Saint-Tropez is known for its iconic beaches, yachting culture, French Riviera-style luxury and nightlife that attract affluent travelers from all over the world, but the old fishing village has many facets…
From markets brimming with colorful produce to quiet waterside paths and discreet sites rich in art history, Saint-Tropez also has much to offer travelers in search of natural beauty, architecture, local culture and heritage.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and friendly nightlife, you’ll find plenty of local restaurants and bars with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
So follow the guide to discover what you can see and do in Saint-Tropez!
Saint-Tropez holiday: soak up the village atmosphere in the old port of Saint-Tropez
The best way to arrive in Saint-Tropez is with a yacht, preferably your own. But for the vast majority of us, a stroll through the Old Port will suffice to admire the beauty and glamour of the waterfront. You might even spot a few famous faces as you stroll through this 18th-century port. The views of the sea, the superb yachts and boats and the pastel-fronted mansions are unforgettable.
Settle down for a drink or a meal on the harbor. There’s no shortage of bars and cafés in the area, but we particularly recommend a visit to the historic café where French writer Colette, filmmaker Jean Cocteau and countless other famous personalities once met: Le Sénéquier.
It’s the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or a drink at sunset, watching the crowds go by in the trendy, maritime atmosphere of Saint-Tropez.
Stroll through the streets of Saint-Tropez and discover its Citadel
If you’d like to find out more about the history of Saint-Tropez, visit the Citadelle de Saint-Tropez. Overlooking the town, its fortified walls were built in the early 17th century to defend the site and surrounding area from attack. Today, it offers a breathtaking view over the bay of Saint-Tropez.
It’s also an interesting site, as it’s home to the Musée d’Histoire Maritime de Saint-Tropez, located in the dungeon of the Citadelle. The permanent collection provides an excellent overview of the town’s economic and military history, and allows visitors to discover the other side of Saint-Tropez.
Climb up to the site before sunset and you’ll be rewarded with a splendid view of the town, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the sea at sunset.
Among the must-see places in Saint-Tropez: the La Ponche district
Between the Vieux Port and the Citadelle lies La Ponche, the city’s oldest and prettiest district, where local fishermen and craftsmen have thrived since the 18th century in the picturesque alleyways. Overlooking the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, a tower is all that remains of the Château de Suffren; for centuries, it was the home of the lords who ruled the Presqu’île de Saint-Tropez.
From here, walk to the charming little church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. Its emblematic tower is often featured on postcards and photos of the town. It is built in the Italian Baroque style. Here you’ll find a wooden sculpture of Saint-Tropez himself. Every year, on May 15 and 16, locals take to the streets in procession to celebrate their saint. This celebration, called Les Bravades, is well worth seeing on a spring trip to the Côte d’Azur.
La Ponche also has its own small pebble beach, perfect for swimming.
Shop for souvenirs in St-Tropez
From the Vieux Port, head up all the little streets towards the center of town. If you’re in the mood for shopping, take Rue Gambetta to discover the boutiques of top designers (Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger), as well as concept stores and boutiques of local fashion houses or beach shoe specialists such as Rondini. It’s a great place to find stylish swimwear, sandals and beach accessories.
Another major shopping street is Rue du Général Allard, which runs to the west of the Old Port, while nearby Avenue Général Leclerc is home to Chanel and other designer boutiques. In recent years, Chanel has opened several glamorous pop-up stores here. Rue François Sibilli is another chic street to explore (it houses a Christian Dior boutique).
The old town is also a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts, from lavender soaps and perfumes to specialties such as dried fruit, honey, chocolates and pastries.
Take the time to taste the famous Tarte Tropézienne, especially in Cyril Lignac’s patisserie, which has been designed as a Provencal home. It’s on the Route des Plages. Here you’ll discover the finest local flavors!
It may seem strange to see international fashion brands rubbing shoulders with traditional artisan boutiques. Yet this mix of old and new, of designer clothes and everyday Provencal products, is what “St Trop”, as it’s known to travelers from all over the world, is all about.
Visit Saint-Tropez: the must-see Place des Lices
Now it’s time to discover the town’s most popular market square, the Place Centrale des Lices. It’s a postcard-pretty market square, with warm facades and cafés surrounded by plane trees. There’s a market open every day, with stalls brimming with fresh Provencal produce. The local pétanque players are certainly part of the atmosphere here. Don’t hesitate to challenge them to a game!
For lunch or a drink, settle into Café des Arts (1 place des Lices), whose marble tables, old wooden floors and terrace are perfect for people-watching. The place is also magnificent at sunset, when the warmth of the light hits the pastel buildings surrounding the square. This square, made famous by the Gendarme films in St. Topez, is a must-see during your stay in the Var.
Best things to do around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: explore the beaches and coastal path
The peninsula and bay of Saint-Tropez abound with large, sandy beaches within easy reach of sunbathers, the most popular of which are technically located in the nearby town of Ramatuelle.
The best-known, because it’s nudist, is undoubtedly Tahiti plage. But for most travelers, Pampelonne beach will be the first port of call: an immense stretch of sand along the eastern side of the peninsula, dominated by the Camarat lighthouse. One of the highest lighthouses in France, it has been guiding sailors since 1831.
For those who prefer more active beach excursions, there’s a wonderful walk along the promontory (coastal path). It’s always possible to take a cab part of the way, or plan to do only sections on foot. But if you want to find a more private stretch of beach and sea, away from the crowds, this is the place to look.
From Saint-Tropez, take the road known as Chemin des Graniers, passing the maritime cemetery where film director Roger Vadim is buried. The rocky promontory, planted with pine trees, is home to a luxurious villa (and private beach) belonging to Brigitte Bardot. The route is dotted with other private beaches, coves and magnificent water views.
