What to do in Saint Tropez ? The 10 best things to do and see
Visiter Saint-Tropez, la destination incontournable de la Côte d’Azur, c’est vivre une expérience unique. Ancienne cité de pêcheurs, aujourd’hui destination préférée de la jet-set, Saint-Tropez charme et retient par son port animé, ses plages emblématiques, ses célébrités, ses marchés provençaux et son patrimoine. Quelles que soient vos envies, la ville offre une multitude d’attractions et de choses à voir toute l’année.
Vous préparez votre venue et vous demandez que faire à Saint-Tropez ? Le Domaine de l’Astragale vous dresse la liste des 10 incontournables à voir et à faire,pour vous garantir une expérience inoubliable.
- Stroll around the Saint-Tropez port and the old town
- Visit the Saint-Tropez market and the surrounding markets
- Sunbathe on the legendary Pampelonne beach
- Stay in a 5-star hotel
- Taste local specialties and enjoy an authentic Tarte Tropézienne
- Visit Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
- Voir la Citadelle et son magnifique point de vue sur le Golfe
- Try water sports in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
- Go hiking on the coastal pat
- Visit the lakeside village of Port Grimaud
- Itinerary and what to do in Saint Tropez for a day
- FAQ
Take a walk around the port of Saint-Tropez and the ols town
Start your visit to Saint-Tropez at the city’s most iconic spot: the port of Saint-Tropez. Once a small fishing port, it has transformed into a marina favored by stars and the jet set, with their luxury yachts and sailboats docked along the quays. Wander along the docks, admire the quality of the boats, and try to spot a celebrity sipping a drink or enjoying an ice cream.
When the heat rises, take a seat on the terrace at Café Sénéquier, an iconic Saint-Tropez address since 1930, and enjoy the colorful façades that line the quays.
Each corner of Saint-Tropez’s center reflects a typically Provençal atmosphere, with the colorful shutters of the houses, the small art galleries on Louis Blanc street, and the local craft shops. Don’t forget to pack some authentic tropezian shoes in your suitcase!
If you’re visiting Saint-Tropez in spring, don’t miss the Bravades, a festival deeply rooted in the local tradition. This event honors the city’s patron saint with processions in costume, musket shots, and religious celebrations. This unique event, which reflects the town’s history, takes place annually around May 17th.
Practical Informations:
- Access: The port is a 5-minute walk from the downtown parking areas.
- When to go: Early in the morning for the light and calm, or in the late afternoon for the lively atmosphere.
- What to see: Café Sénéquier, the small squares of the town center, and the galleries in the Ponche district.
- What to do: Stroll, observe, and shop in the numerous luxury boutiques and local designer stores.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the cobbled streets.
Visit the Saint-Tropez market or the surrounding ones
One of the favorite activities for both locals and visitors in Saint-Tropez is the market, where getting lost and indulging is an art. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere by visiting the Place des Lices market, on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. In the shade of the plane trees, the usual pétanque courts are transformed into a vibrant market full of colors and flavors.
You’ll find stalls selling fruits and vegetables, as well as a wide variety of Southern products such as lavender honey and fragrant soaps. It’s also the perfect place to find an authentic Saint-Tropez souvenir: straw hats, wicker baskets, Saint-Tropez clothes, and handmade items, among others.
And if you love wandering among the stalls and picking up beautiful little gifts, head out to explore the markets in the villages surrounding Saint-Tropez, such as those in Grimaud or Cogolin, which offer a more local and intimate atmosphere, along with typical products that you won’t find anywhere else.
Practical Informations:
- Location: Place des Lices, in the center of Saint-Tropez.
- Days: Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
- Hours: 8 AM – 1 PM.
- Recommended duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour to stroll around leisurely.
- What to bring: Bring cash, as some stalls do not accept credit cards.
Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid the crowds and to find a parking spot.
Enjoy the legendary Pampelonne Beach
Pampelonne Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Saint-Tropez, located just 10 minutes by car from the city center. Lined with a long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water, it extends over 4.5 km between Saint-Tropez and Ramatuelle.
