Saint-Tropez – from a small fishing village to today’s glory
It was the painter Paul Signac (1863-1935) who discovered Saint-Tropez in 1892, then an insignificant but idyllic fishing village that oozed a Mediterranean atmosphere. He was captivated by the untouched idyll of the place, and he both painted and wrote about the beautiful motifs he found. It was through him that Saint-Tropez was first discovered.
In the fifties and sixties, the peaceful and charming fishing village was rediscovered by movie stars and other celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot, Federico Fellini and The Beatles, who, in the years that followed, dragged the rest of the jet set along. Saint-Tropez became the city you came to see and be seen in. And the city hasn’t looked back ever since.
Today, Saint-Tropez is known as the jet setters’ playground and a summer paradise for the rich and famous. Here, the luxurious yachts are just as close to the harbor as the fashion houses do in the shopping streets. Here is doomed luxury, deliciousness, and lively nights. Glittering white sandy beaches and true French elegance await you as only the Riviera can do it.
Where to stay and eat
It is important to have comfortable accommodation and great meals. Regardless of taste and budget, here you can go in search of exactly what you are looking for:
Worth experiencing in Saint-Tropez
The town’s main attraction is undoubtedly the old port and the quay, Quai Jean-Jaurès, with its old pastel-colored fishermen’s houses. In the harbor you can still see the old fishing boats anchored side by side with the huge luxury yachts, just a stone’s throw from the row of cafes and restaurants.
Behind the cafés, along the harbor, is the charming old town with narrow, busy streets and cozy squares with small shops and restaurants.
Particularly cozy and busy is Place des Lices, which is a large square filled with cafes where locals play pétanque and where various markets are held. Every Tuesday and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., there is a Provencal food market on this square.
Close to Place des Lices you can also see the city’s beautiful Chapel of the Black Penitents, Chapelle de la Miséricorde – St. Tropez, which dates from 1636 and sparkles with its color-coated tower of glazed tiles.
Just a few hundred meters from here, is the impressive hexagonal citadel from the 1500s, with a maritime museum that tells about the city’s history of shipping. From here, there is a breathtaking view over the rooftops of the city and the bay below. On the way up to the citadel, you should pass one of the city’s most famous landmarks – the Italian baroque church from 1784 with its yellow bell tower.
What to see in Saint-Tropez
Here are the most important things to see when visiting Saint-Tropez – see the sights at the bottom of the page:
- The Citadel & the Maritime History Museum
- Museum of Gendarmerie and Cinema
- Marché provençal (Tuesday and Saturday)
- Musée de l’Annonciade – world-class art
- The Butterflies’ house
- Walking along the harbor and in the old town
Saint-Tropez offers exciting history and rich nature
The city also has an exciting history, which you can get a special insight into by visiting the Citadel as well as the Museum of art history, located in the old town.
In addition, the peninsula has a beautiful and protected nature, which invites you to walk along the coast, as well as visits to the countryside villages with fantastic wine areas.
Golden sandy beaches
You can’t say Saint-Tropez without mentioning the popular beaches in the same breath. Especially the sandy beach “plage de Pampelonne” is in a class of its own. But also “plage de la Croisette” and “plage de Tahiti” are worth mentioning.
The beach and nightclubs in Saint-Tropez are something special
The city has a wide selection of beaches and nightclubs that are popular, both among celebrities and ordinary tourists. Some of the most famous beach clubs in Saint-Tropez are: Le Club 55, Nikki Beach and 5. Avenue on Pampelonne beach.
Regarding nightclubs, should be highlighted “Les caves du Roy” (known for its legendary atmosphere and its famous guests), Jimmy’z (known for its electric atmosphere and its festive guests) and Buddha Bar (known for its Asian atmosphere and its sophisticated guests) all located in the center of the city.
These beaches and nightclubs offer something for everyone and are an important part of Saint-Tropez’s unique spirit.
Shopping
Shopping enthusiasts can get their fancy in the exclusive clothing stores, which, with all the famous brands, are open every day during the summer season. And one should not forget the city’s many artisans and traders either. Once a year, at the end of October, la “Grande braderie” is held, a huge sale where the entire city’s business life moves out into the streets, with big discounts, parties and music being also present.
La “Grande braderie” is a popular destination for a day trip by ferry from the nearby port cities, but also from Nice and Cannes.
How to get to Saint-Tropez by ferry
If you are not in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Tropez, you can sail here from Nice, Cannes and Mandelieu. It can be a great advantage to sail to Saint-Tropez, as car traffic to the city is usually a “pure hell”. Read more about the ferry crossing here.
Whether you’re seeking the special energy of the famous summer parties or the serene beauty of off-season charm, a visit to Saint-Tropez is as dynamic as it is unforgettable.
Recommended sailing trips and excursions at Saint-Tropez:
Af Tommy Sverre - 2023
CityXee Travel Guide recommends these experiences at the Côte d'Azur:
- All
- Beaches
- Boat trips
- Castles and palaces
- Markets
- Museums
Beaches Pampelonne Beach
Museums Gendarmerie et Cinéma Museum in Saint-Tropez
Museums Maritime History Museum of Saint-Tropez
Castles and palaces The Citadel of Saint-Tropez
Boat trips 
