Charming narrow streets filled with green plants, stone-walled houses, hidden fountains, castle ruins and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean… You can enjoy all this less than 1 hour from Saint-Tropez.
Discover our selection of the most beautiful villages around Saint-Tropez!
In this article, we take you on a tour of these charming places to add to your itinerary, with practical advice and our own photos.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Best villages near Saint-Tropez: our selection
In this article we have chosen the following criteria:
- Villages or charming old town centers in small towns
- less than an hour’s drive from Saint-Tropez
For more choice, see our article on the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’Azur.
1. Grimaud
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.
The village, with its narrow streets, tunnels and arches, has been carefully preserved and showcased.
It is dominated by the ruins of a castle, a symbol of the region’s power in ancient times. You can climb up to admire the views over the village rooftops, the hills and out to sea.
We fell in love with this place, where every alley had its own charm.
The must-dos
- Climb up to the castle and admire the views
- Getting lost in the alley
- Visit the Saint-Roch mill below the village
- Admire the sober yet surprising Saint Michel church
How to get there from Saint-Tropez
- From Saint-Tropez: 20min drive
- West of Saint-Tropez
- The best option is to rent a car to visit the region, including Grimaud.
- Narrow underground parking lot, but also several outdoor parking lots, including one on the side of the mill, free of charge.
- You can also take the little train to visit Port Grimaud and Grimaud – find out more
Useful tips
- Allow 2 hours
- Like many of the villages in the region, it’s best to arrive early to make room.
- And it’s best to wear good shoes to climb up to the castle ruins.
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
2. Gassin
Why visit?
Gassin, perched on a hill on the Saint-Tropez peninsula, is an authentic Provencal village combining medieval charm and panoramic views. With its cobbled streets and stone houses, Gassin offers a picturesque experience. The village is also renowned for its delicious Provencal cuisine, vineyards and peaceful atmosphere.
It didn’t transport us as far back in time as the other villages, but it still had its charm!
It has been awarded the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” label.
Near Saint-Tropez.
The must-dos
- The narrow streets of the historic center
- Panoramic views from the village
- The smallest street in the world: our backpack couldn’t fit!
- The restaurants!
How to get there from Saint-Tropez
- On the heights of Saint-Tropez
- Driving time from downtown = 20 min
- Parking lot at the end of the village
- Bus 7737 from Saint-Tropez
Useful tips
- The village is easy to explore
- Allow 1 hour
- It’s very popular around lunchtime and at night.
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).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Port-Grimaud
Why visit?
For something completely different, head to Port-Grimaud, the “Venice” of Provence. This small Mediterranean seaside resort is famous for its picturesque architecture, navigable canals, sandy beaches and Provencal charm. However, it’s a recent village, designed and built in the 1960s and 70s.
We particularly enjoyed climbing to the top of the church tower to admire the village and its canals from above.
Near Saint-Tropez.
The must-dos
- Walking along the canals
- Take a boat trip
- Climb to the top of the church tower
- Enjoy the beach
How to get there from Saint-Tropez
- In the Bay of Saint-Tropez
- Driving time from city center: 25 min
- Large pay parking lots around the village
- Bus 876, 877 and 878
Useful tips
- Easy to explore
- Allow 1 to 2 hours (depending on whether you’re visiting the beach).
- Except for the church tower (fee payable) with its spiral staircase
4. Ramatuelle
Why visit?
Ramatuelle, nestled in the hills overlooking the famous bay of Pampelonne and its dreamy beach, is a tiny, picturesque Provencal village. It has a few cobbled streets and stone houses. The village offers a little less exploration than the others, but we love all the roads around it with beautiful scenery. Don’t miss the Cap Camarat lighthouse!
Near Saint-Tropez.
The must-dos
- Arches and alleys with stone houses
- Panoramic views
- The ambience of restaurant terraces
How to get there from Saint-Tropez
- On the Saint-Tropez peninsula
- Driving time from downtown: 20 min
- No large parking lots, park in the surrounding streets
- Bus 7705
Useful tips
- It’s really quite small, and there aren’t many alleys to visit. Allow 30min.
- Slightly sloping but no difficulty in exploring
5. Bormes-les-Mimosas
Why visit?
If you love villages in bloom, Bormes-les-Mimosas is one of the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur. It’s a medieval village nestled on a hilltop, offering an authentic atmosphere and timeless charm. Its narrow streets and stone houses create the ideal atmosphere for a leisurely stroll.
The village has really made an effort to add plants and flowers everywhere.
The must-dos
- Views of the village center from the main road
- Views of the region and the sea from the village, the castle ruins and the top of the tower of the Museum of History and Art.
- Romantic ambience
- Saint-Trophyme church and its medieval architecture
- Medieval alleys
How to get there
- Between Toulon and Saint-Tropez
- From Saint-Tropez: about 45 minutes by car
- It’s easier to get there by car, as there’s a large underground pay parking lot.
Practical advice
- Don’t come too late to find space in the parking lot
- The village isn’t very big to explore. Allow 2 hours
- A choice of restaurants
Hilltop villages in the hinterland
And you can also head further inland, to the villages of:
La Garde-Freinet
30 min from Saint-Tropez.
West of Nice.
A small village surrounded by forest in the Maures massif.
Hike around to admire the view from above.
And more than 1 hour away
- Bargème, one of France’s best villages.
- Cotignac, a medieval village with a wall of cliffs behind it
And a 2-hour drive
- Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
