A summertime Eldorado for the stars, Saint-Tropez is renowned for its lively port and famous Plage de Pampelonne. We were charmed by this must-see seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur. With its colourful little streets, magnificent golden beaches and luxury establishments, you’re going to love this town!
In this article, you’ll discover our list of the best attractions in Saint-Tropez, illustrated with numerous photos. We’ve added some useful tips and bonus activities!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Map of Saint-Tropez’s Must-See Attractions
Here is a simplified map of Saint-Tropez, the peninsula, and the main attractions. This will help you navigate the list below.
1. Port of Saint-Tropez
Why visit?
The port of Saint-Tropez is the epicenter of life in this iconic seaside town. Dotted with luxury yachts, colorful fishing boats, and elegant cafés, this picturesque harbor offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Lined with seafood restaurants and chic boutiques, it embodies the authentic charm of the South of France and the glamour of the Côte d’Azur. We loved its warm, friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re sitting on a café terrace or on a yacht, you just might bump into a summer star!
Practical advice
- Allow 20 to 30 minutes to walk around the harbor, and a little more time to enjoy the outdoor seating areas.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
2. Narrow streets and towers of the historic center
Why visit?
Strolling through the narrow streets of the old town, we were charmed by the colorful facades of the Provencal houses. As you turn down a cobbled street, you’ll discover the Tour Jarlier, nestled not far from the citadel. Equipped with a smartphone, you can scan a QR Code to follow the route of Saint-Tropez’s urban fortifications.
The preserved medieval charm of the historic center took us back several centuries. It’s counterbalanced by elegant boutiques, small art galleries and artisan workshops, which add a touch of modernity.
Les Bravades de Saint-Tropez takes place every year, partly in the city center. This traditional patron saint’s festival takes place in May.
Practical advice
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore downtown and find the towers.
- The historic center may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. Some alleys are cobbled or steep. There are also stairs.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- If you really want to explore every nook and cranny and learn about the celebrity stories behind these places, you can take walking tours with locals or guides. View options and availability.
WHERE TO STAY IN Saint-Tropez
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm and liveliness of the old town.
Hôtel Le Yaca – Check photos and availability
Hôtel Les Lauriers – Check photos and availability
Option 2: on the road to the beaches
Hotel Le Pre de la mer – Check photos and availability
Hotel Sezz – Check photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Saint-Tropez
3. Sleep in a 5-star hotel
Why sleep?
Are you tempted by a memorable night in a prestigious hotel? If there’s one town where you can try out a 5-star hotel, it’s Saint-Tropez! The hotel offer is very rich and qualitative. You’ll be able to choose from a range of excellent addresses, each with its own impressive facilities.
Between luxury establishments with private beaches, sea views or large spa areas, we had a hard time making decisions. Check out our article on the best hotels in Saint-Tropez for a truly unique experience!
Practical advice
- Allow 1 or more nights (depending on availability and budget).
- Some 5-star hotels have their own restaurants.
- Several luxury establishments are located outside the city center.
- Some hotels have been used as film sets, such as Hôtel Byblos and Hôtel Le Mas De Chastelas.
- Book your hotel night now for a unique experience – see prices, photos and availability.
- Or see our selection of the best 5-star hotels in Saint-Tropez.
4. Provençal Market (Place des Lices)
Why visit?
The Saint-Tropez market is an experience not to be missed! It takes place on Place des Lices, one of the town’s landmarks, every Tuesday and Saturday morning. It’s famous for its colorful stalls loaded with local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, Provencal specialties and handicrafts.
Strolling between the stalls, you’ll be able to sample local produce and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere typical of markets in the south of France. It’s a must-see meeting place for locals and tourists alike, and we loved it!
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h to walk around the market.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday, year-round.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Pampelonne Beach
Why visit?
Located in the Ramatuelle nature reserve, Plage de Pampelonne is an iconic beach on the Côte d’Azur. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Saint-Tropez, it rolls out its long carpet of sand over 4.5 kilometers.
