Saint-Tropez holidays

How to reach Saint-Tropez

Flight time: From London, flights to Nice (Alpes-Maritimes) and flights to Hyères (Var) take around 2 hours.

Transfer time: From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, it takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to drive to Saint-Tropez (up to 3 hours by bus, with a service charge at Saint-Raphaël). Toulon Hyères Airport is within an hour’s drive (1 hour 30 minutes by bus).

Price: Taxiing from Nice will set you back anywhere from €250–€350, making the bus a steal at around €22. Taxis from Hyères cost about €110–€160; one-way bus tickets €2.10.

Best time to visit Saint-Tropez

The best time for your Saint-Tropez holidays depends on the vacation you want: seaside glitz and glamour or down-to-earth adventure.

April to June is ideal if you want pleasant weather (temperatures ranging from 17 to 23°C, 8 to 9 hours daily sunshine, 53–26mm rainfall) but prefer to explore sans crowds (it’s pretty quiet up to mid-June).

July to August sees temperatures soar to 27°C, with a few days climbing above 30°C. Minimal rainfall, over 11 hours of daily sunshine and sea temperatures around 23°C complete the picture; no wonder it's packed with tourists.

September to October is comfortably warm at 24 to 20°C with 11 to 8 hours of daily sunshine, but rainfall is more likely (peaking at 105mm in October). With sea temps clinging to 20°C, these aren’t bad months for getting active outdoors.

November to March is cooler, temperatures dropping from 16°C in November to 12°C in January before climbing to 14°C in March. It’s on-and-off wet these months (in the 86–65mm range), and you’ll see fewer sunshine hours, 6 hours daily on average. With most tourists long gone, Saint-Tropez feels a world away from its bustling summertime persona.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language, but many locals working in tourism speak English.

• Currency: France is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: You can easily explore Saint-Tropez on foot or by bike. For trips further afield, buses run to nearby towns and beaches, with fares around €2. Ferries to nearby coastal towns like Sainte-Maxime cost around €15 for a return trip. Taxi fares start at about €20 for short journeys.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard mains electricity is 220–240V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and E.

• Time zone: France keeps Central European Time (GMT+ 1 hour) but switches to Central European Summer Time (GMT+ 2 hours, British Summer Time + 1 hour) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Best things to do in Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez holidays have something for everyone, whether you're after scenic views, a touch of culture or lively nightlife.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cap Camarat: This viewpoint offers sweeping views of the rugged coastline, sandy beaches and glittering sea.

• Phare de Saint-Tropez: Perched at the tip of bustling Saint-Tropez Port, there’s no better place to yacht spot.

The best districts

• La Ponche: Saint-Tropez’s walkable former fishing quarter is pastel-pretty, with great cafés, chic boutiques and galleries.

• Les Lices: Shady plane trees, pétanque, cafés and a legendary twice-weekly market, community-centred Les Lices is one of the most likeable districts in Saint Tropez.

Parks and gardens

• Château de la Moutte: A few kilometres from the hustle of Saint-Tropez, this country house estate was the home of Émile Ollivier, a French statesman, writer, and, if the lush palm-studded garden and grounds are anything to go by, talented landscaper.

• Jardin Botanique des Myrtes: Across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez in Saint-Maxime, the Botanic label is doing a lot of work, but this peaceful garden is a nice change of pace from the beach scene in Saint-Tropez.

Museums

• Musée de l'Annonciade: This chapel-turned-gallery hosts a small but mighty collection of modern art, including works by Matisse and Signac.

• Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma: Gendarmes and cinema seem strange bedfellows until you add actor Louis de Funès. The museum building was a filming location for the Les Gendarmes de Saint-Tropez comedy series, making it an ideal place to learn about Saint-Tropez's starry movie-making past.

Historical monuments

• Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption: One of Saint-Tropez’s most iconic landmarks, the pièce de résistance is the two-tone bell tower.