Here, the rules are simple: lay your towel on the beach, rent a parasol, or opt for a sunbed at one of the many Beach Clubs at Pampelonne, such as the iconic Nikki Beach. Swim in the transparent water to cool off, indulge in a chic lunch with your feet in the sand, and enjoy a musical atmosphere in the evening while watching the sunset or sipping a cocktail.
You would rather move ? Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the surroundings from the beach.
While Pampelonne is a little piece of paradise, there are other beaches worth visiting:
- Tahiti Beach, offering a slightly more exclusive atmosphere.
- La Bouillabaisse Beach, just 1 km from the town center, easily accessible by foot or bike.
- Les Salins Beach, a wilder, more preserved beach.
Practical Informations:
- Access: Route des Plages, direction Ramatuelle.
- Parking: Several paid parking areas nearby, costing on average €3 per hour between 11 AM and 5 PM during peak season (July and August).
- Facilities: Public free beaches or private beach clubs offering sunbeds for rent, dining, and music.
- Price for a sunbed: A sunbed costs on average between €10 and €65 for the day.
- Activities: Paddleboard, kayak, or pedal boat rentals on site.
Dining: Numerous restaurants and beach clubs (reservations are recommended during peak season).
Stay in a 5-Star Hotel
Saint-Tropez is the perfect destination to experience luxury in a 5-star hotel. The city boasts some of the most beautiful addresses on the French Riviera, where stars from all over the world come to stay, with exclusive properties nestled between the sea, nature, and the heart of the village.
For an exceptional stay and vacation, choose Domaine de l’Astragale, your 5-star hotel in Saint-Tropez, located just 200 meters from the beach and a few minutes from the town center. Choose a room or one of our 6 villas with a private terrace and pool in a chic and peaceful environment, and enjoy views of our lush park for an exclusive experience where every moment invites relaxation.
Domaine de l’Astragale also offers a Mediterranean cuisine-focused restaurant, a “Les Clefs d’Or” concierge service, 24/7 room service, a fitness center, and tennis courts for your enjoyment.
Practical Informations – Domaine de l’Astragale:
- Address: Chemin de la Gassine, 83580 Gassin.
- Accommodation: Rooms, suites, and villas with private pools.
- Beach Access: 200 meters from the sea.
- City Center: Accessible within a few minutes by car or bike.
- Services: Pools, restaurant, bar, garden, shuttle, concierge service, gym.
- Parking: Free and secure on-site parking.
Reservation: www.lastragale.com
Eat local specialties and try an authentic Tarte Tropézienne
It’s impossible to visit Saint-Tropez without trying its Mediterranean cuisine, which is generous, colorful, and rich in flavor and freshness.
In Saint-Tropez, you’ll find not only the best gourmet restaurants in the region, but also typical, festive, and authentic eateries that enhance local cuisine. For a high-end gastronomic experience, indulge in La Vague d’Or, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Arnaud Donckele, who elegantly works and refines Mediterranean products. If you prefer a more authentic atmosphere, reserve a table at La Mandarineand enjoy flavorful dishes, blending land and sea, in a typically Saint-Tropez setting.
Finally, if you ask a local what to do in Saint-Tropez, they will always answer: try the Tarte Tropézienne. If there’s one sweet specialty you cannot miss, it’s this one! Created in the 1950s by pastry chef Alexandre Micka, the Tarte Tropézienne was made famous by Brigitte Bardot during the filming of “And God Created Woman.” Made from a soft brioche dusted with sugar, it is filled with a smooth blend of custard cream and buttercream.
The Tarte Tropézienne is not just a gastronomic symbol of the city, it’s a pure delight for the taste buds.
Visit Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
If you’ve wandered through the streets of Saint-Tropez, you’ve surely noticed the red and yellow bell tower that dominates the town. This is the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church, an iconic and historic landmark of Saint-Tropez, visible from the port, the beaches, and the narrow streets of the center.
Built in the 18th century in an Italian Baroque style, the church stands out with its colorful façade and its interior featuring carved woodwork, as well as the bust of Saint-Tropez, the patron saint of the village. Throughout the year, the church hosts classical music concerts, welcoming both locals and tourists under its vaulted ceiling.
Practical Informations:
- Location: In the heart of the historic center, accessible on foot from the port.
- Hours: Open every day of the year, in the morning from 9:30 AM to 12 PM.
