Yulia Saf 
What comes first to your mind when you hear about Saint Tropez?
You are probably thinking of celebrities, glamour, and yachts, exclusive clubs, etc. Don’t worry. I thought the same! And it is true: the city has it all. But which are the best things to do in Saint Tropez? Let’s find out!
In the old times, Saint Tropez was just a simple fishing village, but over the years it has become a world-renowned seaside resort, a sophisticated destination for the wealthy and famous.
In this article, I want to tell you more about the best things to do in St. Tropez over a weekend! Regardless if you are going during the weekend or not, I’d say that 2 days are enough to see more or less everything in Saint Tropez!
Here is a St. Tropez itinerary for a great weekend:
Contents
- In a hurry
- 1. Walk down the promenade of the Old Port
- 2. Relax on the beach
- 3. Take a boat tour or hire a boat
- 4. Enjoy the view while sipping on a cocktail
- 5. Check out Musee de l’Annonciade
- 6. Go up the Citadel
- 7. Take a walk at Place des Lices
- BONUS: Other hot spots you should check out in St Tropez
- Visiting Saint Tropez on a day trip
- Best day trips from Saint Tropez
- Where to Stay in St. Tropez
- Best restaurants and cafés in Saint Tropez
- Frequently asked questions about St. Tropez
- Conclusion
In a hurry
Here are the best tours you book before visiting St. Tropez:
- Muse Saint Tropez
- Enjoy the Voiles de Saint Tropez on a catamaran
- Take a private walking tour of the city
And here are the best hotels: Muse Saint Tropez (Luxury), Domaine Les Mésanges (Mid-range), Windward (Budget)
1. Walk down the promenade of the Old Port
The Vieux Port is basically the city center, the heart of the town and one of the most popular Saint Tropez attractions! The port of Saint Tropez is full of tiny fishing boats, yachts, colorful houses and, of course, many chic cafés, so it is definitely worth visiting it.
Sitting in one of the cafes at Saint Tropez harbor and simply people-watch can be quite an experience! You can take a walk on the streets and admire the paintings made by artists to soak up the atmosphere of the city.
If you like to wake up early in the morning, you can go to Place aux Herbes (map) at St. Tropez port, which is a market square where you can feel like a real French while buying flowers, fruits or veggies! Or you can see how the locals and restaurant owners buy fresh fish at Halle aux Poissons!
2. Relax on the beach
This is definitely one of the most famous St. Tropez activities, of course!
The beaches in St. Tropez are marvelous and the water has a wonderful turquoise color!
Here are the best beaches I can recommend (they were recommended to me by the wonderful staff in my hotel):
- Tahiti (map)
- Moorea (map)
- Plage de Pampelonne (map) – probably the most famous St. Tropez beach and also the longest one (5 km!). The beach is well-known because Brigitte Bardot was here to film “And God Created Woman” in the 50s.
- Plage des Canoubiers (map)
- Plage de la Ponche and Plage (map) de la Fontanette (map) – small and not that crowded
NOTE: Please note that you can get to most of the beaches in Saint Tropez by car. For this, you might want to consider renting a car while in the city!
If you want a beach that can be reached by foot, you try Plage de la Bouillabaisse (map), it is a public beach (not private, as most Saint Tropez beaches are), located right outside the harbor! Another close option is Plage des Graniers (map), which has both sand and pebbles.
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3. Take a boat tour or hire a boat
In case you don’t own a beautiful boat parked on some of the piers of Saint Tropez, no worries, you can actually rent one for a day!
Even though this activity is quite pricey, it is definitely worth it if you are a huge fan of yachts – and St. Tropez is the best place to do it!
If you are interested, you can find the price list for boat rental in St. Tropez here and here.
Or you can take a 1-hour guided Saint Tropez boat tour around the area and you will be told about all the popular tourist sites: the Citadelle which also houses the Museum of Maritime History, the Baie de Canebiers (map) and some celebrities’ villas!
In case you are a big group of people (up to 6 people), this private tour in the Bay of Saint Tropez might be a great idea!
If you are already in France and want to visit Saint Tropez by boat for one day, there are multiple tours that you can take from Nice or Cannes! You’ll find more details about it below.
4. Enjoy the view while sipping on a cocktail
Spending some time in the beautiful cafes and bars is one of the best things to do in St. Tropez!
You can gawk at the yachts in the Old Port’s cafes or enjoy the magnificent bird-eye view from Ermitage Hotel while sipping on a drink (an apéro, as the French call the drinks before dinner). Or maybe have a delicious dinner in L’Opera? The choices are endless!
While you are there, don’t forget to enjoy your Dolce Vita lifestyle and look around – you might actually meet some celebrities!