Popularized by Brigitte Bardot, it attracts a host of stars every summer. It’s renowned for its festive atmosphere, crystal-clear waters and upscale seafront establishments. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Saint-Tropez!
Practical advice
- Located in the commune of Ramatuelle, 10 minutes by car from downtown Saint-Tropez.
- Several parking lots are available along this extensive beach.
- Several restaurants on the beach.
- Great range of water sports on site: jet-skis, towed buoys, paddles and kayaks – see prices, photos and availability.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
6. Sailing in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Why set sail?
If you love water sports, take advantage of your stay in Saint-Tropez to explore the Mediterranean coastline. Between jet-ski, boat, towed buoy, electric foil and kayak outings, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
We particularly recommend kayak excursions, as you’ll have plenty of time to contemplate the coastline, and even snorkel in the clear waters. During this activity, you’ll discover secluded coves, secret beaches and spectacular rock formations at your own pace.
Practical advice
- Allow 2 to 3 hours on average for a sea outing.
- Some activities can be quite sporty or technical, like kayaking or electric foiling.
- View kayak options
- or, for the more adventurous, the electric foil
- or, for a touch of luxury, book a yacht
7. Vineyards in Saint-Tropez and the Surrounding Area
Why visit?
The vineyards of Saint-Tropez produce wines of recognized quality. They benefit from a Mediterranean climate conducive to the cultivation of grape varieties such as grenache, cinsault, mourvèdre and rolle, which produce wines that are fresh, fruity and delicate on the palate. In fact, the region is particularly famous for its rosé wines, some of which have the AOC Côtes de Provence label.
You can discover these vineyards on a guided tour, during which you’ll taste different vintages. We highly recommend this activity to wine lovers and anyone who’s curious.
Practical advice
- An organized tour allows you to visit two wineries and taste six AOC Côtes de Provence wines: see options and availability
- Alternatively, you can also explore the vineyards on your own.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
8. Ramatuelle and Cap Camarat Nature Reserve
Why visit?
In our opinion, the most beautiful landscapes in Saint-Tropez are to be found in the Ramatuelle nature reserve. We captured the photo above on our way to the Cap Camarat lighthouse. We were completely charmed by this magnificent view of lush vegetation, the sea and the mountain range on the horizon.
This building is also the starting point for the coastal path linking La Croix-Valmer and Ramatuelle. For an exotic walk in a green setting, we highly recommend this place! You can also enjoy outdoor activities in the commune of Ramatuelle, such as electric biking and horse riding.
Practical advice
- Le Phare du Cap Camarat is a 17-minute drive from downtown Saint-Tropez, west of Ramatuelle.
- Allow between 1h30 and 3h for an outdoor activity in the nature reserve.
- There are several restaurants on both sides of the town, but they are mainly grouped together on the seafront.
- Tempted by an electric bike tour with wine tasting? – see prices, photos and availability.
- If you like horseback riding, the same animation is available but on horseback – see prices, photos and availability.
9. Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church
Why visit?
Located in the heart of Saint-Tropez, the Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is one of the town’s most emblematic buildings. Built in the 18th century, it is distinguished by its Italian Baroque architectural style. With its ochre and sienna colors, its bell tower is topped by a campanile. It’s a highly visible landmark throughout the city. We also appreciated the richly decorated interior, with its majestic organ, sculptures and woodwork, as well as the bust of Saint-Tropez.
Practical advice
- Allow 10-30 minutes to visit the church.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- Opening hours: 9.30am to 12pm every day of the year.
10. Citadel and Maritime History Museum
Why visit?
A visit to the Musée de la Citadelle in Saint-Tropez promises a captivating immersion in the region’s maritime history, highlighting centuries of nautical activities. Inside, you’ll discover artifacts, ship models, paintings and objects testifying to the rich local heritage. The medieval atmosphere of the site, with its ramparts and towers, adds a touch of authenticity to this cultural exploration.
In addition to the exhibits, we enjoyed splendid panoramic views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The fortifications offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. In our opinion, this is the best view of the seaside resort, one of the most beautiful towns on the Côte d’Azur.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum and contemplate its incredible view.
