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St Tropez requires no further introduction; this little fishing village that has become the most popular destination on the French Riviera. Year after year, St Tropez welcomes holidaymakers, the curious and the regulars, who have come to enjoy the unparalleled aura of this seaside resort.
Whether you put down your suitcases for a weekend or for a longer stay, there are some unmissable St Tropez, “must-haves” that you cannot miss. Le Collectionist has compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in St Tropez during your holiday.
For all you need to know about Saint Tropez, explore Le Collectionist's guide.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SAINT-TROPEZ: THE MUST-HAVES
Between luxury shops and market stalls; iconic restaurants and picnics on the sand; sumptuous yachts and colourful boats: St Tropez never ceases to float between luxury and simplicity.
From its heritage as a fishing village, the seaside resort has kept the charm and sweetness of Provençal life, to which it has added a touch of refinement. To help you unlock the secrets of this extraordinary city, our local experts have come up with their top 10 things to do in St Tropez:
- Climb up the Citadel of Saint-Tropez
- Take a walk to Place des Lices
- Taste the Tarte Tropézienne
- Have a drink on the terrace of Sénéquier
- Take a tour of the Lighthouse
- See the parade of yachts at the Old Port
- Stroll along the quays during the Voiles de Saint-Tropez
- Laze in a beach club on Pampelonne beach
- Explore the three caps of St Tropez by sailboat: Lardier, Taillat and Camarat
- Visit the vineyards of Côtes de Provence
WHAT ARE THE BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO IN SAINT-TROPEZ?
Once you have put your bags in your luxury villa rental, you are ready to explore every nook and cranny of Saint-Tropez. Start with the heart of the village: the old town, its narrow streets and shady squares, all the way to the Old Port.
Climb to the top of the Citadel of Saint-Tropez
You can't miss it: the Citadel of Saint-Tropez overlooks the tiled roofs, looking over the village and the gulf. You will have to walk along its thick ramparts and climb a little to reach te top, built at the beginning of the 17th century and classified as a Historic Monument. But at the end of the path, a 360 ° view of St Tropez awaits you.
It's the perfect nice introduction before deciding what your next stop will be. Perhaps the port, where you can see the comings and goings of boats? Unless you prefer to stop at the Place des Lices, below the Citadel?
Take a walk to Place des Lices
This is our next stop. This square lined with plane trees, nestled in the heart of the village, is the setting of the St Tropez market that is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning.
On the stalls, you can find everything you need: fruits and vegetables shining in the sun, olives, spices, but also clothes and antiques. When the market gardeners do not occupy the place, it is the pétanque players who take over It's a purely Tropézien show that we are happy to attend, with a glass of rosé in hand.
Taste the Tarte Tropézienne
This brioche topped with cream is the ultimate treat, a sweet that can't be missed. You will find it at the menu of all restaurants, in the windows of all the pastry shops on the peninsula (and even beyond), but our favourite is at La Tarte Tropézienne.
You have to be a bit patient to get a table facing Place des Lices, but the struggle is worth the reward. Purists will order the original recipe, while the daring will try the summer variations of this emblematic dessert of the region.
Have a drink at Sénéquier
Another institution in Saint-Tropez, and not the least: Sénéquier. Its bright red terrace has become an institution, and even the backdrop for Chanel and Dior fashion shows. Having a drink here is like stepping into a postcard.
We prefer to come early in the morning, while the fishermen are untangling their still soaked nets, to enjoy a fresh fruit juice or a chilled coffee. You could also come at aperitif time, when the music and the melody of ice cubes begin to escape from the decks of the yachts, heralding the start of St Tropez nights.
Take a tour of the St Tropez lighthouse
Starting from the old town, walk along the ramparts that protect boats from the sea and walk to the entrance to the port. This is where the St Tropez lighthouse watches over the gulf, where yachts and sailboats lie dormant, too large to dock.
Walk around the lighthouse to admire the breathtaking view of the sea. On the opposite side, you'll see the beaches of Sainte-Maxime, another must-see destination on the Côte d'Azur.
Marvel at the yachts in the port
The Old Port of Saint-Tropez is home to both fishing boats and the most beautiful yachts in the world, and the most majestic of them are moored near by lighthouse.
We admire them from the quays, looking up to see their glossy pontoons, as we begin to dream of extraordinary crossings and cruises along the Mediterranean ...
Walk along the quay during Les Voiles de Saint Tropez
At the end of September, a different kinds of boats invade the port of St Tropez. Every year, the most beautiful sailboats in the world come together here for two weeks of regattas and parties.
From the classic three masts to modern nautical jewels, you will definitely be amazed; enough to make you want to set sail, and go on an adventure along the coasts of the peninsula ...
WHAT TO DISCOVER AROUND SAINT-TROPEZ?
Now let's leave the heart of the village, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Port. We're taking you to discover the rest of the peninsula.
Laze on Pampelonne beach
Located on the other side of the peninsula, in the town of Ramatuelle, Pampelonne beach is a mythical place. All you have to do is put your feet in the fine sand to dive back into the world of the film "And God Created Woman".
With a gingham swimsuit and retro sunglasses on, we play the Brigitte Bardots of modern times. You can lay your towel on the sand, or rent a deckchair in one of the legendary beach clubs, such as Club 55. It may be difficult to find a spot here, but some will tell you that you haven't really visited St Tropez if you haven't had a cocktail on Pampelonne beach.
Take a boat trip between the three Caps of St Tropez
Along the coast, towards the Bay of Cavalaire, you will come across three Caps carved by the sea and the wind: Cap Camarat, Cap Taillat and Cap Lardier. They can be explored on foot, along the coastal path, but we much prefer to see them from the sea.
In an immaculate blue setting - that of the Mediterranean and the azure sky which merge together - the three Caps are a marvel of rocky peaks covered with scrub, and we can't resist the temptation to take a dip to cool off in the face of this breathtaking setting.
Visit the surrounding vineyards and taste the Côtes de Provence
The hinterland of St Tropez is full of vineyards. It mainly produces Côtes de Provence: rosés with a pearly colour and reds with ruby red reflections. In two words: they are special wines.
Open the door to Château Saint-Maur, nestled in the heart of the vineyards, ten kilometres from St Tropez. The cellar manager will reveal all the secrets of wine making to you, before having you taste the estate's special bottles.
Discover villa rentals in St Tropez and the peninsula. With Le Collectionist , you will have everything you need to experience exceptional holidays with your loved ones.