- Visit Duration: Between 15 and 30 minutes.
- Architectural Style: Italian Baroque.
- Did you know? The church regularly hosts classical music concerts.
Visit the Citadel and its magnificent view of the Gulf
Get some height and climb up to the Saint-Tropez Citadel, perched on a hill overlooking the village. Built between 1602 and 1608 to protect the city from maritime attacks, this fortress offers an exceptional panoramic view of the gulf and the Saint-Tropez bay: the Mediterranean Sea stretching as far as the eye can see, the rooftops of the village below, and the distant Estérel mountains.
Once inside the Citadel, visit the Maritime History Museum, located in the citadel’s keep, to discover the epic journey of Saint-Tropez sailors, their voyages, and their role in the port’s global influence over the centuries.
Practical Informations :
- Access: On foot from the historic center (expect a 10-minute uphill walk).
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM (until 5:30 PM in winter).
- Ticket Price: €4 / Free for children under 12.
- Recommended Visit Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Thing to see : The view from the ramparts and the maritime museum.
Try water activities in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a seaside resort where all your nautical dreams can come true. Discover many calm or more extreme water activities to explore the coves of the French Riviera, such as jet skiing, tubing, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
If you’d rather relax, book a catamaran cruise with a professional skipper and experience the ultimate Saint-Tropez relaxation. Half-day or full-day options are available to enjoy the turquoise waters away from the crowds, sipping a glass of wine while watching a unique sunset, gently rocked by the sound of the waves.
Some packages even take you to Cap Taillat, a preserved natural site only accessible by sea, offering secret idyllic coves.
Practical Informations:
- Departure: Most activities can be booked from the Saint-Tropez port or Pampelonne beaches.
- Hours: Activities available every day, mainly from 9 AM to 7 PM.
- Available Activities: Jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing, catamaran cruises.
- Indicative Prices:
Paddle/Kayak: Starting from €30/hour
Jet Ski: Starting from €60 for 30 minutes
Catamaran Cruise: Between €60 and €130, depending on the duration
Reservation: Highly recommended during peak season, through local providers or your hotel.
Go hiking on the coastal path
Pour découvrir un autre visage de la région, partez explorer le sentier du littoral, aussi appelé sentier des douaniers. Ce parcours emblématique du Var longe la côte méditerranéenne sur plusieurs kilomètres, entre La Croix-Valmer, Ramatuelle et les abords de Saint-Tropez, offrant des panoramas à couper le souffle.
To discover another side of the region, explore the coastal path, also known as the “Sentier des douaniers”. This iconic route in the Var runs along the Mediterranean coast for several kilometers, between La Croix-Valmer, Ramatuelle, and the outskirts of Saint-Tropez, offering breathtaking panoramas.
Walk along the cliffs of Cap Camarat, cross the nature reserve of Ramatuelle, breathe in the scents of pine trees, and enjoy a moment suspended in the heart of lush nature. The path winds between rocks, wild beaches, and secluded coves, with the sea on one side and the Massif des Maures mountains on the horizon. The contrast between the turquoise waters and the greenery creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Among the most popular routes, choose an easy hike starting from Canebiers Beach, following the path to La Moutte Beach. The round-trip route, lasting about 2 hours, is easy and family-friendly, with minimal elevation gain.
Practical Information:
- Recommended Start: Canebiers Beach (free parking nearby).
- Route: Canebiers Beach → La Moutte Beach (round trip).
- Duration: About 2 hours round-trip (moderate pace).
- Difficulty: Easy and accessible.
What to Bring: Walking shoes, water, hat, and sunscreen.
Visit the lakeside village of Port Grimaud
À seulement 7 km de Saint-Tropez, partez à la découverte de Port Grimaud, une cité lacustre unique en son genre, souvent surnommée la Venise provençale. Imaginée dans les années 60 par l’architecte français François Spoerry, cette ville construite sur l’eau est un véritable bijou architectural, où canaux, ponts et maisons colorées défilent sous vos yeux.
Just 7 km from Saint-Tropez, discover Port Grimaud, a unique lakeside town often referred to as the “Provençal Venice.” Designed in the 1960s by French architect François Spoerry, this water-based town is a true architectural gem, where canals, bridges, and colorful houses unfold before your eyes.
