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St. Tropez is a stunning seaside village in the South of France, and no trip to France would be complete without visiting this beautiful Côte d'Azur destination. St. Tropez is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the French Riviera with its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and gorgeous beaches. Besides, our guide to St. Tropez will help you plan the perfect trip. From where to stay to what to do, we have all the tips and tricks you need to make your vacation unforgettable.

History 

Like many other coastal areas of the Mediterranean, pirates attacked St Tropez after the fall of the Roman Empire. This lasted a century until they established Garde Frient, a neighboring village. St Tropez and its surrounding villages were then an Arabic-Muslim colony. It remained that way for almost 100 years before William I Count de Provence attacked it again in 976.

It took 600,000 years of French political maneuverings to secure the land as the rightful property of one family. However, the town still has some distinctions from its history before Bardot arrived in the 1950s. It was the site of the first contact with the French and Japanese in 1615. It was also the landing site for Operation Dragoon, an Allied attack on Southern France.

Saint Tropez received its current fame and status in the 1960s. The town was the hub for young, sexy tanned people. It has been so associated with supermodels with tanned skin. Penelope Cruz, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford frequent the harbor and beach. 

Best Time to Visit 

Most people visit St Tropez in August or July to enjoy favorable weather and relax on the beaches. This is also peak season, so expect many people and high hotel rates.

You can visit in the shoulder season of May, June, and September if you don't mind dealing with traffic jams, crowds, or high prices during peak season. Winter is like a ghost town here. Many restaurants and hotels close for winter, including nightclubs and beach clubs.

Things to Do and Places to Visit

These are some of the best places to visit and things to do in St. Tropez. Many boutique hotels in Saint Tropez have Michelin-starred restaurants and swimming pools. 

Old Citadel

The Citadel is a tall structure that rises above the town. It was built in the early 17th century to protect the city and the surrounding areas from being attacked. Old Citadel offers stunning views of St-Tropez Bay.

It is also a great place to visit the maritime museum and Citadel's Donjon naval. The collection provides an insight into the town’s military and economic history. You'll also receive a magnificent view of the town, the golf course, and the ocean beyond if you head to the spot before sunset.

Butterfly House

The Museum Dany-Lartigue is worth a visit if your interest lies in entomology. The small but impressive museum is in the house of Dany Lartigue (a French painter) and Jaques Henri Lartigue (a photographer). The museum houses 4,500 butterfly specimens, which are displayed against painted backgrounds.

The visit takes less than an hour. However, this collection's incredible shapes and colors are captivating, and the house itself is well worth the effort.

Plage de Pampelonne 

Saint-Tropez's glamorous beach scene is defined by sunbathing at private clubs, fine dining on the seaside, and stylish surroundings. This description is fitting for the Plage de Pampelonne. It is the most famous Saint-Tropez Beach.

Moreover, the beach's five-kilometer sandy shoreline is home to private, upscale beach clubs. These draw a distinguished jet-setting clientele. For a relaxing experience, the clubs can rent parasols or lounge chairs from the beach and offer service at the beach. In addition, some clubs have fancy restaurants on the beach.

Nikki Beach clubs and Club 55 are just a few of the most iconic Saint-Tropez spots. These private beaches are popular with celebrities and other international tourists.

Musée de l'Annonciade 

Saint-Tropez's art museum is a top attraction for tourists. It is in the Chapel of the Annunciation. This chapel dates back to 1510.

Its impressive collection of Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist paintings and avant-garde artworks highlights the village’s artistic heritage. Moreover, many of these pieces were created by artists who moved to Saint-Tropez between the 1890s and the beginning of the 20th century.

Place des Lices 

This charming square is in Saint-Tropez's heart. It is just a few steps from the Old Port. The older men of Saint-Tropez gather here to play the Provencal version of bocce ball, petanque. The square is also home to the traditional Provencal market. It takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Tourists will love the colorful scene of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

The Cafe des Arts is another attraction. You will find it at the Place des Lices. This cafe hosts petanque players as well as other locals. The cafe offers a glimpse into the relaxed village atmosphere of Saint-Tropez.

Culture and Customs 

San Tropez has many beautiful traditions that have been forged over the centuries. The martyr saint Torpes is the reason that San Tropez got its name. The residents honor the patron saint, and there are grand celebrations to keep him every year. The festival lasts three days and takes place in May. This celebration is well-known and loved by foreigners. Festival attendees will enjoy spectacular pyrotechnic displays, bright carnival processions, and impressive military parades.

Saint Tropez is also a popular destination for tourists interested in sports competitions and other attractions. In addition, the city hosts annual sailing competitions in September. The locals are also proud of their culture and traditions and will gladly share their favorite customs and traditions with foreign visitors. 

What to Eat 

These are some of the best foods to try while in Saint Tropez.

Bouillabaisse 

Bouillabaisse is a Marseille-based fish soup containing at least four new fish types. It typically includes gurnards, scorpion fish, and eels. They then season it with olive oil, leeks, garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and onions. It's typically eaten on the French Riviera at lunch.

Provencal and St Tropez locals enjoy bouillabaisse in a specific order. They start with the broth, then the fish, and then eat large quantities of rouille (a spiced saffron garnish).

Daube 

Although recipes may vary from household to household, the Provencal daube typically consists of two or three cuts of beef, garlic, herbs, and vegetables. They usually serve it with gnocchi, polenta, or both. Some variations include olives and prunes. In addition, you can add flavorings such as vinegar, duck fat, and cinnamon to kick your dish extra.

Ratatouille 

Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole made with onions, tomatoes, and courgettes. It also includes garlic, herbs, and even peppers. It is one of the most well-known culinary food choices. Ratatouille can be served with bread or as a side dish with steaks or pork loin cutlets. To make Ratatouille even more delicious, drizzle with olive oil.

