Saint-Tropez

Vieux Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez, while nearby La Ponche reveals the town’s older, more intimate side, with fishermen’s houses, small beaches and narrow lanes.

The harbour is the town’s natural meeting place. Colourful façades, cafés and boats create a lively picture of Saint-Tropez from early morning until late at night.

Behind the quayside lies the old town, with narrow lanes and small squares. Artists have long displayed their work beside the harbour, and the area is closely connected with seafaring, fishing and the town’s international fame.

La Ponche was once the fishermen’s quarter. Between Tour du Portalet and Tour Vieille, the small beaches of La Ponche and La Fontanette lie at the foot of the old houses.

Allow time to wander without a fixed route: begin at the harbour, enter La Ponche and follow the coast towards the small beaches and citadel.

Pampelonne is the long sandy beach that helped create the Saint-Tropez legend, while remaining an extensive natural area with public sections and many different moods.

The beach lies in the commune of Ramatuelle and stretches for around 4.5 kilometres along the Mediterranean. It is classified as a remarkable natural site.

Pampelonne became internationally famous when filmmakers and celebrities discovered the area in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, quiet stretches alternate with public areas, water sports and celebrated beach restaurants.

The various access points offer different experiences. Some areas are lively, while others are better suited to a peaceful day of swimming or a walk along the coast.

Plan your transport before setting out in the high season. Early mornings and late afternoons are often calmer than the middle of the day.

The citadel stands above the town, combining historic fortifications with sweeping views and a museum devoted to Saint-Tropez’s long relationship with the sea.

The fortress guards the heights above the old town and looks out over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the harbour and the hills of the peninsula.

The maritime history museum recalls the period when the people of Saint-Tropez travelled the world. From the late 15th century, the town developed again around fishing, coastal trade and seafaring.

The displays highlight sailors, captains and families who connected this small town with ports far beyond Provence.

The visit combines well with a walk through La Ponche and down towards the harbour.

Musée de l’Annonciade shows how Saint-Tropez became an important centre of modern art in the early 20th century, long before the town was famous for films and beach life.

The museum was founded in 1922 and occupies a former chapel near the harbour.

Its story is closely linked to Paul Signac, who arrived in Saint-Tropez aboard L’Olympia in 1892. Fascinated by the light and landscape, he invited other artists to the area.

The collection includes works by Signac, Matisse, Derain, Bonnard, Marquet, Seurat and Van Dongen, among others. The artists drew inspiration from the harbour, coastline and intense Mediterranean light.

The museum is relatively compact and makes a peaceful cultural stop between the harbour, La Ponche and Place des Lices.

Place des Lices is the town’s great everyday gathering place – home to the market, pétanque, pavement cafés and a more local side of Saint-Tropez.

The square lies at the heart of the town, just a short walk from the harbour and the old town’s narrow streets.

The Provençal market fills the square with fruit, vegetables, cheese, flowers, spices, textiles and crafts. It is one of the town’s most established traditions.

Outside market days, the square is used for pétanque, café life and local events. The shade of the plane trees makes it a natural place to pause.

Place des Lices is a good starting point for walking towards the harbour, La Ponche or the shopping streets around the centre.