A lot of people know Saint-Tropez as the hotspot for the rich and famous, for the fancy boutiques and the incredible party scene. But there is a lot more to see and do than just this… The area is actually very charming and has some incredible secret beaches! Bienvenue to our Guide to Saint-Tropez’!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN SAINT-TROPEZ
The market on Place Des Lices
Every Tuesday and Saturday morning there is a market in the centre of Saint-Tropez. The earlier you go, the less crowded it is! You can find fresh fruit, cheeses and amazing meats and spices here, but it’s also a great place to find beautiful bracelets or woven beach bags! Stroll around and enjoy!
Visit towns like (Port) Grimaud, Gassin and Ramatuelle
The area of Saint-Tropez is full of cute authentic towns such as Gassin, Ramatuelle, Grimaud and Port Grimaud. Every town has its own character and specialities. We highly suggest walking around in each one of them for a few hours and have something to eat on one of the many terraces: you will LOVE IT!
Spend the day at the famous Pampellone Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the world and for a good reason. You’ll find tons of amazing beach bars and restaurants here. Two of our personal favourites are Byblos Beach and Le Club 55. Both places have amazing food and cocktails and are perfect for spending the day relaxing and people watching. You can get to both beaches by car or scooter and park on the designated parking lot or use the boat shuttle if you’re arriving by sea!
If you prefer a more quiet beach, we will tell you all about our favourite secret beaches at the end of this blogpost ;-)!
Try some amazing restaurants and bars
Saint-Tropez is famous for its amazing restaurants and bars and there’s plenty of choice for every budget.
One of our personal favourites is a Moroccan inspired restaurant called Le Salama in the centre of St Tropez (not to confuse with Le Salama in Marrakech, which just didn’t make it into our Top 10 Places to Eat in Marrakech). Here you’ll find great food and ditto ambiance!
If you want something more casual, a really good restaurant that’s very affordable and cosy is La Pomme de Pin. Their pizzas and truffle pasta are to die for!
If you’re looking for a really calm and beautiful place to have pre-dinner drinks, the pool of the Pan Deï Palais is a great choice! They just know how to make a good classic cocktail there!
For the people watchers and the fans of luxury yachts, the famous Le Sénéquier at the port is a nice place to have a coffee… if you don’t mind paying €10 for a simple coffee or €19 for a pint of beer that is!
Go to the secret beaches at L’Escalet
Our absolute favourite place to go in the area! I (Laura) have been coming here since I was a kid. Back then, no one knew about this beach. Now it’s definitely getting more attention and more tourists, but it’s still a really beautiful place and relatively unknown spot! L’Escalet is the main beach but if you walk further towards Cap Taillat, you can find tons of small secret beaches. Don’t freak out if you suddenly see some naked people on the beach! It’s one of the few places where naturism is still allowed!
Stroll around the port of Saint-Tropez
You can’t go to St Tropez without walking around the port of Saint-Tropez! This is the place to see some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. During the day it will be quite calm and you won’t see too many of them as they are out on the sea, but in the evenings it can get very crowded and you’ll see a full show of people showing off their (rented) superyacht, one bigger than the other. It’s definitely a ‘m’as tu vu’ or ‘look at me’ spot but it’s a must if you come to Saint-Tropez.
Eat ice-cream at Barbarac or a Crêpe Grand Marnier
For the people with a sweet tooth, Barbarac is definitely one of the best ice-cream spots in France. The options are endless and every flavour you’ll taste will be even better than the previous one.
If you’re looking for the perfect after dinner snack however, nothing beats a typical fresh crêpe from ‘Monsieur Grand Marnier’. It’s a hole in the wall joint hidden in the small streets of Saint-Tropez and I have been going here since I was a kid. Try their specialty crêpes (fine pancakes) with sugar and Grand Marnier and you’ll be amazed! You can find it opposite of Hôtel La Ponche.
Shop some (affordable) jewellery, swimwear and espadrilles
You have tons of high-end shops here such as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton, but there are also very affordable shops with some stunning pieces! Saint-Tropez also has two of my favourite jewellery stores: Trinity and GAS Bijoux. Both have incredible stuff for super affordable prices!
If you’re looking for a beautiful bikini or some of the most comfortable espadrilles, Manébi just opened a store here! For menswear, one of our favourite brands Orlebar Brown just opened a store in Saint-Tropez as well!
Go for a little walk at La Ponche
La Ponche is a really cool place to just sit and relax or to take a walk. If you follow the path further near the sea you will find a few cute places that are not touristic at all. It’s very centrally located, yet not too crowded which makes it ideal if you don’t want to take the car or the scooter to go anywhere!
WHERE TO STAY?
While Saint-Tropez is definitely a more expensive destination, it’s still possible to do it on a budget. We have done it all, from staying on a campsite in a tent or camper van, to renting a villa and staying at some of the luxury hotels the area is most known for! Hereunder you’ll find some options for all budgets with ‘$’ being budget-friendly while ‘$$$$$’ is only for the fat wallets!
Booking.comCamping Les Tournels ($)
If you are travelling with a campervan or tent, this is a really good option. Just make sure to ask for a spot high up the hill, far away from the swimming pool if you like some peace and quiet.
La Vagabonde ($$)
Cute little B&B in a tranquil area not far from the beaches and close enough to the centre of Saint-Tropez.
Hôtel de la Ponche ($$$)
Central but quiet location. Perfect if you want to stay in Saint-Tropez town and want to be able to walk to anything.
Pan Deï Palais ($$$$)
For us this is what Saint-Tropez is all about. Great central location, stunning courtyard with pool and an amazing summer pool-bar!
Byblos Saint-Tropez ($$$$)
Everyone knows Byblos. Great location in the heart of Saint-Tropez, perfect service and the ideal hotel if you don’t mind a little party!
La Réserve Ramatuelle ($$$$$)
If we had to choose one hotel in the area where we would have to spend the rest of our days, La Réserve would be it. Beautiful decor, stunning rooms, exquisite food and views to die for is what you’ll get here. And a very long and hefty bill at the end of your stay!
Villa Grant ($$$$$)
For the larger groups and family holidays, renting a villa in Saint-Tropez is always a good choice. Villa Grant is located only a stone throw away from the famous Pampelonne Beach and can host up to 16 people.
