Discover another level of wealth strolling down the quays of Saint Tropez: the place where luxury comes to life and the glam soul of the city shines. Read on to know everything about the 7 best things to do in Saint Tropez!
Quick introduction to Saint Tropez – France
Moored here are countless top-of-the-range yachts, one more exclusive than the other.
On the boats are usually wealthy people sipping on something, glancing down at tourists. I admit this might take some getting used to. Once you move past that, the faceted beauty of the town will slowly emerge.
You will glimpse colorful canvases in the crowd, hear the distant melody of a street quartet, and smell the delicious aroma of fresh crêpes.
Check out all the things Saint Tropez is famous for!
1. See the Old Harbor of Saint Tropez
The quaintest part of town is undoubtedly the Vieux Port of Saint Tropez. A fleet of disparate fishing boats and their bright colors offer the best backdrop to an iconic French Riviera shot.
Walk along the water till the Tour du Portalet and behold the quaint waterfront buildings of the old town, or explore further afield and reach the lighthouse.
If not at sunset, then the best time to come is definitely in the early hours of the day.
2. Shop at the Local Markets
Shopping at the local markets is one of my favorite 7 best things to do in Saint Tropez. A couple of steps away from the marina, lays “Place aux Herbes”.
This square hosts an exquisite local market that is a great venue to purchase fresh local products. And also the perfect spot for colorful picture opportunities.
Around the corner, overlooking the sea, is the “Halle aux Poissons”. You are looking at the most famous fish market in the region. Here both local and foreign, amateur and professional chefs, can purchase the freshest catch of the bay.
Twice a week, a Provençal Market takes place in Place des Lices as well.
3. Check out those hued Art Galleries
When you feel the need to get out of the chaos, head up towards the Citadel. On the way, you will be hypnotized by a myriad of lovely art galleries and sculptures you probably did not expect to find.
Don’t miss the colorful facade and unmistakable bell tower of Notre Dame de l’Assomption, the most famous landmark of the city.
4. Climb to the Citadel of Saint Tropez
After a hike in the sun, your reward will be the bird’s eye view of the harbor and the Gulf. Enjoying the view panorama from the very top of Saint Tropez is one of the 7 best things to do.
Once the third-largest French port in the Mediterranean Sea, the citadel stood pride of place over the harbor city for over 400 years.
The big 17th-century tower, called “donjon” for keep, has successfully protected the harbor town from pirates and the Spanish fleet for years.
One day, though, it became too outdated to withstand modern artillery. At that point, it became the Musée Histoire Maritime.
This museum celebrates all the tropezians who dedicated their lives to the sea. Captains, merchants, and sailors, who made of this nautical republic the Saint-Tropez we know today.
5. Escape the heat, visit a museum
Saint-Tropez is known for its luxury lifestyle and beautiful beaches. However, there is also a lot of culture to the heritage of this city.
For Art Geeks
- One of the most famous artists who worked in Saint-Tropez was Paul Signac. Thanks to his work, at the beginning of the 20th century, the city became an important center for avant-garde painting. Signac bought a house-studio here that he called “La Hune” to which he invited his fellow painters: Matisse, Cross, Marquet and many other big names of the art scene of his time. Their work is now displayed to the public in the Musee de l’Annonciade.
Nature Lovers, over here
- If you are not the art geek, then the butterfly museum might be your cup of tea. The Maison des Papillons, with more than 35,000 different exemplars, is a remarkable place to visit. This is a must-see for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. The collection includes extremely rare and even extinct species!
Cinematography aficionados, this way
- The former fisherman town celebrates its role in cinematic history in the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum.
But what do those two have in common? What really boosted Saint-Tropez’s fame to the stars was the film “The Gendarme of Saint-Tropez”. This movie is the first of six incredibly successful films by Jean Girault and stars France’s most beloved actor, Louis de Funès.
Curious is, that some of the movies were shot in the very building that hosts the museum today!
6. Unwind in the sun
Pampelonne beach’s crescent is the highlight of the coastal route. This marriage of turquoise water and exceptionally fine sand stretches for nearly 7 kilometers.
Come relax on those incredible shores and let the gentle surf and the whisper of the wind lull you to sleep.
Where to eat
Near this busy beach hides a true gem. A place where hardly any tourist ventures, the fancy restaurant: Chez Camille. The establishment is renowned above all for preparing the best, freshest, authentic Bouillabaisse.
Also, the traditional dish is prepared on an open fire inside the restaurant! If you are not a fish soup fan, don’t worry: mussels, grilled fish and lobster are never lacking. In other words, you will not be disappointed.
Additionally, the lovely terrace seating overlooks the small “Plage de Bon Terrasse” and the Mediterranean Sea. Who could say no to a romantic seafood dinner cooked with fresh local ingredients just before your eyes?
7. Check out the Boutiques
Roaming amongst high-hand fashion boutiques is one of the best things to do in Saint Tropez. Even for those of us who aren’t big on high fashion, it is still nice to look around to get some inspiration.
The most trendsetting brands are gathered here. On display, is a mix of smart and casual styles that fit in perfectly with the sophisticated yet carefree life in Saint Tropez.
When it comes to high fashion, This city is second to none.
Grab a snack and make a reel
As I noted, no list of the best things to do in Saint-Tropez would be complete without a very Instagrammable cappuccino and “D’choux” at the exclusive Dior café de Lices.
On the other hand, at Fruttini by MO you’ll find the cutest ice cream in Saint Tropez. This miniature gelato boutique stroke me for its both esthetical and delightful creations.
Every serving is such a piece of art you will have a hard time taking the first bite.
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