Saint-Tropez, French Riviera, France
Saint-Tropez is a world-famous town located on a beautiful peninsula of the same name, belonging to the Maures massif. This iconic destination was transformed from a humble fishing village into a symbol of glamour and luxury, largely thanks to the influence of stars like Brigitte Bardot and the hugely popular French comedies from the 1960s starring Louis de Funes. Do you remember the famous song "Douliou Douliou Saint Tropez" from the movie "Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez"?
The town is located about 40 km west of Frejus, directly opposite Sainte-Maxime - on the other side of the Saint-Tropez Bay. It can be accessed either from the highway (exit 36 for Draguignan and St. Tropez) or the scenic local road D559 along the coast. After passing the charming town of Port Grimaud, you will enter a fairly large roundabout. Remember to position yourself in the left-hand lane to easily exit onto the D98A road leading straight to Saint-Tropez.
In the high season the roads are unfortunately crowded and the journey can take a long time, so it is best to travel to Saint-Tropez on a ship from Sainte-Maxime. Such ships regularly sail daily from morning to evening, practically every hour. You can simply leave the car in the parking lot at the port in Sainte-Maxime, sail to Saint-Tropez, walk around, and return to Sainte-Maxime in the evening, avoiding all the road congestion.
Parking in Saint-Tropez
If you decide to drive to the heart of the village, parking is available, but space can be limited, especially during peak season. Fortunately, the town provides several large parking facilities that are well-located for visitors.
To park the car you can use very large parking lot at the port (1; GPS: 43.269548, 6.634605), which can be accessed from the Av. Général de Gaule. From this place you are very close to the port as well as to the old town, making it a perfect starting point for your exploration of Saint-Tropez's key attractions.
Alternatively, if this central lot is full, there are other parking options slightly further away, such as the Parking du Nouveau Port or Parking des Lices. These larger facilities often have more availability and are just a short walk from the town center. Choosing one of these helps you avoid the traffic congestion in the narrow streets and begin your visit with ease.
Louis de Funès - Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez
For fans of French cinema, a visit to the old gendarmery station (A; GPS: 43.269589, 6.635616) is an absolute must. This iconic building was used as a backdrop in the hilarious movies chronicling the adventures of Sergeant Ludovic Cruchot, played by Louis de Funès. It was a backdrop to the first movies of the series "The Troops of Saint-Tropez". There are always some tourists who want to take pictures with the building in the background.
Good news: at the end of June 2016 in this building was open the Museum of Police and Cinema of Saint Tropez. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the town's cinematic history, focusing on the films that made it famous. You can see memorabilia from the movies, learn about the actors, and immerse yourself in the fun, lighthearted world that brought Saint-Tropez to a global audience.
This museum is not just a tribute to Louis de Funès; it is a celebration of the unique cultural legacy of Saint-Tropez, showcasing how cinema transformed a quiet village into an international symbol of the good life. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits and film clips that bring the classic comedies to life. It is a fantastic experience for all ages and provides a great sense of the town's charmingly quirky history.
The port of Saint-Tropez
In the port you can enjoy the view of modern yachts. You can see many of them at the end of September, during the Les Voiles de Saint Tropez regatta, which attract many units from different countries. This famous event showcases a stunning mix of classic sailing yachts and high-tech racing vessels, creating a spectacular sight in the bay.
Nice view of the port is available from the pier (B; GPS: 43.273460, 6.637394). At the entrance to it you can find a monument dedicated to American, French, British and Canadan soldiers, who took part in Operation Dragoon, which began on 15 August 1944. Also don't forget to visit the port area on the opposite side of the marina with the characteristic captain's building.
The bustling quays are lined with cafes, restaurants, and luxury boutiques, making them the perfect place to sit and soak in the atmosphere. You can watch the yachts being moored and admire the vibrant colors of the old fishing boats and buildings lining the waterfront. From the pier we can move on to the inner beach (C; GPS: 43.273612, 6.639798), and then straight to the old town.
