With its glamorous harbor, Provençal alleyways, and golden-sand beaches, Saint-Tropez is best explored over a full week. We enjoyed the diversity of this peninsula on the French Riviera, which combines village life, cultural heritage, beaches, and excursions into the countryside. Seven days give you the chance to go beyond the waterfront and explore the neighboring villages and the Gulf as a whole.
Here’s our ideal itinerary for a week in Saint-Tropez, complete with lots of 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.
Visiting Saint-Tropez in 1 Week: Practical Tips
What can you see in Saint-Tropez in one week? Is that long enough?
A week in Saint-Tropez is enough time to explore the harbor, the historic center, and the iconic beaches, and to take day trips to Grimaud, Port Grimaud, and the surrounding area. It’s the perfect length of time to alternate between the city, the beach, and day trips.
Getting around Saint-Tropez
Although traffic can be heavy on the peninsula, we recommend renting a car so you can make the most of your week, including trips to nearby towns like Grimaud and Gassin.
As for parking, the Parking des Lices and the Parking du Nouveau Port make it easy to explore the city center on foot. But be sure to check out the lodging options that include parking.
Where to sleep 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
Our Ideal Itinerary + Map: 7 Days in Saint-Tropez
We’ve designed this itinerary to alternate between village life, relaxing on the beaches, and excursions in the Gulf and beyond, to give you a comprehensive overview of what Saint-Tropez and its surrounding region have to offer. If you want to create your own itinerary, check out our article on the best attractions.
Here is a map to help you find your way around the peninsula:
Day 1 – The Market, Narrow Streets, and Atmosphere of the Historic Center
Morning: The Market at Place des Lices
To kick off the week in Saint-Tropez, head to the Place des Lices, where the market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round. The colorful stalls there offer local products, fresh fruits and vegetables, Provençal specialties, and handmade crafts.
We enjoyed strolling among the booths in the lively atmosphere typical of the south of France and sampling some local specialties along the way. It’s also a real gathering place for locals, which gives the event a more local feel than a touristy one.
Morning: Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
Be sure to include a visit to the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, built in the 18th century in the Italian Baroque style, recognizable by its ochre and sienna colors. Its bell tower, topped by a campanile, is a landmark visible from much of the city.
We enjoyed its richly decorated interior: the organ, sculptures, wood paneling, and the bust of Saint-Tropez come together to create a dense visual experience, even though the visit was fairly short. The church is open every day of the year in the morning, making it an easy stop to fit into your schedule in the late morning or afternoon, depending on your pace.
Afternoon: the narrow streets of the historic center and the Jarlier Tower
The afternoon is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the old town. We were captivated by the colorful facades of the Provençal houses, as well as by the timeless charm of these cobblestone streets, where elegant boutiques, small art galleries, and artisan workshops are nestled. As you round a street corner, you’ll come across the Jarlier Tower, not far from the citadel: if you have a smartphone, you can scan a QR code to follow the route of the old city fortifications.
Please be aware that the historic district may be difficult to access for people with limited mobility, as some of the narrow streets are cobblestone, steep, or have stairs. If your stay falls in May, you may have the chance to attend the Bravades de Saint-Tropez, the town’s traditional patron saint festival.
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.
Evening: Attire and Atmosphere
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 and friendly atmosphere.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Day 2 – Grimaud and Port Grimaud
Morning: The medieval village of Grimaud
For this fourth day, it’s best to have your own transportation: head to Grimaud, in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, about a 17-minute drive from downtown. This village combines medieval charm with views of the surrounding region, dominated by the ruins of a castle that bear witness to the area’s former power.
We loved getting lost in its narrow streets as we searched for the best viewpoints. Plan to spend between 2 and 4 hours there, keeping in mind that the cobblestone streets and stairs may make it difficult for people with limited mobility to get around.
Afternoon: Port Grimaud, the Venice of Provence
A 15-minute drive from Grimaud lies Port Grimaud, a distinct village built along the coast. Designed by French architect François Spoerry in the 1960s, this lakeside community evokes the charm of a small Provençal Venice, with its canals, bridges, and colorful houses.
Its network of navigable canals and fishermen’s cottages offer views that we found very photogenic, with the sea as a backdrop. Be sure to climb the tower for a better view of the canal network!
Note: From Porto Grimaud, a small tourist train takes you on a tour of the two villages— book your ticket.
You can also rent an electric boat to explore the maze of canals at your own pace (more info here). Plan to spend 1 to 3 hours there. There is also a beach right next to the village.
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.
Day 3 – The Citadel and a Day at Sea
Morning: The Citadel and its Maritime History Museum
On to the Citadel for this second day—it overlooks Saint-Tropez and is home to the Maritime History Museum. Inside, artifacts, model ships, paintings, and other objects chronicle centuries of maritime activity in the region, all set against a medieval backdrop enhanced by the site’s ramparts and towers.
We were particularly struck by the panoramic view of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from the fortifications: in our opinion, it’s the most beautiful view of the city. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as getting there from downtown involves some climbing. The museum is open every day.
Afternoon: Boat trip in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
The afternoon is the perfect time to explore the coastline from the water. Jet skis, boats, towable tubes, electric foils, or kayaks: there’s a wide variety of options for those who love water sports. We especially recommend kayaking, which allows you to paddle along the coast at your own pace, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and discover secluded coves and rock formations that can’t be seen from land.
