Are you planning to visit Saint-Tropez in 1 day? It’s a great idea, so you won’t get bored!
With its iconic star-filled port, charming Provençal streets and magnificent Mediterranean scenery, we were seduced by the town. You’ll love this must-see seaside resort on France’s Côte d’Azur!
In this article, we suggest detailed itineraries to spend 1 day in Saint-Tropez, and not miss a thing! Check out our practical tips and our many photos to help you make up your own mind about the destination.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Saint-Tropez in 1 day
Before discovering our detailed daily itineraries, here are our practical tips for visiting the city:
Get around on foot, by public transport and by sea shuttle
Downtown Saint-Tropez is a great place to visit on foot. Wander through its colorful streets and enjoy the typical Provencal atmosphere.
However, not all tourist activities are concentrated in this area. We advise you to bring your own vehicle to visit the peninsula more easily. Just to reach the famous Plage de Pampelonne, a real must-see in Saint-Tropez, you’ll need a 10-minute drive.
Alternatively, you can use the ZOU bus network to get around the peninsula, but the journeys are longer. Find out more here. Some villages can be reached by boat. The Bateaux Verts (green boats) run between Port Grimaud and Sainte-Maxime. Find out more here.
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.
The weather in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. However, temperatures can soar in summer, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable (especially if you’re heat-sensitive). We advise you to visit the city and its surroundings in spring, autumn or winter.
In the depths of winter, the water temperature never drops below 13°. Even if sunbathing is no longer in season, it’s still possible to swim in a wetsuit for the more adventurous!
The crowds in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is very busy during the summer season. Tourist attractions and the best hotels are quickly snapped up. If you can, we advise you to avoid this busy period. Due to the configuration of the peninsula, traffic jams are common in the city center. Prices are also rising.
Book your accommodation as soon as possible to take advantage of special rates!
Map of Saint-Tropez’s main tourist attractions
See our map of Saint-Tropez’s main tourist attractions:
Where to stay in Saint-Tropez?
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
Option 1 – Saint-Tropez in 1 day
Ready for a 1-day tour of Saint-Tropez? Between the port, the citadel, the Provencal market and many other tourist attractions, you’ll love discovering this seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur! In fact, we’ve written a full article on the city’s must-do activities.
Day 1 – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.: a stroll around the port of Saint-Tropez
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 port offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Lined with seafood restaurants and chic boutiques, it embodies the authentic charm of Provence and the glamour of the Côte d’Azur. We loved its warm, friendly atmosphere. Take the opportunity to enjoy a hot drink on a café terrace, where you just might bump into a summer star!
Day 1 – 11am-12pm: shopping at the Provencal market (Place des Lices)
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!
Tempted by a guided gourmet tour of the market? – See prices, photos and availability.
Even if it’s not market day, we encourage you to discover the Place des Lices. It’s well worth a visit, as it’s an important place to live in the heart of the city!
Day 1 – 12pm-2pm: stroll and lunch in the historic center
A good morning’s sightseeing is a must! To whet your appetite, here are 3 of our favorite restaurants in the historic center:
- Restaurant Le Patio: part of Hôtel Le Yaca, where you can dine on elaborate, tasty Italian dishes made with quality ingredients imported directly from Italy. We highly recommend that you sit out on the outdoor terrace by the pool!
- Restaurant Cucina: hidden away in the grounds of the legendary Hôtel Byblos in Saint-Tropez! You’ll enjoy a delicious meal of traditional dishes that appeal to young and old alike, including pizzas, ravioli and risottos.
- Restaurant Caprice des Deux: tucked away in a cobbled alleyway, you’ll enjoy gourmet dishes featuring fresh, quality produce. Chef Stéphane Avelin holds the significant title of “Maître Restaurateur”.
Discover other great restaurants in the resort!
Day 1 – 2pm-3pm: visit the Citadelle (Maritime History Museum)
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.
Day 1 – 3pm-6pm: Alternative 1 – enjoy a water activity on Plage de Pampelonne (10min drive)
Located in the Ramatuelle nature reserve, it’s one of the Côte d’Azur’s most emblematic beaches. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Saint-Tropez!
