiest people in the world.
Some might say it is overrated. But despite its fame, there is a lot more to it than that. This iconic seaside town, with picturesque pastel-coloured cottages, painted shutters and flowering balconies, is undoubtedly full of French charm. Explore a maze of narrow cobblestone streets filled with boutiques, traditional restaurants shaded by grapevines and its pretty harbour. Or soak up the art and culture, and enjoy the delicious cuisine. Give yourself at least a day to see all it has to offer because there are many epic things to do in Saint Tropez.
the citadel
LOCATION
the French Riviera
Saint-Tropez is a coastal town on the French Riviera in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. You are right to think that you can find it in south-eastern France. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
HOW TO GET FROM NICE TO SAINT-TROPEZ
While Saint-Tropez may be one of the most well-known resorts on the French Riviera, getting to this little town is not as easy as you could think. Thinking of driving here? Even though it’s possible, there are a few things to consider before you set off. At peak periods in summer, expect traffic jams on the main road. A drive along one of the most scenic coastal routes of Europe can, therefore, turn into a true adventure.
Another thing to bear in mind while driving to this seaside resort, you will be facing the parking. Avoid it at all costs.
Here’s where it gets complicating: St Tropez is a rather small town, so there is no train station. The nearest train station is ’Saint-Raphaël-Valescure’ (situated in Saint Raphaël, 39 km away). You can take the train down to Saint Raphael and then catch the express boat to Saint Tropez, which takes about an hour.
If all of the above sounds like too much hassle, consider another alternative – it will be worth it.
Ferry from Nice with panoramic views over the Med
FERRY FROM NICE – A day trip from Nice to Saint Tropez
The best way to get around is the ferry from Nice to St. Tropez. Remember, this ferry runs from the end of May to the end of September. After the 2 ½ hour cruise ride with amazing views of the Côte d’Azur, you will arrive at the port of St Tropez. Here you will have 5 hours to discover the town before you will have to catch the boat back at 4.30 pm.
We decided on this option because we wanted to relax and appreciate the beauty of the French towns from the water. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.
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You should know it is important to reserve your seat on the ferry beforehand. During the peak season, ferry tickets can sell out very quickly. You can make your ferry reservation online. Don’t worry – you don’t need to pay upfront. You will pay in the harbour’s office 24 hrs before your departure.
St Tropez
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAINT-TROPEZ
1. EXPLORE ITS OLD TOWN
You will be pleasantly surprised by how suited it is for pedestrians, even with all the exclusive locations. Most sights are within easy reach of the marina.
2. VIEUX PORT (Old Port of St Tropez)
With more luxury yachts than you could imagine, exploring Vieux Port is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez. Why, you may ask? Because its Old Port is one of the most famous places on the French Riviera. You can find it in the heart of the town.
Today the Old Port is primarily a tourist spot and a base for sail regattas. But it was not always like that. Many years ago, the Etruscans, the Greeks and the Romans had trading ports here. The prosperity of this port began at the end of the 15th century when it was a vital centre for the local fishing history.
Elegant outdoor cafes, lined by pastel-coloured Mediterranean townhouses and stunning large yachts docked in the harbour, create a beautiful visual experience. Do not miss the Môle Jean-Réveille promenade, which offers excellent views of the Old Port. This breathtaking seafront setting inspires artists who also sell their colourful paintings here.
Besides, you will find the stylish Café Senequier, distinguished by its bright red façade here. It is an excellent place for refreshment, soaking up the sunshine and celebrity spotting.
3. THE CITADELLE OF ST-TROPEZ
After that, take a break from the busy streets and marina and visit an old harbour fort. You can find it high above the village. The walk up to the citadel from the port is short and sharp, but it is worth taking your time, even on a hot summer day. Well worth a visit!
Visiting St Tropez Citadel is one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez because this historic building is the most visited cultural site in the town. But that’s not the only reason to visit it; the citadel is home to a museum and also offers the best views of the town.
This beautifully preserved citadel protected the town from invasions. The locals built it over 400 years ago – they needed to defend the coast against Spain.
Today this fort is also home to a Museum of Maritime History in the space, which was once a dungeon. The Maritime Museum also has beautiful viewpoints of the bastions. No wonder it is one of the most impressive tourist attractions in this Provencal town.
The citadel offers almost 360° breathtaking views over the Gulf of Saint Tropez, the colourful rooftops and the luxury yachts in the harbour.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The admission fee to the citadel is very reasonable €4 (as of May 2024) and children under the age of 12 years have free entry. A guided visit is possible by prior reservation.
OPENING HOURS:
- 1st April-30th September 2024: 10 am–6.30 pm daily (last entry at 6 pm)
- 1st October-31st March 2024: 10 am-5.30 pm (last entry at 5 pm)
- closed: 1st January 2024, 1st May 2024, 17th May 2024, 11th November 2024, 25th December 2024
4. LA PONCHE (The Old Town)
Bell Tower of Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
It is easy to see why the Old Town is another beautiful area in this seaside resort town. “La Ponche” is the most picturesque area, and one of the main attractions in Saint Tropez. This historic centre sits between the waterfront promenade and the Place des Lices.
Strolling through beautiful La Ponche is one of the best things to do in Saint-Tropez. Why, you may ask? It’s because this historic neighbourhood in the heart of the town offers a glimpse into the cultural and artistic heritage of the town. Moreover, La Ponche has a charming and romantic atmosphere. It’s an excellent place where you can spend an afternoon.
