What was once a quiet fishing village is now one of the most glamourous resort towns in the world—Saint-Tropez. The name itself is now synonymous with luxury. Shiny superyachts sit in the harbor. Stylish restaurants turn into exclusive dance parties when the sun goes down. Chic resorts fill the surrounding hills. However, Saint-Tropez is so much more than a luxurious party destination. The enchanting cobblestone streets are filled with flowers and hidden cafés. And the rocky peninsula is scattered with beautiful understated beaches. From lounging at Pampelonne Beach, to yacht-spotting in Vieux Port and shopping the Provençal Market on Places des Lices, here is the complete Saint-Tropez travel guide.
Saint-Tropez is located along the French Riviera in between Nice and Marseille. The colorful history of Saint-Tropez began in 599 BC when the region was first inhabited by the Greeks and later taken over by the Roman Empire. Rumor has it, Saint-Tropez’s namesake was Saint Torpes, a Roman official beheaded for defying emperor Nero. His body was sent off in a rowboat which happened to make landfall at the present-day location of Saint-Tropez. The village functioned as a military stronghold until the 19th and 20th centuries, when a series of artists flocked to the town.
The town’s beauty was first discovered by impressionist painter Paul Signac. Signac entertained many well-known artists who also fell in love with the town. Coco Chanel vacationed here in the 1920s. The defining moment that propelled Saint-Tropez into the world’s collective imagination was when Brigitte Bardot filmed ‘And God Created Woman’ here in the 1950s. Since then, illustrious visitors have flocked from all over the world to visit the trendy resort town. Today, Saint-Tropez has preserved its old-world charm while staking its claim as one of the most luxurious destinations on the planet.
Interested in visiting other towns along the French Riviera? Make sure to read The Best Towns Along the French Riviera.
Know Before You Go
- How to Get There: The most convenient international airport to Saint-Tropez is the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is about 90 minutes by car. Otherwise, the closest train station to Saint-Tropez is Saint-Raphaël Valescure (38km away). Catch a train to Saint-Raphaël and then take either a ferry, taxi, or bus into Saint-Tropez. A taxi will cost about $100 and take 45-minutes with no traffic (though traffic is the norm, so plan for at least hour). The ferry takes an hour and is often the most reliable as it doesn’t have to contest any of the seasonal traffic and typically only costs $20.
- How to Get Around: Saint-Tropez itself is a small town that you can easily explore on foot. However, keep in mind that many of the most luxurious beach clubs and resorts are outside of Saint-Tropez, including the famous Pampelonne Beach. Grab a 15-minute taxi, local shuttle, or 30-minute bus ride between Saint-Tropez and Pampelonne Beach.
- Best Time to Visit: July and August are peak season in Saint-Tropez. June and September are some of the best months to visit as the weather is plenty warm and the crowds are slightly less. During the winter months the normally buzzing town becomes quiet. And while many of the glitzy locales close for the winter, the colorful streets are yours to explore undisturbed.
- Reservations: If you’re visiting during the summer months, make reservations well in advance. Many of the restaurants and beach clubs fill up several weeks out.
Where to Stay
Saint-Tropez and its surrounding hills are full of posh resorts. Pan Deï Palais with its poolside bar, chic gardens, and private beach club is the best hotel right in Saint-Tropez. Other fabulous hotels in Saint-Tropez include La Ponche Hôtel, a boutique seaside hotel in the heart of Old Town, and Hôtel Byblos, which features a stunning pool and lively party scene. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly stay, there are plenty of Airbnb’s right in town.
Outside of Saint-Tropez and hidden in the rolling hills are exclusive resorts. Château de la Messardière is a historic property that has been an iconic hotel since the 1920s. The exclusive estate features a stunning pool and spa, top-rated restaurants, and plenty of room for outdoor activities. On the edge of Saint-Tropez, Cheval Blanc Saint Tropez is one of the few properties situated on the Mediterranean with a private beach and seaside pool. Enjoy the serene setting and dine at their three-star Michelin restaurant, La Vague d’Or. Another popular resort is Hôtel Villa Marie Saint Tropez. The immaculate property overlooks the Bay of Pampelonne and is surrounded by elegant gardens. Relax in the lagoon pool and take in the enchanting ambiance.
Best Restaurants
It’s no surprise that the glamorous town is full of stylish restaurants and a lively party scene. From upscale establishments to local dining spots, these are the best restaurants in Saint-Tropez. The most recognizable establishment is Café Senequier. The famous café has been serving customers since 1887 and its distinctive red facade is a casual spot to grab a meal or drinks any time of day. The best restaurant along the promenade is the elegant and beachy Le Petit Plage. Come here for delicious seafood and good music well into the evening. For a different cuisine, head to La Salama, a Moroccan themed restaurant in a sophisticated setting. Café des Arts is a hip brasserie along Places des Lices that serves French cuisine. Later in the evening the atmosphere heats up and dancing takes over. Another popular, and more affordable, spot along Places des Lices is Le Sporting. And with three Michelin Stars, the best fine dining restaurant is La Vague d’Or, located in the Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez hotel. The renowned chef serves unmatched cuisine that highlights regional ingredients with creative dishes.