The Old Town of Saint-Tropez
The old town, as usual in the towns of Provence, is a tangle of narrow streets, which however, thanks to accompanying rich vegetation, look very interesting. Known as "La Ponche," this historic district offers a beautiful contrast to the glitzy port, inviting visitors to get lost in its charming alleys.
Walking them, you can get near the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (D; GPS: 43.272878, 6.640168) with the walls in bright ocher, built in the sixteenth century. This iconic bell tower is visible from many points in the town and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Saint-Tropez.
Beyond the main sights, the old town is a wonderful place to simply get lost and discover hidden gems. You will find a variety of charming boutiques, art galleries, and small cafes tucked away in the quiet corners. This area truly embodies the artistic spirit that first drew painters like Paul Signac and Henri Matisse to Saint-Tropez in the late 19th century, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
The Citadel
There is an interesting citadel (E; GPS: 43.272401, 6.644282) in the highest point of the town, open to the public. Saint-Tropez Citadel was built on a hill near the port town in the years 1589-1607, in order to defend the coast against enemy invasions.
At the end of the sixteenth century, Saint-Tropez was still suffering from the incursions of privateers and pirates, and the citadel was often the target of attacks. The Citadel is now the most beautiful sights in the town and is one of the flagships of Saint Tropez. The entrance fee is only 3€ (in 2015) and includes the Maritime Museum located inside the citadel.
The citadel is surrounded by double walls: after purchasing of tickets you move through first walls, and inside you will see - except the citadel itself - other buildings, a large well and some cannons. Then you reach main building of citadel surrounded by walls and moat with drawbridge. In the citadel, as it was in the case of Fort Carré in Antibes, there are two levels - the ground level and the level of the roof, which can be accessed by an internal staircase. From the roof you have beautiful views of the town and the bay.
From the ramparts of the Citadel, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panorama that includes the vibrant port, the red roofs of the old town, and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This viewpoint is an excellent place to take photos and get a sense of the town's geography and strategic location. The tranquil gardens within the fortifications also provide a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Maritime Museum
In the Maritime Museum you have the chance to see the ancient, historic side of the town instead of dealing with its glamour and vanity :). This museum is a very interesting part of attraction relating to the citadel. It offers namely a long journey by learning about the history of navigation, as well as local maritime history of the town of Saint-Tropez.
Everything is presented in an attractive way, many elements are interactive. There are, among other things, many navigational instruments, interesting ship models, and even a real torpedo whose interior can be seen.
The exhibits cover a wide range of themes, from the brave fishermen and explorers of the past to the town's role in major naval battles and its transformation into a yachting hub. It tells the stories of famous sailors like Admiral Suffren, a local hero, and highlights the town's strong connection to the sea. This museum is a great way to understand the soul of Saint-Tropez beyond the celebrity hype.
Gastronomy in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is not just about luxury yachts and stunning beaches; it's also a major culinary destination with a wide array of dining options. The town's cuisine perfectly blends Mediterranean flavors with fresh local ingredients, especially seafood.
For a truly authentic taste of Provence, be sure to visit the local markets. The most famous is the Tuesday and Saturday market on Place des Lices, where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and other regional specialties. This vibrant market is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture and pick up some delicious souvenirs.
What to Try?
- La Tarte Tropézienne: This is the most famous local specialty. It's a brioche cake filled with a light and creamy custard, created in Saint-Tropez in 1955 by a Polish baker. You can find this delicious dessert in many bakeries and cafes.
- Fresh Seafood: The port is filled with excellent restaurants serving the daily catch. Look for local fish grilled to perfection or classic seafood platters.
- Rosé Wine: The region is famous for its crisp and refreshing rosé wines. There are many vineyards nearby, and you can enjoy a glass of local rosé in any restaurant or cafe in town.
- Provençal Dishes: Beyond seafood, you'll find classic Provençal dishes like ratatouille, olive tapenade, and Pissaladière (a savory tart with onions and anchovies).
Where to Eat?
The port area is lined with iconic restaurants where you can dine while watching the yachts, but for a more authentic and intimate experience, explore the hidden restaurants in the narrow streets of the old town, "La Ponche."
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