Luxury is a big part of the town, and that’s why its glamour and glitz come with a high price tag, though. A pedestrian zone of narrow alleyways is, however, more famous for all the trappings of a millionaire lifestyle than for historical significance. La Ponche is famous for spectacularly over-priced cafes, restaurants, small shops and designer boutiques.
However, if you prefer a typical South-of-France shopping experience, head to Place des Lices. Alternatively, visit the Place aux Herbes or the Halle aux Poissons (the daily fish market which sells fish to locals and the town’s most excellent restaurants).
While exploring the Old Town, don’t miss the 18th-century church with a beautiful Italian Baroque bell tower. Exploring Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is also one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez. Inside the Italian baroque-style church, you can even admire the bust of Saint Tropez, the town’s patron saint.
5. PLACE DES LICES
a traditional Provençal market
Maybe you do not know, but shopping at Place de Lices is also one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez. This lovely square turns into a traditional Provençal market twice per week. The vibrant scene of colourful stalls filled with fresh fruit & vegetables, Provençal deliciousness, flowers, antiques, and art is possibly one of the most famous farmer’s markets.
You are quite right to think that Place de Lices is one of the best places to visit on Tuesdays and Saturday mornings. It’s a place where you can enjoy the village atmosphere that has not changed even though this town has become one of the most exclusive locations in the world.
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Make sure to visit St. Tropez on at least one of the market days, but if you miss it, there is still plenty of shopping on its medieval streets.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find Place des Lices only a short walk from the Old Port and the Annonciade Museum.
6. MUSÉE DE LA GENDARMERIE
the National Gendarmerie Museum
Many visitors turn back once they explore the citadel and the old town, but it would be a mistake. Did you know that you can visit the National Gendarmerie Museum? Yes, that is right, the town’s most photographed building showcases the town’s historical connection to the film. The locals transformed this beautiful building into a museum in 2016.
Did you know that the Le gendarme de Saint-Tropez movie series, starring Louis de Funès, made this town a world-famous resort? All fans of Louis de Funes’s work should definitely visit The Gendarmerie when they come here. Some storylines from “Gendarme from Saint-Tropez” have been shot there. The museum also presents a thematic exposition devoted to this movie.
For those reasons, visiting Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma is one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez if you are a Louis de Funès fan.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The National Gendarmerie Museum is open every day from 10 am until 6 pm as of May 2024. The museum is not open only on 1st January 2025 and between 15th January 2025 and 1st February 2025. You also cannot visit the museum on 1st May 2024, 17th May 2024 and 25th December 2024.
As of May 2024, the entry ticket to The National Gendarmerie Museum in St. Tropez €5 for an adult. Kids under 12 go for free, and 12 – 18 years old pay €3.
7. MUSEUMS IN SAINT-TROPEZ
Visit Maison des Papillons (the Butterfly Museum), with thousands of butterflies on display, or if you are into modern art visit the Annonciade Museum – one of the longest-established modern art galleries in France.
BEACHES IN SAINT-TROPEZ
Plage de la Ponge in the town’s centre
Did you know St Tropez has almost three thousand sunny hours a year? Yes, that is right, this popular jet-set destination is one of the sunniest places in France. Because of that, it’s a beach lover’s paradise.
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Although it’s famous for its beaches, they are mostly away from the centre and require transportation.
9. PAMPELONNE BEACH
Soaking up the sun on Plage de Pampelonne is one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez because this is one of the most famous beaches on earth. However, you should know that this beautiful beach is actually around 6 km to the south of the town.
Many people associate this 4.5-kilometre-long stretch of the Pampelonne beach with the glamorous lifestyle of the French Riviera – and they are not wrong. Pampelonne beach is an iconic spot where you can find luxurious beach clubs, such as Club 55 and Nikki Beach. There are 23 beach clubs where you can hire sunbeds and parasols. You can also wine and dine here.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Maybe you do not know, but the local government introduced new environmental rules to protect Pampelonne beach in 2019. Since then, 80 % of the new Pampelonne remains public and free of charge. The remaining 20 % of Pampelonne beach is for beach clubs, which constructions will be removed in the winter months. The idea is to preserve the beach dunes and natural flora on this famous beach. A zero concrete policy should allow the sandy area to recover during the winter season.
10. OTHER BEACHES
Besides its private beach clubs along the Pampelonne, several public beaches are free (except for fees to rent lounge chairs and beach umbrellas). If you are interested in more authentic local culture than glamour (or just don’t have enough time as us), visit one of the beaches near the town. You can find a few beaches nearby to the west of St Tropez within reasonable walking distance.
WHY YOU SHOULD COME HERE
Today, Saint-Tropez rules the Riviera. Sure, luxury is a big part of the town, but this charming Provencal place with the azure blue sea still has its quiet charm in its tiny alleys and shady squares. It is “the” place with a great history, and Tropéziens are immensely proud of it. It is, without a doubt, a place that you cannot miss when on the French Riviera.
Wish we had more time here, but unfortunately, we only had a half-day to get a taste of this charming little town. But we will be back!
Now you know what to do in St Tropez France!
Have you been to St Tropez? What would you add to the list? If you liked our post, please share it or save it to Pinterest 🙂
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I live on the Cote d’Azur but Saint Tropez – very nice post by the way – is merely one of our many jewels!
I wish I had made it here but we didn’t have time. Still saw lots of the Côte d’Azur that blew my mind!
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I visited Cote d’Azur few years ago on a tour, but would love to explore it on my own. So its definitely on the list. Love the photos, such charming streets.
Thank you very much dear, Cote d’Azur is such a picturesque part of France, definitely worth a visit. Our favourite places were St Tropez, the medieval village of Eze and colourful Menton ❤
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