The best brunch locale is Dior des Licese, an elegant courtyard eatery attached to Dior. And to satisfy your sweet tooth, go to Crêperie Grand Marnier for the best crepes in town—order the Grand Marnier. Or head to Barbarac along the promenade for delicious gelato. And stop at La Tarte Tropézienne pâtisserie for an infamous Tarte Tropézienne. Also known as La Tarte de Saint-Tropez, the tarte is a local brioche pastry filled with cream and topped with extra-large sugar crystals.
What to Do
Wander Vieux Port & La Ponche (Old Town)
Vieux Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez. The colorful harbor once filled with tiny fishing boats now also houses superyachts. Bordering the Vieux Port is the historic Old Town, also known as La Ponche. La Ponche is most picturesque area of Saint-Tropez. Exploring these parts of Saint-Tropez is a must-do when visiting. Stroll along the Môle Jean Réveille Promenade and dine at the chic seaside cafés. Get lost in the enchanting flower-filled alleyways. Shop the local boutiques and designer stores. Dine at hidden cafés. There are even a few beaches right in town!
Marché Place des Lices
Every Tuesday and Saturday morning over a hundred merchants take over Place des Lices for the Provençal market. Shop everything from fresh produce and flowers to lavender soaps and woven baskets. The market is a local tradition dating back over two hundred years; the Places des Lices itself is even older, built in the 10th century. Stroll the market and pick up some goodies to take home as well some delicious local food for a picnic by the water.
Pampelonne Beach
Spanning three miles of powder white sand, Pampelonne Beach is the beach in Saint-Tropez. Glitzy beach clubs line its shores and the party scene is one-of-a-kind. Spend a day drinking cocktails and lounging in the sun at one of the exclusive beach clubs. Le Club 55 has a chic vibe; the iconic club has been popular since it was featured in Bridgette Bardot’s classic film ‘And God Created Women’. If you’re looking for a party scene, head to the glamourous Nikki Beach. For a family-friendly scene head to Tahiti Beach (the oldest club on the beach). Other popular and stylish clubs include Bagatelle and Loulou. Pampelonne Beach is located in the neighboring Ramatuelle about three miles from the town of Saint-Tropez. To get to Plage de Pampelonne, take a cab or catch the local shuttle.
Musée de l’Annonciade
Set in a former chapel that dates back to 1510, Musée de l’Annonciade celebrates the town’s artistic avant-garde past. The museum boasts a stunning collection of Impressionist paintings including pieces by Paul Signac, Georges Braque, and Henri Matisse. Most of the works on display were produced by prominent artists who lived and worked in Saint-Tropez at the beginning of the 20th century.
Citadelle de Saint-Tropez & Musée d’Historie Maritime
The Citadel of Saint-Tropez is a 17th-century fortress situated just above Saint-Tropez. Once a protecting presence, the fortress now houses the Museum of Maritime History. The Museum of Maritime History exhibits the daily lives of Saint-Tropez’s seamen as they embarked on expeditions both near and far. The region has over 500 years of maritime history. Famous military men from Saint-Tropez include Bailli de Suffren and General Allard.
Walk the Sentier du Littoral
The scenic coastal path of Saint-Tropez, also known as Sentier du Littoral, is a 8-mile loop that follows the edge of the peninsula. Start in Old Town Saint-Tropez and meander along the primarily rocky coast. Hike to Plage des Canoubier and Plage des Salins before looping back to Plage des Canoubier and Saint-Tropez. Along the way you’ll pass fragrant wildflowers, hidden villas, and the golden sands of Plage des Salins beach. Walking the Sentier du Littoral is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the peninsula and see more of the region.
Plage des Salins
If you’re looking for a more natural vibe than Pampelonne Beach, head to Plage des Salins. Plage des Salins is a white-sand beach just outside of Saint-Tropez. Shaded by pine trees and accompanied by only one beach club, the rugged cove lacks the crowds of its famous neighbor. Access Plage des Salins by taking a 10-minute cab ride from Saint-Tropez or if you’re feeling ambitious, the beach is about five-miles from Saint-Tropez along the Sentier du Littoral.
Plage de l’Escalet
Plage de l’Escalet is a beautiful and low-key beach in Ramatuelle. L’Escalet is the soft sandy beach just across from the parking lot. But if you follow the coastal path off to the right it leads towards Cap Taillat, where there are more incredible views and plenty of hidden beaches. Plage de l’Escalet is a 20-minute drive from Saint-Tropez. Grab some towels, food from the market, and spend an afternoon swimming in the turquoise water and soaking up the sun. During the summer months watch for a little boat that comes through the bay selling snacks and drinks.
Explore Port Grimaud, Sainte-Maxime, and Ramatuelle
There are several charming towns a short ride away from Saint-Tropez. Port Grimaud, nicknamed “French Venice” or “Mini Venice”, is a colorful town purposely built like the Italian city on the water. Just across the Bay of Saint-Tropez is Saint-Maxime. In Saint-Maxime you won’t find any paparazzi or mega yachts. Instead the low-key town is full of casual cafés and shops. Ramatuelle is a picturesque Medieval town perched above the Bay of Saint-Tropez. Take a green ferry from the port to both Port Grimaud and Saint-Maxime and spend a few hours exploring the nearby towns. To reach Ramatuelle, drive or catch a taxi 15 minutes inland to reach the charismatic town.