5. Check out Musee de l’Annonciade
What to do in St. Tropez if you are already bored of laying on the beach? I recommend you visit Musee de l’Annonciade!
The building (the old Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade that was converted into a museum) dates back to the 16th century and the museum stores a rich collection of post-impressionist paintings. If you are an art-lover, please note that the collection includes Matisse (six works), Signac and Bonnard and many other artists that were living in Saint-Tropez at the end of the 18th century!
In addition to that, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the port from the museum!
PRICE: The entrance fee is €4 to €6 (depending on whether there is a major temporary exhibition or only permanent collections)
6. Go up the Citadel
Saint Tropez Citadelle (map) has a very interesting hexagonal shape and guards the entire city from above! Its walls were built at the beginning of the 17th century and it is one of the best spots for Saint Tropez sightseeing!
While you are there, you might also want to visit Musée d’Histoire Maritime, where you can learn stories about the maritime past of this beautiful city.
7. Take a walk at Place des Lices
Place des Lices (map), also known as Place Carnot, is the place to go if you want to escape the luxury atmosphere and feel the old charm of Saint-Tropez instead!
This is a city square located very close to the Vieux Port. If you have been to France before, you might be familiar with their famous game of pétanque (a ball game similar to boules). Well, this is the spot where Saint-Tropez locals gather to play pétanque and relax at Café des Arts!
Every Tuesday and Saturday morning there is also a market here – Marché de Saint-Tropez.
| 🏛️ Best museum: | Musee de l’Annonciade |
| 📍 Best area: | La Ponche |
| 🏖️ Top outdoor activity: | Plage de Pampelonne |
| 🥯 Must try food: | Tarte Tropézienne |
BONUS: Other hot spots you should check out in St Tropez
If you still have some time and you don’t want to spend it on the beach anymore, here you can find some extra, fun things to do in Saint-Tropez!
- La Ponche / The Old Town – the old town of Saint-Tropez is one of the most beautiful walking spots in the city! Take a stroll on the narrow streets full of charming shops, cozy cafes, and traditional restaurants! You can begin discovering the area by walking the Rue de la Citadelle (map), which will get you right to the heart of the old center. This one is definitely in the top 10 things to do in Saint Tropez!
- Maison des Papillons – Wondering what to visit in Saint Tropez with kids? The city has a great Butterfly Museum where you will get to see more than 35.000 colorful specimens, even very rare, exotic, and extinct ones! The entrance fee is €2.
- Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma – It is well-known that Saint Tropez has a rich cinema history because many old-school movies were filmed here (starting with “And God Created Woman” with Brigitte Bardot in the 50s). Jean Girault, the director of the Gendarme series of films also used Saint Tropez as a film set and the police station’s façade in the city became very popular after that! It may sound boring, but the museum hosts interactive works and objects from movies, so it is worth visiting it! The entrance fee is €5.
- Sentier du Littoral – check out this scenic, wild coastal road that goes around the Saint Tropez peninsula. If you love the outdoors, then you might want to do the half-day hiking trail and admire the beautiful nature of the peninsula! Make sure to have some good hiking boots with you in case you want to do this activity, as well as your bathing suit for the many bathing opportunities!
- Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez – If you are going to visit Saint Tropez at the end of September and the beginning of October, don’t miss the chance to witness the event of the year – the racing regatta! It is called Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez and it is an important contest gathering many people. It has been held for 25 years in the city and during the regatta, the bay is full of colorful large sails and you can enjoy a fantastic view!
- Chapelle Sainte-Anne – This chapel dates from the 16th century and is located in a nice area, close to the sea. As a fun fact, Mick Jagger married Bianca Jagger here in 1971!
- Cap Camarat – the second highest lighthouse in entire France (129m above sea level), after Le Phare de Gatteville! Visit it for incredible views over the city and the sea.
Visiting Saint Tropez on a day trip
Just imagine a relaxing Sunday in St. Tropez, while you are laying on the beach and sipping from a cocktail! However, if you do not want to spend a weekend (or more) in Saint Tropez, no worries! There is also the possibility to visit the city on a day trip from other well-known cities in France. There are many options and well-thought tours out there!
Unfortunately, Saint Tropez doesn’t have any train stations and there are hardly any direct buses. So, one option would be to discover the area with a rented car, which gives you infinite freedom and flexibility and which I definitely recommend, especially in France, where the roads are breath-taking!
If you do not want or cannot do this, no problem! Here are the organized tours I can recommend:
From Nice to St. Tropez
The city of Nice is located 110 km away from Saint-Tropez, so it makes for a convenient day trip!
A popular airport near St. Tropez, France is Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, located only 90 minutes away. If you are searching for a private airport transfer from Nice Airport to Saint-Tropez, here is a good one.
