9 Top Best things to do in Saint Tropez France

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Everybody’s heard of Saint Tropez, one of the most glamorous places in France. This beautiful Provencal town is home to many international celebrities and millionaires. It was the appearance of Brigitte Bardot in Saint-Tropez who set the trend for being “a barely-on-the-map village” the ultimate summertime destination for the rich people. Today Saint Tropez 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.

things to do in Saint Tropez: Today Saint Tropez 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 in Saint Tropez in France, 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. 

Saint 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. St Tropez has legendary restaurants, cafes and a harbour where the rich and famous moor their luxury mega yachts.

Saint Tropez French Riviera

Saint-Tropez, 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 St Tropez 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.

St Tropez France

Citadelle, Saint-Tropez

 

LOCATION

best things to do in Saint Tropez

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. St Tropez enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.

 

HOW TO GET FROM NICE TO SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE

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 to St Tropez? Even though it is 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.

St Tropez is a rather small town, so there is no train station. The nearest train station to Saint Tropez is ’Saint-Raphaël-Valescure’ (situated in Saint Raphaël, 39 km from Saint-Tropez). 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.

Nice to St Tropez: Visit this coastal town on a ferry from Nice to St Tropez because it's the most relaxing way without too much hassle. After the 2 ½ hour cruise ride with amazing views of the Côte d’Azur, you will arrive at this famous town. Here you will have 5 hours to discover the town before you will have to catch the boat back at 4.30 pm.

Ferry from Nice to St Tropez with panoramic views over the Med

 

FERRY FROM NICE TO SAINT TROPEZ – A day trip from Nice to Saint Tropez

The best way to get around is the ferry from Nice to St. Tropez. The 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 Saint 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.

TIP:

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.

 

what to do in Saint Tropez

St Tropez

 

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAINT-TROPEZ FRANCE

Out of many landmarks and attractions, here are some of the best things to do in Saint Tropez, France:

 

1. EXPLORE TOWN

 

Saint Tropez France

 

You will be pleasantly surprised by how suited Saint-Tropez is for pedestrians, even with all the exclusive locations. Most sights are within easy reach of the marina.

 

2. VIEUX PORT (Old Port of Saint Tropez)

best things to do in Saint Tropez: Exploring Vieux Port is one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez because the Old Port is one of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera. Today the Old Port is primarily a tourist spot and a base for sail regattas. You can find it in the heart of the town.

Vieux Port in 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. You are right to think that the Old Port of Saint Tropez is one of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera. You can find it in the heart of the town.

Today the Old Port of Saint Tropez is primarily a tourist spot and a base for sail regattas. But 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 Vieux Port. This breathtaking seafront setting inspires artists who sell their colourful paintings in the port.

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 Vieux Port. This breathtaking seafront setting inspires artists who sell their colourful paintings in the port.

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. CITADELLE DE SAINT-TROPEZ

best things to do in Saint Tropez: 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. What's more, the citadel is home to a museum and offers the best views of the town.

Citadelle de Saint-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!

Citadel views

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. What’s more, the citadel is home to a museum and offers the best views of the town.

 

best things to do in Saint Tropez: 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. What's more, the citadel is home to a museum and 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 Saint Tropez.

Citadelle de Saint Tropez offers almost 360° breathtaking views over the Gulf of Saint Tropez, the colourful rooftops and the luxury yachts in the harbour.

Citadel offers excellent views of the town.

GOOD TO KNOW:

The admission fee to Saint Tropez Citadel is very reasonable € 4 (as of March 2023) 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 2023: 10 am – 6.30 pm daily (last entry at 6 pm)
  • 1st October – 31st March 2023: 10 am – 5.30 pm (last entry at 5 pm)
  • closed: 1st January 2023, 1st May 2023, 17th May 2023, 11th November 2023, 25th December 2023
  • Address: Citadelle de Saint-Tropez

 

4. LA PONCHE (The Old Town of St Tropez)

things to do in Saint Tropez: Strolling through beautiful La Ponche is one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez because this historic neighbourhood 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.

Bell Tower of Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption


It is easy to see why the Old Town of Saint-Tropez 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. It is because this historic neighbourhood in the heart of St Tropez 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

Saint Tropez: Place des Lices is one of the best things to see in Saint Tropez because it is a traditional Provençal market with colourful stalls. This is also one of the most famous markets on the French Riviera.

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 in Saint Tropez on Tuesdays and Saturday mornings. It’s a place where you can enjoy the village atmosphere that has not changed even though Saint Tropez has become one of the most exclusive locations in the world. 

 

TIP:

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

best things to do in Saint Tropez: Visiting Musée de la Gendarmerie is one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez if you are a Louis de Funès fan. The Le gendarme de Saint-Tropez movie series starring Louis de Funès made St. Tropez a world-famous resort. Today you can visit the museum dedicated to those famous movie series.

La gendarmerie de Saint-Tropez


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 most photographed building in St Tropez showcases the town’s historical connection to the film. The locals transformed this beautiful building into a museum in 2016.

In fact, the Le gendarme de Saint-Tropez movie series starring Louis de Funès made St. Tropez a world-famous resort. All fans of Louis de Funes’s work should definitely visit The Gendarmerie when in St Tropez. 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.

All fans of Louis de Funes’s work should visit The Gendarmerie when in St Tropez. The Le gendarme de Saint-Tropez movie series starring Louis de Funès made St. Tropez a world-famous resort. The most photographed building in the town now houses a museum.

 

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

The National Gendarmerie Museum in St. Tropez is open every day from 10 am until 6 pm. The museum is not open only on 1st January 2023, 15th January – 1st February 2023. You also cannot visit the museum on 1st May 2023, 17th May 2023 and 25th December 2023.

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 FRANCE

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 FRANCE

Plage de la Ponge St Tropez

Plage de la Ponge in the centre of St Tropez

 

Did you know Saint 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, St Tropez is a beach lover’s paradise.

TIP:

Although St. Tropez is 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 IN SAINT TROPEZ, FRANCE

Besides its private beach clubs along the Pampelonneseveral 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.

Bouillabaisse beach in St Tropez 

sandy Bouillabaisse beach in St Tropez 

 

Bouillabaisse Beach is near the centre of the town, within easy walking distance of the port. This smaller, less crowded sandy beach has a more low-key atmosphere, but we did not mind. This beach has free public showers, as well as a seaside restaurant.

 

TRAVEL TIP: 

If you plan to visit St. Tropez in October, don’t miss the racing regatta. During Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez the bay is full of colourful sails, and you can enjoy stunning views.

 

WHY SHOULD YOU GO TO SAINT TROPEZ

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 in St Tropez, 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!

what to do in Saint Tropez France: visit a traditional provencal market, enjoy day on one of the sandy beaches this town is famous for. St Tropez is also home to a picturesque Citadelle, Musee de la Gendarmerie. It also has a stunning Old Port where you can see many celebriities.

 

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Last updated: 27/03/2023
 

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