Saint-Tropez Travel Guide: Top Things to Do in the Glamorous French Riviera Gem

Welcome to Saint-Tropez, the sun-drenched town on the French Riviera where glamour, natural beauty, and Mediterranean charm collide. Once a humble fishing village, this iconic destination rose to fame in the 1950s, thanks in part to Brigitte Bardot and the allure of the Côte d’Azur. Today, it attracts everyone from Hollywood stars and yacht owners to travelers in search of laid-back coastal beauty.
 

As your guide, I’ll take you on a journey through Saint-Tropez's stunning beaches, historic sites, world-famous marinas, and irresistible charm. Let’s discover why this French gem is still one of Europe’s most desirable travel destinations.

📍 Where Is Saint-Tropez?

Country: France

Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Coordinates: Along the southeastern coast of France, facing the Mediterranean Sea

Closest Major Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (approx. 1.5–2 hours by car)

🛥️ Many arrive in style—by yacht, ferry, or luxury car.

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Saint-Tropez

1. Relax at the Beaches

Saint-Tropez is synonymous with beautiful beaches, and there’s something for every taste.

🌊 Pampelonne Beach

5 km stretch of golden sand

Famous beach clubs: Club 55, Nikki Beach, Bagatelle

Ideal for sunbathing, celebrity spotting, and water sports

🐚 Plage des Graniers

Close to the old town

More relaxed and family-friendly

🏝️ Plage de Tahiti

Iconic and exclusive

Backed by pine trees and dunes

☀️ Don’t forget sunscreen—summer sun can be intense!

2. Stroll Through the Old Town (La Ponche)

Wander the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Town and soak up authentic Provençal charm.

Colorful houses with pastel shutters

Artisan shops and local markets

Seafront cafés with unbeatable views

Perfect for morning walks and golden hour photos

📸 Every corner here is Instagram-worthy.

3. Visit the Citadel of Saint-Tropez

Perched above the town, the 17th-century Citadel offers history and panoramic views.

Now houses the Maritime History Museum

Exhibits on local fishing traditions, sailors, and naval defense

Excellent photo spot overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

🎟️ Entry is affordable, and it's rarely crowded.

4. Explore the Old Port (Vieux Port)

The harbor is the beating heart of Saint-Tropez.

Lined with mega yachts and wooden fishing boats

Surrounded by chic cafés and galleries

A perfect place to sip rosé and people-watch

🍷 Try the local Bandol wine with a cheese platter here.

5. Shop at the Provençal Market

Head to Place des Lices every Tuesday and Saturday morning.

Local produce: olives, cheeses, herbs, fruits

Artisan goods: soaps, linens, handmade crafts

Great for souvenirs and a taste of Provence

🧺 Get there early for the freshest picks!

6. Admire Art at Musée de l’Annonciade

Housed in a former chapel, this museum features modern art from renowned painters like:

Paul Signac

Matisse

Bonnard

Dufy

🎨 Ideal for art lovers and those seeking a cultural break from the beach.

7. Dance the Night Away

Saint-Tropez is legendary for its nightlife.

Les Caves du Roy – A-lister nightclub inside Hotel Byblos

VIP Room – Trendy, glamorous, and exclusive

Opera Saint-Tropez – Lively dinner-show venue

🕺 Dress to impress—nightlife here is glitzy and stylish.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Saint-Tropez

From Michelin stars to beachside cafés, Saint-Tropez offers fantastic dining.

🍴 High-End Picks

La Vague d'Or – 3 Michelin stars, refined Riviera cuisine

L'Opéra – Glamorous dinner with live shows

Le Club 55 – Pampelonne classic with A-list patrons

🥗 Mid-Range & Local Favorites

Le Café de Paris – Harbor views, classic French fare

Sénéquier – Iconic red chairs, perfect for coffee or cocktails

La Tarte Tropézienne – Try the namesake dessert created here!

🍰 Don’t leave without trying the Tarte Tropézienne—a sweet brioche with cream filling.

🛍️ Shopping in Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez may be small, but it's a fashion capital in its own right.

Luxury boutiques: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton

Local brands: Vilebrequin (swimwear), K. Jacques (leather sandals)

Markets and galleries: Artisan goods and local artwork

Concept stores: Chic resort wear and unique accessories

🧳 Ideal for updating your wardrobe with a Riviera twist.

🌿 Outdoor Adventures

Looking for more than sun and shopping? Try these:

🚶‍♂️ Coastal Hiking Trail (Sentier du Littoral)

Rugged paths with sea views

Leads to hidden coves and scenic points

Great for nature lovers and photographers

🚴‍♀️ Biking to Ramatuelle

Explore nearby vineyards and pine forests

Stop at wineries and charming villages

🛥️ Boat Trips

Charter a boat or take a ferry to Sainte-Maxime

Day trips to Port-Cros or Porquerolles Islands

🚤 Nothing beats sailing into the sunset with a glass of rosé in hand.

🕰️ Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August): Peak season, hot weather, events galore

Spring (April–May): Fewer crowds, blooming landscapes

Autumn (September–October): Mild weather, grape harvest

Winter: Quiet and charming, but some spots may close

🌸 Spring and early autumn offer the perfect balance of weather and atmosphere.

📅 Top Events in Saint-Tropez

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (September) – International sailing regatta

Bravades de Saint-Tropez (May) – Traditional religious and military celebration

Saint-Tropez Polo Club Tournaments – Summer sporting events

Festival de la Nouvelle Vague – Celebrating French cinema

⛵ Don’t miss Les Voiles—the harbor fills with stunning classic yachts.

🏨 Where to Stay in Saint-Tropez

⭐ Luxury Hotels

Hotel Byblos – Iconic 5-star with its own nightclub

Château de la Messardière – Lavish resort with sweeping sea views

Pan Deï Palais – Discreet luxury in the heart of town

🏡 Boutique & Mid-Range

Hotel Sezz – Sleek design and tranquil vibe

Villa Cosy – Stylish with a relaxed ambiance

La Bastide du Port – Great views without breaking the bank

🛏️ Book well in advance for summer visits—places fill fast!

🧭 How to Get There

By Car: Scenic drive from Nice or Marseille

By Ferry: Boats from Sainte-Maxime and other Riviera towns

By Helicopter: Luxe option from Nice (20 mins)

By Train + Bus: Closest rail station is Saint-Raphaël, then a local bus or taxi

🚗 Parking is limited in town—opt for shuttle buses or walking once you arrive.

🧠 Fun Facts About Saint-Tropez

Named after Saint Torpes, a Roman officer martyred in Pisa

Brigitte Bardot starred in And God Created Woman here in 1956

Once a hub for painters like Paul Signac and Henri Matisse

The town only has around 4,000 year-round residents

But attracts over 6 million visitors each year!

📸 Top Photo Spots

🌅 Sunset from the Citadel

🛥️ Mega yachts in the Old Port

🏖️ Turquoise water at Pampelonne

🎨 Pastel buildings in La Ponche

🌿 Coastal views from the hiking trail

📷 Golden hour transforms Saint-Tropez into a dreamscape.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Why Saint-Tropez Belongs on Your Travel Bucket List

Saint-Tropez is more than a destination—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you come for the beaches, the art, the fashion, or the food, you’ll leave with a little sparkle of Riviera magic in your soul. It’s a place where glamour meets authenticity, and luxury blends seamlessly with laid-back charm.

So pack your chicest sunglasses, your favorite swimsuit, and a healthy appetite for beauty—Saint-Tropez awaits.