Just a 10-minute drive from the town center, it rolls out its long sandy carpet over 4.5 kilometers. If you’re a water-loving type like us, there’s plenty of walking to be done!
Popularized by Brigitte Bardot, Plage de Pampelonne is renowned for its golden sands, shallow waters and numerous beach bars that attract an international clientele.
As well as its glamorous side, it offers a wide range of water sports. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a pleasant moment with family and friends. On site, you’ll enjoy jet-skiing, towed buoys, paddleboarding and even kayaking – see prices, photos and availability.
Day 1 – 3pm-6pm: Alternative 2 – enjoy the downtown beaches (within walking distance)
Prefer not to stray too far from downtown for a swim? On either side of Saint-Tropez, you’ll discover small beaches. We enjoyed Plage du Pilon, just a few minutes’ walk from the port. In addition to its superb hilly landscape, the water’s entrance is very pleasant. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun while staying in the heart of the city!
Nestling in the heart of the town, you’ll also find Plage de la Ponche. This tiny sandy area offers a magnificent view over the bay. Access to this beach is exclusively on foot, from the port or the citadel.
If you have time, why not enjoy a cocktail on the old port or dine in the city center before heading home?
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Option 2 – 1 day in the footsteps of Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez
If you’re a fan of Louis de Funès films, especially the Le Gendarme series, we recommend this itinerary. Rediscover this cult French comedy from the 60s, while exploring the city!
Day 1 – 10am-12pm: visit the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum
Our visit to this museum took us deep into the history of Saint-Tropez. This small fishing village has become famous thanks to the many films that have been shot here! You’ll discover the link between the film industry and the peninsula as you visit the various exhibition halls.
With anecdotes, sets, costumes, video clips, interviews with actors and period objects, the collection is rich and interactive. To find out more about our experience, read our article on the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma.
The notoriety of this place is partly due to its location: it’s situated in the former gendarmerie immortalized by the cult saga Le Gendarme in 6 films.
Louis de Funès’s career really took off with the 1st part of Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez, released in 1964. As evidenced by the many vintage posters on display, it was a resounding success! The statue of the actor stands proudly in the museum.
For a unique experience combining wine, classic cars and cinema, opt for an unusual tour of Saint-Tropez and its vineyards, including 2 admissions to the museum – see prices, photos and availability.
Day 1 – 12pm-2pm: a drink in the port of Saint-Tropez before lunch
As you stroll through the port, a red sign catches your eye?
In Le Gendarme en balade, the gendarmes meet for a drink on the terrace at Café Sénéquier. He also appears in other episodes of the saga. Before lunch, how about an aperitif in the footsteps of Louis de Funès?
Near the port, you’ll find a number of good restaurants for lunch. Here are our recommendations:
- Restaurant La Ponche: part of theHotel La Ponche, it has a rich history. Originally an ordinary fishermen’s bar, it was transformed into a refuge for the stars in the 1950s. Between the Mediterranean fish bourride, and the catch of the day with grilled cabbage, you’ll love this excellent restaurant!
- Restaurant Hobo: we were attracted by its royal blue façade and colorful outdoor terrace. Offering excellent value for money, you’ll discover home-cooked Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with care.
For more inspiration, we encourage you to read our full article on the best culinary addresses in Saint-Tropez!
Day 1 – 14h-14h30: contemplating the Parish Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
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.
In the 1982 film Le Gendarme et les Gendarmettes, you can see the church tower at night, as well as some of the lanes that surround it.
For example, the small square pictured below also appears on the screen. The facades of the houses have changed a lot since then, but the cobblestone floor is still the same! We had fun tracing Inspector Cruchot’s path through the narrow streets of Saint-Tropez.
Day 1 – 2.30pm-3.30pm: visit the Musée de l’Annonciade
Are you an art lover? A former 16th-century chapel, the Musée de l’Annonciade houses a collection that we thoroughly enjoyed, mainly devoted to paintings from the Pointillist, Nabis and Fauve movements.
This immersion in the region’s artistic history allowed us to admire masterpieces by such greats as Signac, Matisse, Bonnard and many others. To learn more about these renowned artists inspired by Saint-Tropez, opt for a guided tour with a local – see photos, photos and availability.
In Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez, the museum made an appearance following the theft of a painting. A Rembrandt painting that was already worth millions at the time! Do you know the outcome of the investigation?
To extend your trip, we recommend that you watch Les Gendarmes again on your return!
Day 1 – 3:30 – 4:30 pm: discovering Chapelle Sainte-Anne
Head for Chapelle Sainte-Anne, just a 5-minute drive from downtown. We don’t recommend walking, as Chemin de Sainte-Anne is steep and has no sidewalks for pedestrians.
Nestled in the heights of the peninsula, it offers superb panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, and even the Bay of Pampelonne. The setting for the film Le Gendarme se marie, Cruchot and Josepha were married here.
Use this time to breathe and meditate. Faced with this breathtaking view, it’s the perfect opportunity to totally unwind!
Day 1 – 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Taste the famous “Tropezian” tart
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.
Its history is linked to Brigitte Bardot, who played a major role in popularizing it. We loved this delicate cake sprinkled with powdered sugar! For a convivial, gourmet experience, opt for a guided tour with a “tropézienne” tart tasting session – see prices, photos and availability.
If you don’t particularly like this cake, you can choose from other sweet and savory specialties. In our opinion, culinary exploration is part of the journey, so make the most of your stay to awaken your taste buds! Discover local gastronomy in this city of excellent restaurants.
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Option 3 – 1 day in Saint-Tropez: temple of luxury and glamour
To make the most of your Tropezian experience, we recommend that you opt for activities that are out of the ordinary. Saint-Tropez is renowned for its luxury establishments, designer boutiques and private beaches. It’s the ideal place to enjoy top-of-the-range services while creating beautiful memories!
Day 1 – 10am-12pm: luxury shopping
A temple of glamour, the great couture houses of Dior, Gucci, Céline and Valentino line the Place des Lices. If you have the financial means and are a lover of luxury products, this is the perfect opportunity to visit a boutique and snap up a one-of-a-kind piece!
Saint-Tropez is linked to the world of fashion, as the town attracts stars from all over the world. It’s a high-end shopping destination.
Take advantage of this outing to have brunch at Restaurant Dior Café des Lices! It is renowned for its delicious breakfasts. Between the basket of pastries, the fresh fruit salad, and the poached egg on toasted muffin, you have a small taste of the options available to you.
Adjacent to the Dior Boutique, you’ll find a beautifully landscaped garden, with tables and chairs in the shade of the trees. We also really appreciated the lunch menu. The Mediterranean red tuna with krystal caviar and tangy double cream made our mouths water!
Day 1 – 12pm-2pm: an exceptional gastronomic experience
Rather than brunch, would you rather enjoy an exceptional culinary experience? In our opinion, these are the 2 best gourmet restaurants in Saint-Tropez:
- Restaurant Colette: owned by Hôtel Sezz, we were delighted by our 6-act dinner, which took us on a journey for the duration of the meal. It was a real treat for both the eyes and the palate!
- Restaurant La Vague d’Or: chef Arnaud Donckele is renowned for his refined gourmet cuisine, featuring quality local produce. Enjoy an upscale culinary experience in elegant surroundings.
Day 1 – 2pm-5pm: Alternative 1 – Visit the vineyards of Saint-Tropez
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 rosés, some of which have the AOC Côtes de Provence label.
Discover 2 wineries on a guided tour, during which you’ll taste different vintages – see prices, photos and availability.
Some of Saint-Tropez’s luxury hotels have their own vineyards. This is particularly true of Hôtel Le Mas de Chastelas. The establishment is located in Gassin, on the western edge of the seaside resort. This iconic location appears in the film Je vous aime starring Catherine Deneuve. This rural Provencal house is featured in our article on the best hotels on the peninsula.
Day 1 – 2pm-5pm: Alternative 2 – Test your swing at the Saint-Tropez Golf Club
Rather than visiting the vineyards of Saint-Tropez, you’d rather be physically active? The Golf Club is a 15-minute drive from downtown! It’s the perfect opportunity to perfect your swing and enjoy breathtaking views of the peninsula. The estate is vast, and the course is popular with golfers. However, rates are quite expensive.