- To reach the Musée de la Citadelle, you’ll need good shoes, as you’ll have to climb up from the town center.
- Price: €5 (full price); free for children under 12.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from April through September; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from October through March.
- Check out the latest news on the website here.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés below the citadel.
11. Stroll through the medieval village of Gassin
Why visit?
Gassin is a charming medieval hilltop village in the Var department. Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, we loved exploring its cobblestone streets, its picturesque little stone houses, and its views of the Bay of Saint-Tropez. It is also famous for its fortified church, old windmill and vineyards. Learn more.
Practical advice
- Located in the town of Gassin, a 15-minute drive from downtown Saint-Tropez.
- Allow 1-2 hours to visit the village.
- The village may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. The alleys are cobbled, and there are stairs.
- Restaurant Bello Visto and Café Perché in the village of Gassin.
- Tempted by a sea excursion from Saint-Tropez? You’ll call at Gassin and Port Grimaud – see prices, photos and availability.
12. Visit Grimaud (a village inland)
Why visit?
Located in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the village of Grimaud is an enchanting destination that combines medieval charm, rich history and spectacular views. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’Azur!
It is dominated by the ruins of a castle, a symbol of the region’s power in ancient times. Grimaud is also famous for its vineyards, which you can visit on horseback!
Practical advice
- Grimaud (inland village) and Port Grimaud (seaside village) are 2 distinct locations in the Commune of Grimaud, a 15-minute drive from each other.
- Grimaud is a 17-minute drive from downtown Saint-Tropez.
- Allow 2-4 hours to visit the medieval village.
- The village may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. The alleys are cobbled, and there are stairs.
- Several restaurants in Grimaud.
- Do you love horses and wine? Opt for a country walk with wine tasting in the local vineyards – see prices, photos and availability.
13. Explore Port Grimaud (a seaside village)
Why visit?
Designed by French architect François Spoerry in the 1960s, Port Grimaud resembles a little Provencal Venice, with its canals, bridges and colorful houses. This lakeside city boasts an original architecture. We loved its network of navigable canals and fishermen’s houses!
You’ll discover incredible views of the vibrantly colored facades of the houses, with the sea as a backdrop. Enjoy a boat trip through this exceptional maritime enclave. Electric boats can be hired to navigate the maze of canals. Find out more here.
Practical advice
- Located in the commune of Grimaud, 10 minutes by car from downtown Saint-Tropez.
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to visit the seaside village.
- The seaside resort may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. Some canal crossings can be quite narrow.
- Several restaurants, bars and cafés in Port Grimaud.
- Port Grimaud beach nearby.
- Tempted by a sea excursion from Saint-Tropez? You’ll call at Gassin and Port Grimaud – see prices, photos and availability.
14. Local culinary specialties and “Tropézienne” tart
Why taste?
In our opinion, culinary exploration is part of the journey, so make the most of your stay to awaken your taste buds! Discover the local gastronomy in this city of excellent restaurants. Mediterranean flavors transported us. You’ll discover a cuisine that combines land and sea, using local Provencal produce. Read our article on the city’s best restaurants (available soon).
How can you visit Saint-Tropez and not try a “tropézienne” tart? This emblematic pastry generally consists of a soft brioche cut in 2 and filled with a delicious, creamy filling. Sprinkled with powdered sugar, it is appreciated for its delicate taste. Its history is linked to Brigitte Bardot, who helped popularize it. As great gourmands, we loved this cake!
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for a full Mediterranean meal in a restaurant.
- Numerous restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafés in the town center.
- See our list of the best restaurants in Saint-Tropez.
15. Experience a real “Tropézien” night out
Why go out at night?
Once night falls, the port of Saint-Tropez comes alive. The terraces of bars and restaurants light up, and the nightclubs wake up. A popular vacation destination for its festive atmosphere and nightlife, this is your chance to enjoy an exceptional experience!
After a delicious dinner in a downtown restaurant, end your evening in one of the resort’s prestigious nightclubs. The vibrant music and electric atmosphere will keep you up all night long! We particularly recommend the Les Caves du Roy nightclub at the Hôtel Byblos. An iconic establishment, you’re sure to bump into celebrities here in summer!
