Famous for its festive atmosphere, Saint-Tropez today is one of the most sought-after seaside towns on the French Riviera. People go there to spend their holidays by the sea in a heavenly setting and to discover the magnificent landscapes that have inspired so many artists. For your next holidays, set out to discover one of the most beautiful regions of the south of France.
An idyllic southern location
A prestigious town
Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Massif des Maures on the other, Saint-Tropez fascinates both for the beauty of its landscapes and for its cultural diversity. The enthusiasm of holiday-makers for the town began in the 1950s. Once a simple fishing village, Saint-Tropez then became one of the preferred destinations of jet-setters. Despite the influx of tourists, the town has never lost the authentic charm of a typical village of the Var. Its picture-postcard setting charmed famous painters like Matisse and Bonnard, but also many great names from the world of the cinema. The Museum of the Gendarmerie and the Cinema is a nod to the cult films starring Louis de Funès.
Sea and sun
Located in the south of the Var on the peninsula of the same name, Saint-Tropez unfurls miles of beach along the Mediterranean. Stretching over more than 4 km, Pampelonne beach is one of the most frequented during the summer. Equally well appreciated, Bouillabaisse beach is dotted with friendly bars and restaurants where you can have lunch with the family or among friends with the Mediterranean in the background. If you are looking for a little peace and quiet, head for the beaches of Moutte or Graniers. Nestled in a small cove at the foot of the town’s citadel, the latter is the ideal place to soak up the sun in a peaceful setting.
Access from the surrounding area
Saint Tropez is located 16 km from Saint-Maxime, 69 km from Toulon and 112 km from Nice. You can take a Zou! Pass to get around easily by bus between the coastal towns of the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region. Don’t miss a trip to Gassin during your excursions around Saint-Tropez. This picturesque village overlooking the Gulf offers many possibilities for walks on the heights of Saint-Tropez peninsula. Bike enthusiasts will certainly enjoy discovering the cycle paths towards Ramatuelle, a small village perched above the French Riviera. From here, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the bay of Pampelonne.
Where can you stay?
A very popular holiday destination, Saint-Tropez offers a wide choice of accommodation that is suitable both for people looking for a change of scenery and for lovers of beaches and the sun. You are sure to find what you are looking for, whether you want to stay in a hotel or take advantage of the more convivial atmosphere of a holiday rental.
Camping
Those who love adventure and outdoor holidays will prefer this solution. From the rental of a tent pitch for greater authenticity to a top-of-the-range chalet, there is a large selection of quality campsites in Saint-Tropez and its surrounding area that will meet everybody’s needs.
In particular, you will find pitches to park your caravan during your getaway to Saint-Tropez. Many complexes offer mobile homes for rent to allow you to appreciate the joys of camping without needing to invest in a caravan. More spacious, bungalows are a good alternative if you are travelling in a group or if you simply prefer to have more privacy. Most campsites in Saint-Tropez have their own websites or are referenced on dedicated holiday rental websites. It will thus be easy to find the accommodation that suits you for the location, the number of beds and the amenities available.
And to make your summer holiday an unforgettable experience, the town’s campsites offer a wide selection of entertainment for all ages and tastes. Dance evenings, children’s games, karaoke and initiations to water sports will spice up your holidays.
Hotel
If comfort is as important for you as the setting, you can stay in a hotel. You can choose between a wide range of hotel categories in Saint-Tropez. Depending on the establishment, you can book a single or a split-level room. Remember to compare the price of the night and the services offered to help you choose among the offers available in Saint-Tropez.
Stay in one of the fine hotels frequented by celebrities for a unique experience. You can also opt for a charming establishment to soak in the town’s authentic atmosphere.
The establishments located by the sea are ideal for sunbathing and beaches. Even though they are often more expensive, rooms with a terrace offer a breathtaking view on the Mediterranean. Whatever you choose, you will only need to walk a few hundred metres to reach the beach and set up your beach umbrella. If you want to combine the sea and relaxation, you can choose an establishment that is slightly out of the way. These are a good starting point to explore the back-country and the charming little villages around Saint Tropez.
Villa rental
Usually benefiting from a large capacity of accommodation, this type of rental is ideal for a family or group holidays. The main advantage of holiday villas is their private and more relaxed aspect. You will get away from the crowds of tourists, even during the summer season. You will also have several rooms to offer to each person their own space. In addition, you will have access to a fully-equipped and functional kitchen, where you will enjoy preparing your meals. An excursion to the market will enable you to stock up on fresh local produce and to try out a few typical Saint-Tropez specialities.
These properties often have one or several terraces and a beautiful garden where youngsters can play in total safety. To fully enjoy your holiday in the sun, you can book a villa with a swimming pool. Some real estate agencies offer a selection of luxury homes specifically dedicated to holiday rentals. Their offers include bungalows or two-storey villas that are well situated near the town centre and the port, among others. Many enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Saint Tropez. It is even possible to book a home right on the seafront.
How do you get to Saint-Tropez?
There are various means of transport
Saint-Tropez is ideally located one or two hours by road from the main airports of the PACA region. If you choose to come by plane, you can either purchase a ticket for Nice Côte-d’Azur International Airport or Toulon-Hyères Airport. From there, you can reach your destination by coach. Do you prefer to come by car? The A8 motorway, nicknamed the Provencal, serves the French Riviera and holds an unforgettable trip in store for you.
Although there is no direct train to St Tropez, rail is a simple and practical option to reach the town. You have several possibilities for connections with all the major cities in France. Holiday-makers usually take the TGV for the nearest cities like Aix-en-Provence, Toulon or Nice and finish their journey by coach. The nearest railway station is Saint-Raphaël-Valescure, which is located 40 kilometres from Saint-Tropez.
If you are you looking for an original way of getting to Saint-Tropez, why not choose a boat? In addition to the cruise boats that call in to port there, a shuttle service connects the old town of the corsairs with the neighbouring ports. Depending on your taste for travel, you can embark in Antibes, Fréjus or Cogolin.
The selection criteria
By road, train, plane or even by boat, you have a wide choice of transport to Saint-Tropez. The means of transport will mainly depend on your holiday budget and the duration of your stay. If you have decided to treat yourself to 2 or 3 weeks on the French Riviera, don’t hesitate to come by car. The Var’s departmental roads will unfold the magnificent landscapes of southern France. The D98 offers a magnificent view of the coast between Toulon and Saint-Tropez.
For a short break in Saint-Tropez, the easiest is to come by plane. You will thus have more time to explore the city and sunbathe on its huge beaches of white sand. If your holiday budget is more limited, the TGV and a connection by coach is a worthwhile alternative.
By booking your ticket ahead, you will be able to benefit from the reduced fares that are regularly offered for the journey to Saint-Tropez. This option will also enable you to fully appreciate the landscape.
In short, Saint-Tropez has everything to please with its long beaches, its lively atmosphere and its cultural wealth. A stay in a beautiful villa will ensure you of being fully independent and will enable you to explore this coastal town as you please.