For golf enthusiasts, the Hôtel Le Mas de Chastelas, which we mentioned earlier, also boasts a vast garden with a golf course.
With your children, we recommend Azur Park. Suitable for families in search of entertainment, you’ll have a choice of rides, arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars and even a dinosaur-infested miniature golf course!
Day 1 – 5pm-7pm: relaxing on a private beach
Would you like to soak up the sun in a deckchair overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez? Meet on the private beach of the legendary Hôtel Byblos. Located on the Plage de Pampelonne, you’ll enjoy top-of-the-range amenities in a heavenly setting.
To extend this luxurious experience, don’t hesitate to spend one or more nights at this iconic establishment – see photos and availability.
Are you looking for a private beach that combines optimum comfort with exceptional scenery? See our 2 other favorite establishments:
- Restaurant Pearl Beach Saint-Tropez: featuring an indoor area, a rooftop and a tropical garden. For a meal with your feet in the water, we strongly recommend you try this fine restaurant.
- Tahiti Beach Restaurant: for a drink, a meal by the water or a tan. Take advantage of this pleasant moment to sip a cocktail comfortably installed on your deckchair facing the sea!
Day 1 – 7pm – all night long: the famous Tropezian evenings
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 one of the city’s restaurants, 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. In fact, it’s one of our favourite hotels in Saint-Tropez!
Other ideas for activities in and around Saint-Tropez
Need more inspiration during your stay in Saint-Tropez? See our list of complementary ideas below:
Visit the village of Ramatuelle and its nature reserve
Nestled on the heights of the peninsula, a 15-minute drive from Saint-Tropez, the village of Ramatuelle seduced us with its medieval charm, breathtaking views and authentic Provencal ambience. Discover all our tips and photos for visiting the village here!
In our opinion, the most beautiful landscapes in Saint-Tropez are to be found in the Ramatuelle nature reserve. We captured the above photo at the Cap Camarat lighthouse. We were completely charmed by this magnificent view of lush vegetation, the sea and the mountain range on the horizon. You can also take part in outdoor activities in the commune, for a unique experience in this green setting:
- Tempted by an electric bike tour with wine tasting? – see prices, photos and availability.
- If you like horseback riding, the same activities are available on horseback – see prices, photos and availability.
Explore the villages of Gassin, Grimaud and Port Grimaud
Gassin is a 13-minute drive from Saint-Tropez, Grimaud 17 minutes and Port Grimaud 10 minutes.
Grimaud is a medieval inland village, while Port Grimaud is by the sea.
Why visit them?
- Gassin: classed as one of France‘s most beautiful villages, we loved discovering its cobbled streets, picturesque stone houses and views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez.
- Grimaud: an enchanting destination combining medieval charm, rich history and spectacular views. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’Azur! Grimaud is also renowned for its vineyards. Choose a horseback ride with wine tasting – see prices, photos and availability.
- Port Grimaud: designed by French architect François Spoerry in the 1960s, the village resembles a little Provencal Venice, with its canals, bridges and colorful houses.
Tempted by a sea excursion from Saint-Tropez? You’ll call at Gassin and Port Grimaud – see prices, photos and availability.
Sailing in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
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.
- To enjoy the scenery, opt for a kayak trip – see prices, photos and availability.
- For the more adventurous, why not take an electric foil out to surf above the sea? – See prices, photos and availability.
- For a pleasant moment at sunset, come aboard a Provencal fishing boat – see prices, photos and availability.
Discover Saint-Tropez with a local
To discover a city in depth, we recommend you take a tour accompanied by a local. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the life of a local, and discover hidden or little-known good addresses.
We’ll satisfy your curiosity by sharing regional customs and traditions. Learn more about lifestyle and trends in Saint-Tropez. What’s more, you’re free to ask any questions you may have – see prices, photos and availability.
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Frequently asked questions
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:
- explore the Maison des Papillons – Musée Dany Lartigue,
- visit the Gendarmerie and Film Museum,
- discover the Azur Park amusement park and miniature golf course,
- water sports, especially kayaking (from age 6) – see prices, photos and availability.
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 unmissable Hôtel Byblos – see prices, photos and availability.
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
Best boat tours (coming soon)
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