Stroll along the quays, cross the small flower-covered bridges, and rent an electric boat to navigate through the canals. As car access is restricted to residents, you’ll need to leave your vehicle at the entrance of the town.
Extend your escape by visiting the medieval village of Grimaud, just a 15-minute drive away. Dominated by the ruins of a castle, this authentic village offers a stunning view of the gulf, with the unique opportunity to take a horseback ride through the vineyards.
Practical Informations:
- Port Grimaud: No car access for tourists, exterior parking is required.
- Electric Boat Rental: Rent electric boats without a license (around €30–50 per hour).
- Visit Duration: Plan for 1 to 2 hours to explore the canals and narrow streets.
- Grimaud Village: 15 minutes by car from Port Grimaud.
Itinerary and what to do in Saint Tropez for a day
Here’s an idea for a one-day itinerary in Saint-Tropez that combines strolling, sightseeing, and gourmet pleasures.
Early Morning: 9 AM – 11 AM
- Start the day with a walk around the Saint-Tropez port and settle on the terrace of Café Sénéquier to enjoy a coffee while watching the yachts and the colorful houses lining the quays.
- Discover the old town, do some shopping, and visit Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church.
Late Morning: 11 AM – 12 PM
- Head to the Saint-Tropez Citadel (10-minute uphill walk), and once at the top, enjoy the view of the Gulf and visit the Maritime History Museum.
Lunch: 12:30 PM
Take the car andhead toPampelonne Beach to relax in a beach restaurant and savor some delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Early Afternoon: 2 PM – 4:30 PM
- Enjoy a relaxing moment on a sunbed on the beach or rent a paddleboard to explore the surroundings.
Late Afternoon: 5 PM
- Back in the town, stop by a pastry shop to try the iconic Tarte Tropézienne. Enjoy it on-site or take it to go.
Evening: 6 PM
- End the day with an aperitif by the sea, on the port, or in a beach bar if you’re looking for a slightly more musical ambiance.
Vous savez maintenant que faire à Saint-Tropez le temps d’une journée, d’un weekend, ou de quelques jours. Vous souhaitez vivre une expérience unique au cœur du golfe ? Découvrez le Domaine de l’Astragale et immergez-vous dans une ambiance paisible et exclusive.
FAQ
What to do in Saint-Tropez with family?
Saint-Tropez offers many family-friendly activities. Swimming atLa Bouillabaisse Beach is ideal for young children, with its shallow waters and easy access. You can also enjoy a fun visit to theMaison des Papillons, a fascinating small museum that houses over 35,000 specimens from around the world.
The Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum is also a great option, located in the former police station made famous by films with Louis de Funès. For more fun, head to Azur Park inGassin, an outdoor amusement park with rides, a Ferris wheel, games, and mini-golf.
What to do in Saint-Tropez when it rains?
In case of rain, head to indoor activities: visit theMaritime History Museum at the Citadel or explore the art galleries in the center. Take the opportunity to enjoy a nice lunch at a good restaurant. You can also do some shopping in the boutiques of the town center or relax at the hotel spa.
Where to park in Saint-Tropez?
There are several public parking areas near the town center:
- Parking at the port (close to the center, often full during high season).
- Place des Lices Parking (near the market and historic center).
- Nouveau Port Parking (larger, slightly further, but well-located).
In summer, it’s recommended to arrive early or use bikes or shuttle services from the hotel to avoid spending hours finding a parking spot.
When to visit Saint-Tropez?
The best time to visit Saint-Tropez is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the beaches are fully accessible.
- May/June: Quieter atmosphere, mild temperatures, ideal for a peaceful experience.
- July/August: Peak season, festive atmosphere, maximum crowds.
- September: Still warm weather with fewer people. A great compromise to explore the village in a more relaxed ambiance.
What are the main events in Saint-Tropez?
The main events that take place in Saint-Tropez are:
- Les Bravades (mid-May): A traditional festival with costume processions through the town’s streets.
- Fête de la Musique (June 21st): Numerous summer concerts in the village and on the port.
- Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (late September – early October): A prestigious regatta bringing together sailboats from around the world.
Autumn Festival: Exhibitions, concerts, and other performances.
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