The ultimate Mediterranean escape: Saint Tropez
Photo by michaelkroul
Previously a beautiful, arty fishing village, currently a playground for the elite, Saint Tropez has always had some glamor stored for its visitors. And this summer, this famous town’s lively but laid-back vibes might be just what you need. Let’s dive into the elements that make Saint Tropez the iconic center it is.
Learn about Saint Tropez
The French Riviera has many towns and cities that make the Mediterranean coastline of France an irresistible destination. Since the attention and fame brought by the iconic Brigitte Bardot and her 1956 film And God Created Woman, Saint Tropez has gotten used to the millions of travelers eager to experience its luxurious, modern, and historic atmosphere.
A history of colors
Alongside the beauty of the sea and the little cafes and boutiques its green streets are home to, the cultural heritage of Saint Tropez is what makes this town still an inspiration for art and imagination. Way before the Bardot effect made Saint Tropez a favorite for cinephiles, the town was already a key location where art trends were set and new styles were born.
Paul Signac, a famous French painter, ended up in Saint Tropez when he was sailing and it became the place where he spent most of his time with other trendsetter painters like Henri Matisse. Soon enough, Saint Tropez turned into a hub for art and the canvases that were painted under its inspiration became famous examples of Neo-Impressionism.
The muse of Saint Tropez
Imagine an icon so influential in a town that it’s rare not to have her picture in a restaurant or a cafe. After Brigitte Bardot set foot in Saint Tropez, the already-inspiring sea town became the center of jet-set society. Her free spirit matched that of Saint Tropez and the combination was sun-filled, grandeur, and a luxurious lifestyle that Bardot embodied.
Her estate La Madrague became the symbol of her way of life, and she walked around naming famous desserts of Saint Tropez. Seriously—a pastry made by a Polish baker named Alexandre Micka in the 1950s was a favorite of Bardot’s and she came up with the name tarte tropézienne, Tropezian pie. Now Micka’s pastry shop has turned into a chain making it possible to taste this delicacy in many corners of Saint Tropez. Check out the list of the shops here.
Plan the things to do in Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez captured by Bapt Miller
Bathe in the legendary beaches
Sunbathing by the waters of the Gulf of Saint Tropez and diving into the cold waves are the inevitable activities once you are here. Yet, some of the specific beaches to do these are necessary to mention anyway.
The five-kilometer Pampelonne Beach stands out as the most famous one with its celebrity hotspot Club 55. Since the 1950s, the private and public areas, fine dining and clear waters of Pampelonne Beach have made being there the ultimate Saint Tropez experience.
And then there is Tahiti Beach, located at the northern end of Pampelonne Bay. This is the beach where “god created woman”, namely Brigitte Bardot. Her movie “And God Created Woman” brought great fame to the beach, now blending natural beauty with luxury and a sophisticated beach experience.
Set jetting as you walk around
The fact that Saint Tropez was the inspiration for iconic movies means that if you are a cinephile, you’ll love set jetting here.
“The Troops of St. Topez” is one of the most culturally impactful French comedy films. The humorous adventures of the bumbling yet endearing gendarme Ludovic Cruchot, played by Louis de Funès, one of France's most iconic comedic actors, were loved so much by the audience that it led to a series of six movies, cementing its place in French pop culture.
Place des Lices, a famous square in the heart of Saint Tropez, is not only known for its lively market but also being the backdrop for many scenes in “The Troops of St. Tropez”. Stop by the square to experience the same busy market selling everything from fresh products to local crafts.
The Gendarmerie Nationale building is another set-jetting spot featured in “The Troops of St. Tropez”. This police station with its outstanding façade became a symbol of the gendarmes depicted in the film. Today, you can visit the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma here, dedicated to the history of the local police force and its cinematic legacy.
Up for some fancy bites?
Saint Tropez is never short of options when it comes to anything fancy. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:
One of Bagatelle Saint Tropez’s amazing dishes
Bagatelle Saint Tropez is one of the chic beach clubs on Pampelonne Beach. What’s on the menu is luxury, relaxation, and gourmet dining like no other. You’ll enjoy a mix of Mediterranean and international cuisine with the beachfront views, and quality music—the ultimate Saint Tropez experience!
Dior des Lices is another perfect spot in Saint Tropez since it matches the town’s reputation as a luxury shopping destination. Until you try a designer’s cappuccino with its logo on it, you don’t realize that’s been the missing piece of your Saint Tropez trip. Their breakfast is also great so make sure to stop by!
Get to Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez by Valentin Kremer
Thanks to its popularity and convenient location in the French Riviera, getting to Saint Tropez is possible from many places in France. Wherever is your starting point, with Daytrip you can get to Saint Tropez smoothly and by exploring along the way.
PS.: Your Daytrip driver will take you to any stop you’d like to explore and wait for you. But keep in mind that any activity you prefer spending your time with needs to be planned by you.
Nice to Saint Tropez
Getting from Nice to Saint Tropez with Daytrip is a trip to remember. This one-hour-40-minute Mediterranean drive will pretty much feel like a scene from a Hollywood movie, so be prepared to daydream! On the way, stop by Chateau Sainte Roseline first thing and sip some of the best wines in the country. Then continue to Cannes to add to the movie vibes of your trip! You can also get from Paris to Cannes if you are visiting France for the Olympics and would like to explore more of the country.
Marseille to Saint Tropez
The two-hour car trip from Marseille to Saint Tropez is studded with stops that will enrich your France experience. Toulon is the first one of them, a port city where you can enjoy special fish dishes and wine. Afterwards, sparing some time for Hyeres will be an absolute feast for your eyes. This town’s beauty and resources made it a favorite destination for the English looking for warmer weather.
Aix-en-Provence to Saint Tropez
This ride from Aix-en-Provence to Saint Tropez goes through the heart of the French Riviera and offers a showcase of the green landscapes. On the way, La Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, an impressive monastic church, will be waiting for you to explore. Before you arrive at Saint Tropez, make sure you stop by Chateau Sainte Roseline and take a tour of its cellars!
No matter where you start your trip, having a ride with Daytrip full of exploration and ending up in Saint Tropez will definitely be worth it!