You can visit Saint Tropez together with Port Grimaud and Massif de l’Esterel if you book this tour by boat.
If you would prefer a private Saint Tropez tour instead, here is a great option.
In case you only want to pay for the boat from Nice to St. Tropez and not for an organized tour, this round-trip transportation is for you. This will only get you to the city and back to Nice and then you will have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you want to get there by yourself, not using a ferry/yacht or a rented car, there is the option of taking a train (1h) from Nice to Saint-Raphaël Valescure, and then taking bus no. 876 (~2h) from Saint-Raphaël to Saint-Tropez bus station. Here you can check the schedule and prices for the train and here for the bus.
From Cannes to Saint Tropez
Cannes is located a bit closer to Saint Tropez than Nice – around 85 km away.
If you wish to visit Saint Tropez from Cannes as a 1-day roundtrip, this tour by boat might be the perfect solution! You will get to Saint Tropez in 1h and 15 minutes and then you will have the opportunity to visit the most important sights of the city!
If you are in another part of France or simply want a private tour where you can decide your departure point, this French Riviera private half-day tour could be ideal for you!
If you want to get from Cannes to Saint-Tropez by yourself without a tour or a rented car you can take a train from Cannes to Saint-Raphaël Valescure (50 min), and then bus no. 876 (~2h) from Saint-Raphaël to Saint-Tropez bus station. Here you can check the schedule and prices for the train and here for the bus.
From Marseille to Saint Tropez
There is also the possibility of taking a private tour to Saint Tropez from Marseille. The driver will take you from any address in Marseille and then you will be off exploring the beautiful city and learn about the history of St. Tropez!
Getting from Marseille to Saint-Tropez using public transport requires the same transfer: you need to take a train from Marseille to Saint-Raphaël (1h35’), and then bus no. 876 (~2h) from Saint-Raphaël to Saint-Tropez. Here you can check the schedule and prices for the train and here for the bus.
Best day trips from Saint Tropez
If you would like to discover more of the beautiful Côte d’Azur area in France, why not explore the surrounding area – it is just as beautiful! Here are some great cities and things to do near St. Tropez:
- Port-Grimaud – many people say this charming city resembles Venice, as it is full of walking streets and tiny bridges! Port-Grimaud to Saint Tropez is only 8 km by car, so there is no reason not to visit it!
- Cannes – a beautiful and popular destination for everyone visiting Côte d’Azur! If you visit it during the month of May, you might even catch the Festival de Cannes.
- Nice – one of the most beautiful seaside cities in France. If you go there, make sure to take a walk on Promenade des Angles – the most famous part of the city!
- Saint-Raphaël – if you are aiming for a lesser-known destination, this city located only 50 km away is the perfect option!
- Massif des Maures – this is a gorgeous mountain range with many gorgeous sightseeing spots. I’d totally recommend Corniche des Maures – an area of cliffs, forests, and bays
- Ramatuelle – a charming, medieval city located on a hilltop, only 10 km away from Saint-Tropez
- Sainte-Maxime – also very close to Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime can be reached after a 26 km-drive and you can even do parasailing there!
If you want to read more about France, here you can find all my articles about the country.
Where to Stay in St. Tropez
St. Tropez is known as a luxury destination, so you will not have any problems in finding your own piece of luxury Heaven there! And do not worry, there are hotels for every budget there. Here are my recommendations for St. Tropez hotels:
Luxury (€300 and up)
- Muse Saint Tropez / Ramatuelle – it is one of the best hotels in St. Tropez! It has 5 stars, a spa, a swimming pool, and very nice décor!
- Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez – another great St. Tropez resort, located only 300m from the city center! Plus, the décor is inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s and it’s simply colorful and gorgeous!
Middle-priced (from €150 to €300):
- Hotel des Lices is located in the very heart of the city offering lovely rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and a restaurant. What more can you wish for? If you don’t mind walking/have a car, choose
- Domaine Les Mésanges – this hotel in St. Tropez is located a bit farther than the first one, but it has perfect reviews for its elegantly decorated rooms and delicious breakfasts!
Budget (up to €150):
- Windward – a great aparthotel perfect for 2 people and it is located in Saint-Tropez!
- Le Petit Prince – located in Sainte-Maxime, which is around 20 minutes away from Saint-Tropez!
Best restaurants and cafés in Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is the place where it will be so hard to choose between all the great cafes, restaurants, and bars, especially in the Old Port area! But don’t worry, I am here to help! Here are my recommendations for the best restaurants in St. Tropez, France for an authentic day or night out:
- La Ramade (map) – great for French and Mediterranean cuisine! They even have a beautiful garden where you can eat
- Chez les Garçons (map) – cozy restaurant with cinema-inspired decorations and French dishes
- Le Dit Vin Restaurant (map) – a must in St. Tropez for traditional French cuisine and pizza!