- View kayak options
- or, for the more adventurous, the electric foil
- or, for a touch of luxury, book a yacht
An Alternative Afternoon: Museum
If the sea doesn’t appeal to you, two of the city’s museums offer an interesting alternative: the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum, for fans of *The Gendarmes of Saint-Tropez* starring Louis de Funès, or the Annonciade Museum, housed in a former 16th-century chapel and dedicated to Pointillist, Nabis, and Fauvist paintings.
Day 4 – A Day at the Beach in Pampelonne
This third day is entirely devoted to Pampelonne Beach, just a 10-minute drive from downtown, in the Ramatuelle Nature Reserve. Its 4.5 km of sand make it one of the longest beaches on the French Riviera and one of the most iconic in Saint-Tropez.
Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, it continues to attract many celebrities every summer, giving it a festive atmosphere and high-end establishments located right on the seafront.
We recommend arriving early during peak season, as there are several parking lots available along this very long beach. With several on-site restaurants, you can spend the whole day there without ever leaving the beach.
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!
Day 5 – Day trip to Cannes or Antibes
On this fifth day, we recommend leaving the peninsula to explore other destinations along the French Riviera. In our opinion, a car is still the best way to take this trip at your own pace: Saint-Tropez is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cannes and 2 hours from Antibes.
Cannes, for the glamour
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: A Look Back at Its History
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.
Day 6 – A day at the beach of your choice
After a long day, it’s time to relax a little. On this sixth day, let your interests guide you and try a beach other than Pampelonne. Saint-Tropez and its surrounding area are home to several sandy beaches, each with its own distinct character: Plage des Salins, Plage de l’Escalet, and Plage de Gigaro, near La Croix-Valmer.
We invite you to check out our article on the city’s best beaches to help you narrow down your choices based on the atmosphere you’re looking for—whether it’s more family-friendly, more active, or more peaceful.
Day 7 – Nature Around Saint-Tropez
Option 1: A Day in the Vineyards
To wrap up the week, let’s head to the vineyards of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is ideal for grape varieties such as Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Rolle, which produce fresh, fruity wines, particularly rosés bearing the AOC Côtes de Provence designation. N
We highly recommend a guided tour with a tasting for both wine enthusiasts and those who are simply curious, but you can also explore some of the wineries on your own. An organized tour allows you to visit two wineries and taste six AOC Côtes de Provence wines: see options and availability
Option 2: The 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. Each path holds its own surprises, sometimes with panoramic sea views.
It is a 45-minute drive from Saint-Tropez.
Option 1: The hilltop villages of the peninsula
If your trip focuses more on villages, there are two stops worth adding to your itinerary. Gassin, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is a 13-minute drive from downtown: we loved its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and views of the Bay of Saint-Tropez, as well as its fortified church and old windmill. Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours there; there are a few restaurants in town, such as Restaurant Bello Visto and Café Perché.
Not far from there, the Ramatuelle Nature Reserve and its Cap Camarat Lighthouse offer, in our opinion, the most beautiful scenery in the entire region: dense vegetation, the sea, and the mountain range all come together from this vantage point, which also marks the start of a coastal trail leading to La Croix-Valmer. You can also go e-bike riding or horseback riding there, often combined with a wine tasting.
Option 2: Porquerolles Island
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).
Be sure to set aside at least a full day to explore it. But it takes two days to see everything.Learn more.
Option 3: Following in the Footsteps of the TV Series *Emily in Paris*
In one of the episodes, the heroine of the series *Emily in Paris* is supposed to spend a weekend in Saint-Tropez. However, most of the scenes were not filmed in the city itself. In this dedicated article, we’ll take a closer look at the actual filming locations—a fun alternative for fans of the series who want to plan part of their week around this theme.
Option 4: A vacation with more of a focus on the beaches
If the beach is still your top priority, you can certainly spend a few extra days exploring the coast rather than visiting villages or going on excursions. Between Pampelonne, Les Salins, L’Escalet, and Gigaro, there’s no shortage of options for experiencing a different atmosphere each day. See our list of the best beaches.
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What You Need to Know for Your Week in Saint-Tropez
The Weather in Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Summer is the peak beach season, a time when Pampelonne Beach and the rest of the coastline are at their most popular. Winter is generally pleasant: temperatures are lower, but the sun often shines, allowing you to enjoy the harbor, the market, and the museums in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The Crowds in Saint-Tropez
During peak season, Saint-Tropez gets extremely crowded: parking becomes more difficult, and we recommend arriving early to find a spot, especially near the harbor. The nightlife there is very lively, with bars, restaurants, and prestigious nightclubs. During the off-season, the atmosphere becomes quieter—without the jet-setters—but remains elegant; parking is also much easier.
Adjusting Your Itinerary When It Rains
If the weather isn’t suitable for the beach or outdoor activities, there are still several indoor options available in Saint-Tropez. The Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum offers a chance to spend some time indoors, and movie lovers can extend the experience at the Cinéma Star, located just a few meters away. It’s also a chance to savor the local cuisine at a high-quality restaurant or enjoy the top-notch amenities at certain hotels: we especially recommend the spa at the Byblos Hotel.
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