Tarte Tropezienne 

Alexandre Micke, a Polish exile baker, created the Tarte Tropezienne in St Tropez in 1955. Brigitte Bardot named it during the filming of God Created Women (1956). You will find this sweet treat in almost any St Tropez bakery. Traditional tarte tropezienne consists of a gourmet croissant and two smooth creams. They then coat it with a generous amount of sugar.

Salade Nicoise 

Salade nicoise is a popular staple from the Cote d'Azur area.. It usually includes salad leaves, tomatoes, boiled eggs, tuna, and local olives. They also use a traditional vinaigrette to make it more flavorful. You can eat this salad alone or in a Pan Bagnat bread sandwich.

Socca 

This is a type of pancake made from a mixture of chickpea flour and olive oil. They bake it on a cast iron pan with sweet or savory toppings. Socca is widely available along the French Riviera. You can find it at every level, from street stalls to restaurants, markets, and street stalls. You can enjoy it as a light meal with cheese or salad in the morning.

Pissaladiere 

Here, Pissaladiere is the answer to pizza. The dough is thinly rolled and topped with caramelized onions, herbs, and anchovies. You can find a slice at any St Tropez bakery or market. Pissaladiere is made by St Tropez residents using fresh yeast purchased from the market. You can also use tomatoes as a topping on pissaladiere, just like pizza.

Where to Stay 

These are some of the best areas to stay in St. Tropez.

City Centre 

St Tropez is a Provencal city. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, a traditional Provencal marketplace in St Tropez is located at the Place des Lices. There are many options for buying food and household items. It is also a popular summer destination due to its sun and beach atmosphere. The town's vibrant cafes, close proximity to beaches, and a marina for yachting give it a lively and exciting atmosphere.

The area is beautiful and easy to walk in. Many buildings are also older than others. This area's outstanding feature is its centrality. It is easy to get anywhere you need from this area. Plenty of hotels are also available, especially luxury hotels. Here you can be right in the heart of the action. St Tropez is a place that has drawn international leaders for decades.

Sainte-Maxime 

Sainte-Maxime is a quiet town near the St Tropez district. It is a place where people enjoy St Tropez's vibrancy but don't have the means to afford that lifestyle. So they decide to stay in Sainte-Maxime and spend their time on St Tropez or any of its beaches.

It was also a fishing village, like St Tropez. However, this is a quieter town than its more famous neighborhood. According to legend, she rejected wealth and chose to live a simple life. As a result, Sainte-Maxime can offer tourists many of the pleasures of a French Riviera vacation at a lower price.

Sainte-Maxime boasts its casino, and there are many local markets. From Sainte-Maxime, it is possible to take a ferry to St Tropez. It runs throughout the day, giving Sainte-Maxime visitors a chance to experience St Tropez without staying there. Tourists can enjoy both sides of the coin.

Old Town 

The historic fishing village of St Tropez is also known as "La Ponche" by locals. Here, you will find the church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It is an Italian-style building of distinctive red, yellow, and blue colors, easily recognizable as the main town's landmark.

Many pedestrian walkways feature designer boutiques and galleries. However, the old town retains its charm and takes you back in time.

There are also many hotels to suit all budgets. So it's easy to see why it's a popular holiday spot for the rich and famous. However, you will also discover it was once a tiny fishing village.

You will also find the Rue de la Citadelle, a 17th-century fortress that once protected the coast from Spanish attacks. The fortress is now a maritime museum. Although St Tropez was once a tiny fishing village, a strong fortress remains. It's not surprising that the town has a rich history dating back to the Romans and ancient Greeks.

Pampelonne Beach

This is the most popular beach in St Tropez, and possibly France. International tourists love the Plage de Pampelonne beach. Sparkling waves and white sand make it the most popular beach in Europe.

However, in summer, it can get very crowded. You will find suitable facilities like public toilets and lifeguards on duty all summer. There are also both private and public areas on the beach. It is in a protected bay. According to local law, the beach belongs to Ramatuelle, not St Tropez. This beach is perfect for those who enjoy water sports and the beach.

This area also has a wide range of hotels that suit every budget. Moreover, it is a popular stop for yachting cruises. So it doesn't matter if the tourist is a professional water sports enthusiast, a casual dabbler, or a novice water sports fan. They will be well-suited here. You can also try wakeboarding, jet skiing, and paddle boarding here. Furthermore, you can also find some great restaurants near the beach.

Port Grimaud

Port Grimaud is a great option if you want to be close to the action of St Tropez but prefer a quieter area. So you can enjoy peace while being close to all the action. Because of its canal system, this little town compares to Venice. Port Grimaud also has a traditional Provencal market and a variety of boutiques and restaurants.

How to Get Around 

You can walk around the city center of St. Tropez easily and enjoy the many sights leisurely. You will also find most major attractions within a short distance of the town's old-world charms.

A rental car is an excellent option for exploring the countryside and visiting various villages. Although the bus service is good, the routes are not always clearly marked. You can often find the bus schedule at the drivers or tourist offices.

You can use taxicabs for more direct transport to specific destinations. Taxi drivers are usually very familiar with the local area. France's cabbies are also very fast and can make the ride quite intense due to the twisting roads of Nice. However, ensure that you are using a licensed taxi. 

How to Stay Safe 

You are responsible for ensuring compliance with all passport, visa, and immunization requirements. Also, be aware that there are many consumer protection laws and laws that apply to travel and tourism companies.

Mountain activities are possibly dangerous. Also, be aware of your surroundings and always keep your valuables safe. Do not venture into lonely places at night, especially if traveling alone.