• Tours du Portalet and la Vieille: Built in the 15th century to protect the town and coast, these two formidable towers stand sentinel over Plage de la Glaye in La Ponche.

Day trips in the area

• Gorges du Verdon: Cutting through Parc Natural Regional du Verdon, this river canyon is bucket-list material from the tip of its towering, viridescent cliffs to its almost teal waters. It’s a fair drive, 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes, but unforgettable for hiking, swimming or kayaking.

• Parc National de Port-Cros: Islets, capes, coves and canyons, sea fans and corals, this park rivals Parc Natural Regional du Verdon for sheer natural splendour. Saint-Tropez operators run excursions to the park, but you can also ferry across from Le Lavandou, 40km away.

Activities for families in Saint-Tropez

At first blush, Saint-Tropez seems like a playground for adults, but it offers plenty for families.

• Amusement parks: Azur Park, just outside Saint-Tropez, features rides for all ages, from gentle carousels for toddlers to thrilling rollercoasters for older children. There’s also an 18-hole mini-golf course that the whole family can enjoy.

• Beach clubs: Many of Saint-Tropez’s beach clubs, such as Gigi Ramatuelle on Plage de Pampelonne, are family-friendly and offer facilities like swimming pools, kids’ menus and even water sports lessons.

• Boat trips: Several companies offer boat tours of the bay, which are ideal for families. These trips give you a unique perspective of Saint-Tropez from the water and may include stops at quieter beaches or dolphin-spotting opportunities.

• Interactive museums: Saint-Tropez’s landmark citadel offers more than peacocks and panoramas. Housed in the dungeons, the immersive Musée d'Histoire Maritime tells the story of Tropezienne and Provençal seafarers, from fishermen to merchant sailors.

• Waterparks: As waterparks go, Aqualand, on the outskirts of Saint-Maxine, is relatively small but has enough swimming pools and slides for a couple of hours of entertainment.

Free things to do in Saint-Tropez

From exploring the town to enjoying the great outdoors, there are plenty of ways to fill your days without emptying your wallet.

• Annual festivals and free events: Saint-Tropez hosts various free events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, music festivals and regattas. In October, don’t miss the Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a week of yacht racing.

• Beaches: The private beach clubs take up a fair portion of Saint-Tropez’s beachfront, but you’ll still find stretches of sand to lay out your towel between the smart line-ups of sunloungers and parasols. Plage des Graniers is one of the quieter options.

• Churches: Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption isn’t the only game in town; the Chapelle de la Miséricorde on rue Gambetta is worth seeking out for its rival bell tower and serpentine doorway, and near place de Lices, the Reformed Temple of Saint-Tropez for its World War I origin story.

Wellness in Saint-Tropez

• Spas and thermal baths: High-end spas like Byblos Spa offer a range of luxe facials, massages and body treatments. Byblos pulls out all the stops with a hammam and sauna for complete relaxation.

• Traditional body care: Spas such as Muse Hotel & Spa offer treatments incorporating Provençal ingredients, like lavender and olive oil, into their massages and skincare.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Several wellness centres and resorts offer yoga and meditation classes. With a reputation for barefoot luxury, Épi Baie de Pampelonne provides a shaded sea view yoga and meditation deck.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Pick up the Sentier du Littoral at the Tour du Portalet and walk towards Point du Cimetiere, looping around the peninsula to Plage de Tahiti.

• Jet skiing and water-skiing: Bust out old moves or learn some new ones at Plage de Pampelonne.

• SUP: Less speed and more scenery. SUP rentals are available at beachside kiosks.

• Sailing and boat trips: Join the yachting set, rent or charter a boat at the harbour and sail around the bay or to the Îles d'Hyères.

• Cycling: If you prefer dry land, Saint-Tropez and its surroundings are great for cycling enthusiasts, with routes through vineyards, olive groves and charming Provençal villages.

