France travel guide

Saint-Tropez

The iconic Riviera town on the Mediterranean – a place where glamour, history and relaxed southern French lifestyle meet in one of France’s most famous coastal destinations.

Saint-Tropez is one of the most iconic destinations on the French Riviera. The small coastal town, located by the Mediterranean in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, is known for its glittering harbour, luxury yachts, exclusive beach clubs and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world.

Originally Saint-Tropez was a quiet fishing village, but in the 1950s it became world-famous when artists, writers and film stars began spending their summers here. Since then, the town has developed into a symbol of the Riviera’s elegant lifestyle.

Today Saint-Tropez combines luxury and history in a unique way. In the old quarter of La Ponche you will find narrow cobbled streets, small art galleries and restaurants, while the harbour is filled with elegant boats and lively cafés. Just outside the centre lies the famous Pampelonne Beach, with some of the Riviera’s best-known beach clubs and long sandy beaches.

Saint-Tropez guide

Experiences

10 things to do

Saint-Tropez combines glamorous Riviera atmosphere with historic streets, beautiful beaches and classic Mediterranean experiences. Here you can move between the harbour promenade, the old town, beach life, art and small excursions to viewpoints and villages in the surrounding area.

The destination suits both quiet days by the sea and travellers who want to fill their days with culture, markets, views and short trips to some of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera.

Stroll along the harbour and enjoy the atmosphere among yachts, outdoor restaurants and classic Riviera life from morning to evening.
Explore the old quarter of La Ponche, with narrow streets, pastel façades, small shops and a more historic side of Saint-Tropez.
Visit Pampelonne Beach, one of the Riviera’s most famous beaches, known for its long stretch of sand, clear water and elegant beach clubs.
Walk up to the citadel for panoramic views over the town, the harbour and the Mediterranean.
Experience the market at Place des Lices, with local produce, textiles, olives, cheeses and a Provençal atmosphere.
Visit Musée de l’Annonciade and see art inspired by the light, landscape and life along the coast.
Take a boat trip in the bay and experience Saint-Tropez from the sea, with small coves and glittering water.
Visit the hilltop village of Gassin, which offers views over vineyards and the sea.
Taste the classic Tarte Tropézienne, the town’s most famous sweet speciality.
End the day with sunset by the beach or along the harbour.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Food experiences

Saint-Tropez offers everything from iconic beach restaurants and elegant harbour addresses to sophisticated gourmet experiences. Here you can combine fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours and atmospheric surroundings with views of the sea, the beach or the lively streets around Place des Lices.

The variety is wide, whether you want a long lunch in the sun, a relaxed meal by the water or a more exclusive dinner with high gastronomic standards.

Le Club 55 – A legendary beach restaurant on Pampelonne Beach, known for fresh seafood, Mediterranean food and relaxed luxury.
La Vague d’Or – An exclusive Michelin-starred restaurant at Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, with modern French gastronomy and sea views.
Salama – An atmospheric restaurant with elegant Moroccan cooking, beautiful interiors and many flavourful signature dishes.
L’Opéra Saint-Tropez – A lively restaurant by the harbour where food, entertainment and nightlife merge in glamorous surroundings.
Le Girelier – A classic harbour restaurant focused on fish and seafood, known for elegant plates and bouillabaisse.
La Table de la Ponche – An elegant old-town restaurant serving refined Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in historic seaside surroundings.
Les Graniers – A charming restaurant close to the beach, with simple Mediterranean food, a relaxed mood and fine sea views.
Bagatelle Beach – One of Pampelonne’s most popular beach restaurants, known for good food, rosé wine and a lively summer atmosphere.
Café de Paris – An iconic brasserie on the harbour in Saint-Tropez with classic French cooking, a terrace and a lively mood from lunch to evening.
Le Café – A trendy restaurant on Place des Lices, known for modern brasserie style and a social evening scene.

Tip: Plan one lunch by the beach and one dinner in the old town or by the harbour. That way you experience both the relaxed beach feeling and the more elegant evening side of Saint-Tropez.

Travel guide Saint-Tropez – glamour, history and Mediterranean life

Saint-Tropez – glamour, history and Mediterranean life at its best

What was once a quiet fishing village has become an international destination attracting artists, celebrities, sailors and pleasure-seekers from all over the world.

Today Saint-Tropez is synonymous with the glamorous lifestyle of the Riviera, but behind the luxury yachts and beach clubs you will also find rich history, beautiful nature and a cultural heritage that makes the town much more than a jet-set destination. It is also a fine base for experiencing the French Riviera, combining Mediterranean life, beautiful villages, vineyards and spectacular scenery. With Saint-Tropez as your base, you can easily explore some of the most iconic places along the Côte d’Azur.

What you can experience

Harbour life, the old town, beach clubs and classic Riviera atmosphere in iconic Saint-Tropez.
Day trips to beautiful villages, wine areas and some of the most famous places along the Côte d’Azur.

We have created a travel guide for inspiration and easy planning.

Côte d’Azur Travel guide

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Whether you dream of long sandy beaches or quiet bays, France has beaches to match your style.

Read the beach guide →

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The Côte d’Azur, or French Riviera, is one of Europe’s most iconic coastlines. The region stretches along the south-east coast of France – from the Italian border to the area around Saint-Tropez – and offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, nature and charm.

We have written recommendations and created ideas for a rewarding round trip through the region.

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