- Sénéquier (map) – you definitely can’t miss this one, as it is one of the most popular cafés in the city with a red, striking façade! Fun fact: Sartre used to go there and write parts of “Roads to Freedom”!
- Le Café (map) – a very old and charming café and the spot where the French painters and artists used to come back in the 18th. It has delicious food as well!
Oh, and while you are in the city you MUST try their traditional dessert – Tarte Tropézienne! It is basically a French brioche with whipped cream and vanilla cream and it is so delicious! This dessert was created in the 50s at a bakery (named La Tarte Tropézienne) in the heart of the city. The story says that, while she was filming on Pampelonne beach, Brigitte Bardot tasted this unique tart and she loved it so much that she wanted to choose its name! Afterward, Tarte Tropézienne became insanely famous. Of course, it goes so well with a glass of French wine, so don’t miss the opportunity to taste these while you are in Saint-Tropez!
Frequently asked questions about St. Tropez
📅 How long should you stay in St. Tropez?
To immerse in St. Tropez’s allure, a stay of 3 to 5 days allows time for its beaches, culture, and vibrant atmosphere.
🛫 What is the nearest airport to St. Tropez?
The nearest airport to St. Tropez is La Môle-Saint-Tropez Airport, located approximately 15 kilometers away from the town center.
🌡️ What is the weather like in St. Tropez in summer?
St. Tropez enjoys warm and sunny weather in summer, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-29°C) and minimal rainfall.
⚠️ Is St. Tropez safe to visit for tourists?
Yes, St. Tropez is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere.
🛍️ Are shops open in St. Tropez on Sunday?
Yes, many shops in St. Tropez are open on Sundays.
Conclusion
I hope I convinced you that Saint Tropez tourism has its own special charm and I truly believe it is a place that you cannot miss!
Located in the south of France, St. Tropez makes for a great, relaxing vacation with its beautiful beaches and turquoise water, but there are some other fun things to do in the city as well!
In this article we went through some of the best things to do in Saint Tropez, how you can go to the city on a day trip and other useful information such as hotels and how to get there – everything you need to know for your St. Tropez holidays!
Have you been to Saint Tropez? What would you add to the list?
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate and leave them below! I am happy to answer!
Yulia
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I would love a tour package with hotel, flight, etc Any suggestions?
If You have trouble finding a hotel or vacation house in Saint-Tropez, try looking in Sainte-Maxime it’s much cheaper and less crowded during peak season. There is a 15 minutes ferry to Saint-Tropez and with a car, its a 20 minutes drive
So true, thanks for bringing this up! I also recommend some hotels in Sainte-Maxime in my article on best places to stay when visiting Saint-Tropez!
Hello, great website very helpful, we are visiting for the day with our own car, can you park up for the day and walk to everything, or will we need the car all day?
Hi, thank you!
You can stroll around the town by foot, but if you want to go further away you’ll have the take the car. There are two beaches that I recommend that you can get to by foot, Plage de la Bouillabaisse and Plage des Graniers
Hope this helps!
Have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you for sharing this blog. You know this kind of blog makes us curious to come to spend perfect vacation or l can say crazy vacation. Keep sharing amazing cruise destinations with us.
The worst place I ever visited. The place smells, its outrageously expensive and they ship in the white sand for their beaches. Perhaps in the 60’s it was great. I would not waste money on a trip to St. Tropez. Go to Venice!
Welcome!
This blog has made me book a spontaneous trip to St Tropez!!! OOPS! Just look at this video though:
Absolute perfection. Thanks for a great read! I blame you for my bank balance…
I found Saint Tropez to be underwhelming when I went – probably because I had such high expectations based off of TV and rap music videos. It was nice enough, but I didn’t see it as any better than Cannes or Antibes! But I can see how you would enjoy it so much – the hotel seems divine! A pillow menu?! Now THAT’S awesome!
Saint Tropez was the first I visited in Cote D’Azur, so I compare the other way around. Though, I d say, St Tropez still have its own charm different from the rest of the cities there. Andd yes, Benkirai hotel was truely some of the best hotels I have ever stayed, enjoyed it SO much!
Saint Tropez is definitely my next destination. I’ve been to France several times but I never had a chance to visit Saint Tropez. It’s so beautiful! And I would love to hire a boat for a day. Does it cost so much? 🙂
Marj from: Fashion Travel Accessories : Fashion Girl : Fashion Travel
xo
it is not cheap for sure, but, if you have a chance, do it! 🙂