Discover the glamorous beaches of Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez, a stunning gem on the French Riviera, is renowned for its luxurious beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. This iconic destination has something for everyone, from trendy beach clubs to quiet, secluded spots. Here’s a closer look at some of the must-visit beaches during your Saint-Tropez holidays.

Pampelonne Beach

• Pampelonne Beach: Perhaps the most famous beach in Saint-Tropez, Pampelonne stretches for nearly five kilometres and is lined with upscale beach clubs, bars, and restaurants. Known for its soft sands and lively atmosphere, this beach attracts a glamorous crowd looking to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy beachside dining. Whether you choose to relax at a chic beach club or find a quiet spot to unwind, Pampelonne offers the perfect blend of luxury and leisure.

Plage de la Bouillabaisse

• Plage de la Bouillabaisse: Located near the town centre, Plage de la Bouillabaisse is a popular choice for those seeking convenience and beautiful views. This picturesque beach features soft sands and calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops, making it an ideal spot for a day of relaxation followed by a delightful meal in the heart of Saint-Tropez.

Plage des Salins

• Plage des Salins: For a more tranquil experience, Plage des Salins is a hidden gem just a short drive from the bustling town. Surrounded by natural beauty, this beach boasts soft golden sands and clear waters, providing a serene environment for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is also a great spot for picnics, with shaded areas provided by the surrounding pine trees.

Nikki Beach

• Nikki Beach: A quintessential beach club experience, Nikki Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and exclusive vibe. With luxurious sunbeds, delicious dining options, and live DJ performances, this beach club is the place to be for those looking to enjoy the party scene. Spend the day lounging in style, sipping cocktails, and soaking up the sun with fellow beachgoers.

Activities and water sports

Saint-Tropez’s beaches also offer a variety of activities and water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and sailing. Many beach clubs provide rental services and organized excursions, ensuring you can make the most of your time by the water.

With its glamorous beaches and vibrant atmosphere, Saint-Tropez is a true paradise for sun-seekers and party enthusiasts alike. Whether you're relaxing on a sunbed, exploring the local attractions, or enjoying thrilling water sports, the beaches of Saint-Tropez promise unforgettable experiences during your holidays.

Local dishes in Saint-Tropez

One of the best parts of holidays to Saint-Tropez is indulging in the local cuisine, which blends Provençal flavours with Mediterranean influences.

Some typical dishes

• Ratatouille: Made with tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, peppers and onions, this hearty ragout is a Provençal staple. It’s often served as a side dish but can be a meal in itself with a crusty baguette.

• Bouillabaisse: This saffron-infused fish (scorpionfish is non-negotiable) and shellfish stew originated in Marseille, but you’ll find excellent versions in Saint-Tropez.

Meat dishes

• Daube: Beef or lamb braised with red wine, garlic and Provençal herbs, this traditional stew is just the ticket for a leisurely evening meal.

• Gigot d'agneau rôti à la Provençale: Roast leg of lamb Provence style, crusty herb coating on the outside, juicy tender lamb on the inside.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Loup de mer grillé: Grilled sea bass is served everywhere along the Mediterranean coast. The crunchy skin may be the best part.

• Moules marinières: Nothing is more French than mussels cooked in white wine, garlic and parsley.

Street food

• Socca: This chickpea flatbread hails from Nice, but you’ll find them everywhere in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarte Tropézienne: Invented in Saint-Tropez in the 1950s, this cream-filled brioche is topped with sliced almonds or a dusting of icing sugar.

• Calissons: Made with ground almonds and candied fruit, these diamond-shaped sweets are a Provençal favourite.

Local drinks

• Côtes de Provence Rosé: Pale pink, dry and refreshing with floral and fruity aromas, no trip to Saint-Tropez is complete without sampling the region’s famous rosé wines.

• Pastis: France’s favourite aperitif, this anise-flavoured spirit is best drunk cloudy with ice-cold still water (as a rule, one part Pastis to five parts water).