Practical advice
- Allow at least 2 hours for a cocktail overlooking the port and dinner in a good restaurant. If you wish to extend the night, please allow extra time.
- In the off-season, the nightlife is much less lively. Stripped of its jet-setters, the city’s ambience is no longer glamorous, but still elegant.
- Several luxury establishments have their own nightclubs.
Things to do in Saint-Tropez: other ideas
Need more inspiration? See our selection of additional activities:
Other cultural sites in Saint-Tropez
Throughout Saint-Tropez, you’ll discover other museums and historic sites:
- Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma: if you’re a fan of Louis de Funès films, and in particular Les Gendarmes de Saint-Tropez, we encourage you to visit this museum to immerse yourself in this cult French comedy from the 60s – See our article
- Musée de l’Annonciade : a former 16th-century chapel, it houses a collection mainly devoted to paintings from the pointillist, nabis and fauve movements – See our article
- Château de la Moutte – Domaine Emile Ollivier: surrounded by magnificent landscaped grounds, this architecturally refined building boasts a rich history. It also hosts an annual music festival. Find out more here.
Other memorial sites in Saint-Tropez
In addition to the emblematic Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, there are many other places to visit:
- Saint-Tropez marine cemetery: located below the citadel, this well-kept cemetery overlooks the sea. Celebrities such as Eddie Barclay, Roger Vadim and Pierre Bachelet are buried here. Find out more here.
- Chapelle Sainte-Anne: filming location for the movie Le Gendarme se marie with Louis de Funès, this religious building offers a breathtaking panorama of the Bay of Saint-Tropez!
- Chapelle de la Miséricorde: nestled in the heart of Saint-Tropez, just a few steps from the Place des Lices, we stopped for a few minutes to take a look at this little church and its bell tower. Find out more here.
Other beaches in Saint-Tropez
As well as the Plage de Pampelonne, there are other superb stretches of sand in and around Saint-Tropez. See our 3 favorite beaches below:
- Plage des Salins (dedicated article available soon),
- Plage de l’Escalet (dedicated article available soon),
- Gigaro beach (dedicated article available soon).
We strongly recommend that you consult our article on the city’s best beaches for a pleasant time by the water.
Other villages near Saint-Tropez
In addition to Gassin, Grimaud, and Port Grimaud, the region is home to many charming villages. See the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez, and also consider:
- Ramatuelle: nestled in the hills overlooking the famous Pampelonne Bay and its idyllic beach, it is a tiny, picturesque Provençal village. 20 minutes from Saint-Tropez.
- Bormes-les-Mimosas: If you love flower-filled villages, Bormes-les-Mimosas is one of the most beautiful on the French Riviera. It’s a medieval village nestled on a hilltop, offering an authentic atmosphere and timeless charm. 45 minutes from Saint-Tropez.
Things to do in Saint-Tropez with children
Not sure what to do with your kids in Saint-Tropez? Don’t worry, here’s our small, made-to-measure selection:
- Maison des Papillons – Musée Dany Lartigue: housed in the former home of the Lartigue family, this museum exhibits some 35,000 specimens. It’s a chance to discover rare butterflies with your little ones.
- Azur Park, amusement park and miniature golf course: suitable for families looking for fun, you’ll have a choice of rides, arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, and even a miniature golf course overrun with dinosaurs!
Things to do in Saint-Tropez when it rains
In case of rainy weather, we recommend taking refuge in Saint-Tropez’s museums, especially the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma. To extend the experience, movie buffs can enjoy a film at the Cinema Star, just a few meters away.
It’s also an opportunity to savor local cuisine in a quality restaurant, or to take advantage of the upscale services offered by certain hotels. In particular, we recommend you try out the spa area at the Hôtel Byblos.
See locations for the TV series Emily in Paris
In famous epidemics, Emily goes down to the Côte d’Azur. She’s supposed to spend a weekend in Saint-Tropez. But most of the scenes were not filmed in this city. We share the filming locations with you in this dedicated article.
