St. Tropez Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Southern France
Best time to go in
Summer time, from June to August!
Language
French (main language), English.
CurrencY
Euros, €
Transportation
The best way to move around St. Tropez’s streets is by feet, especially in the “Citadelle” area. However, a car is almost always necessary to reach the beach clubs and their lovely restaurants. Taxis can be booked via the local taxi phone number or arranged via your hotel’s concierge. It is however, advised to rent a car when possible, as it may result challenging to find local taxis during high peak seasons.
What to take ?
Some elegant and light evening dresses will get you ready for the animated French Riviera nightlife, along with your best swimwear suits to use in the beautiful light blue C.te d’Azur water!
What to know before you go ?
You are about to experience one of the most iconic destinations in the French Riviera! Therefore, get ready to dance all day… and night, at the most extravagant beach clubs that the island offers, where DJ’s from all over the world come to play for amazing and exclusive parties.
The old town’s centre catches visitors attention with its picturesque streets, dotted by small French cafés, and hidden boutiques to walk into at sunset hours, when the golden sun hits the port, offering spectacular views. Your culinary experience will be incredible thanks to the glamorous restaurants, that offer foods from all over the world, including: Japanese, Thai, Italian and, of course… French cuisine!
BEST PLACES TO EAT
Breakfast
Senequier (This is a must, as it represents the St. Tropez sanctuary. Since the 1880s, Senequier has been providing delicious food and cocktails that can be enjoyed in front of the port. It is perfect for a break during a shopping stroll, or for an evening cocktail drink with friends, while watching the sunset).
Crêperie Goirmandise (If you’re craving delicious crêpes first thing in the morning… this is a go-to breakfast spot, for all of those who have a sweet tooth!).
Marcel and Cavazza (Must try for the best tarte Tropézienne in town - a traditional cake that was invented in St Tropez!).
Dior Des Lices (Calling all fashion lovers, the Dior restaurant and bar offers glamorous breakfast and brunch).
Lunch
Loulou (Loulou represents a lovely and glamourous atmosphere, where you will enjoy fresh fish and vegetables, along with other Italian dishes, made with the highest quality products, coming from local markets and fishermen.
Club 55 ( known for its simplicity and authenticity which sets it apart from the rest of the beach clubs in St Tropez. The atmosphere is laid-back yet chic, while the food consists of light vegetablebased dishes and delicious fresh fish. You must visit their boutique store, where you will find beach essentials and handmade jewellery to enrich your beach outfits).
Gigi (Experience the joy of being together in Gig’s cosy beach house, nestled under the pine forest in Ramatuelle. The cuisine is characterised by Italian flavours, including classics such as: pizza Margherita, vitello tonnato, linguine all vongole, and much more!)
Verde (Located on Pampelonne beach and overlooking trees rustling from the water's edge, Verde Beach is reminiscent of Parisian cabanas mixed with Proven.al charm. Its kitchen offers great Mediterranean food!).
Shellona (The beach which is characterised by bohemian chic decoration, keeping its guests entertained with a musical atmosphere inspired by the parties in Mykonos and Ibiza. The cuisine offers great sharing Greek dishes!).
Dinner
Beefbar (Situated in the Lou Pinet hotel, Beefbar reflects the hotel’s intimate atmosphere and offers premium beef cuts and outstanding beef toasts!).
Salama (A vibrant restaurant with a sophisticated dj set at night, welcoming international guests with their flavourful Moroccan dishes).
Ban-Hoï (This Asian hidden gem, is one of the most demanded restaurants on the island! It offers Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes with a French twist!).
Matsuhisa, The Nobu of St Tropez (Is it situated inside the stunning Airelles, Château de la Messardière hotel. This restaurant offers a breath-taking view over the bay of Pampelonne. Therefore, make sure to go there during sunset hours to get the best pictures and enjoy the best views!).
Cheval Blanc (Discover the art of fine dining at the multiple restaurants that the Cheval Blanc Hotel offers. Choose between a Provençal cuisine menu that can be shared and enjoyed in front of the sparkling sea at La Terrasse, or the exclusive menu offered at La Vague d’Or, three Michelin starred restaurant).
Where to buy fresh foods, fruits or vegetables. Markets or organic farms
Local markets
Place des Lices, every Wednesday and Saturday morning- here you will find fresh organic food products but also great local souvenirs!
What to see or visit?
Quick and Unique escapes from the island
Visit nearby towns such as:
Cannes, Antibes and Monaco that are all between 1 hour to 2 hours drive from St Tropez town.
Eze island offers some of the best views of the Cote d’Azur, as well as adventurous activities such as: horse-back riding or incredible tour of the Jardin botanique.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat will charm you with its opulent historic villas, including Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its crystal clear sea water!
Best Panoramic Walks for a morning or evening run
Yoga Studios:
Holistic Wellness Therapy
Amulya Yoga
Pilates Studios:
BB Yoga Pilates Studios:
Body and Soul
Le Loft Garuda
Best Spas:
Cheval Blanc
La Tente at Muse Hotel
Airelles Château de la Messardière
Lily of the Valley
Best place for a morning run:
Pampelonne Beach
BEST PLACES to stay
Le Yaca
La Reserve at Ramatuelle
Lily of the Valley
Cheval Blanc
Lou Pinet
Airelles Château de la Messardière
Where to shop (vintage stores, local boutiques, antiques, bookstores, markets)
Stores
Raymonde (vintage clothing)
L’Atelier 55 (home furniture)
Le Depot (amazing vintage clothing pieces and accessories)
La Citadelle area offers all the main luxury clothing brands as well
Weekly market available only on Wednesdays and Saturdays located in the middle of Place des Lices… offering local goods and fresh food specialities, an absolute must-see!
Why do you love this place and why would you recommend it to a friend?
I personally love St Tropez because it is a very special holiday destination: it is a small island, yet it has hosted some of the most well-known fashion designers and events such as the iconic Chanel runway show with Karl Lagerfeld, just in front of the port! St. Tropez, became a very popular destination thanks to the many celebrities such as: Brigitte Bardot, who visited the island very frequently. The sea water is light-blue and dreamy, just as its sandy beach clubs! St Tropez makes me feel at home for some reason…probably as I have been going there since a very young age.
For me, there is no better feeling in the world, than walking through the town or the local market early in the morning, immersed by a stunning picturesque village, while purchasing a freshly baked baguette or a tarte Tropézienne with a local coffee, before a lovely summer day! In St. Tropez I have admired by far the most beautiful sunsets, no matter how the weather was, and had some incredible laughs with my best friends. This island, will always have a special place in my heart.