Excursions around Saint-Tropez
Garden at the Domaine du Rayol
The Domaine du Rayol, designed by renowned landscape architect Gilles Clément, is a unique destination that harmoniously combines nature and culture. The garden is based on three major concepts: the moving garden, the third landscape and the planetary garden. These concepts allow you to discover a diversity of plants from different parts of the world, in a setting where nature is given free rein. One of the most beautiful gardens on the French Riviera.
We liked that it wasn’t manicured. It’s a playground for nature lovers, with a multitude of trails to explore. Every path holds surprises, sometimes with views
Cannes
Head to Cannes if you’re looking for an atmosphere similar to that of Saint-Tropez, with its festivals, luxury hotels, and lively waterfront. Check out our full article on things to do in Cannes. If you don’t have a car, a ferry runs directly between Cannes and Saint-Tropez: see prices, photos and availability.
Antibes
If you prefer a city with a richer historical heritage, Antibes is an interesting alternative to Cannes for this day trip. See our full article on things to do in Antibes.
The Island of Porquerolles
If, on Day 5, you’re ready to drive a bit but would prefer an exceptional natural setting rather than a scenic view, the island of Porquerolles is the perfect getaway. The trip from Saint-Tropez takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, plus a boat ride, but it’s worth getting up early!
It’s a quiet place where you can get around on foot or on a rental bike (we recommend an electric bike, as there are some nice hills).
Plan to spend at least a full day exploring
Saint-Raphaël and Esterel Park
Saint-Raphaël is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Saint-Tropez. We really loved its long, sandy beaches, but above all the Esterel Mountains—perfect for nature lovers and those who appreciate beautiful colors!
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Useful tips for visiting Saint-Tropez
Where is Saint-Tropez?
Saint-Tropez is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
- Driving time to Saint-Raphaël: 1h,
- Driving time to Toulon: 1h20,
- Driving time to Cannes: 1h30.
Here’s a map to help you find your way around the Côte d’Azur:
How to get to Saint-Tropez
In our opinion, the car should be the preferred choice. You’ll enjoy greater comfort and freedom during your stay. We had our own car on our trip to the Côte d’Azur, and enjoyed our experience immensely. Especially as Saint-Tropez is not easily accessible by public transport.
The 2 nearest airports are Marseille and Nice. They are more than 1h30 away by car.
Find out more in our guide on how to get to Saint-Tropez.
There is no railway station in the town. The nearest stations are Toulon, Draguignan and Saint-Raphaël. You’ll then need to take a cab or hire a car to reach Saint-Tropez.
Parking in Saint-Tropez
Parking in Saint-Tropez can be a challenge, especially during the busy summer season. Throughout the city, you’ll find several public pay parking lots. We particularly recommend Parking des Lices, or Parking du Nouveau Port. You’ll have no trouble exploring the city center on foot if you opt for one of these 2 parking lots.
In high season, parking spaces can quickly become overcrowded. We advise you to arrive early to increase your chances of finding an available place. However, you won’t have any particular difficulty parking in low season.
Where to eat in Saint-Tropez
Throughout the city, you’ll find many excellent places to eat. Here’s our small selection for you:
- Restaurant Le Goustado Tropézien: feeling peckish and short of time to eat? Between the pasta dishes, sandwiches, quiches and salads, we had a simple feast. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat!
- Restaurant Hobo: homemade Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh local produce. The prices seemed very reasonable given the quality of the dishes.
- Restaurant Chez Colette (Hotel Sezz): the gourmet menu focusing on fruit and vegetables proved inventive, extremely well presented, and rich in flavor. This is our favourite establishment in the city!
For more inspiration, read our full article on the best restaurants in Saint-Tropez.
Saint-Tropez in winter
Planning a winter break in Saint-Tropez? The peninsula enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Winters are pleasant. Between the port, the market, the museums and the town’s excellent addresses, you’re sure to enjoy your stay. Although temperatures are lower, the sun is often out! Take a look at our full article to find inspiration even in winter.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
