Discover Saint-Tropez in a day: our top addresses
The old port: a must-see in Saint-Tropez
Gracing the village entrance with its elegant façade since 1931, the Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez is ideally situated for exploring Saint-Tropez in a day. In the early morning, stroll down to the port just a stone’s throw from the hotel to admire the sailboats and yachts, and watch the local artists set up their easels. The stalls of the tiny fishermen’s market glisten with freshly-caught treasures: lobster from Cape Lardier, sea bass, red mullet and more… Savour a coffee on the port, comfortably seated on Café Sénéquier’s famous red terrace, or watch the local florists bustling around on Place aux Herbes.
A picture-postcard view from the Citadel
Next, climb up the narrow lanes lined with picturesque and colourful facades to the Citadel: the view embraces the entire Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This 17th-century bastion complete with a moat and keep is now home to the delightful Maritime History Museum, where you can learn all about the village’s fascinating history – a far cry from the usual clichés. Nearby, you’ll glimpse the iconic pink and ochre bell tower, then Sainte-Maxime, Grimaud and the Esterel hills off to the East. Below, the marine cemetery stands guard over the grave of French film director Roger Vadim.
Place des Lices: authentic local lifestyle
As you head back down Place des Lices, don’t miss the designer boutiques and stands selling artisan biscuits and objects carved from olive wood. French macaron fans will definitely want to stop off at Ladurée to discover their local creation, hallmarked with the village’s iconic bell tower. If you don’t see any pétanque players sheltering in the shade of the plane trees on Place des Lices, you’ll know it’s market day! Treat yourself to some goat cheese, olives and fougasses on the go and stock up on typical regional souvenirs such as wicker baskets, dried mimosa bouquets and donkey milk soap. And of course, you simply must sample Saint-Tropez’s famous Tarte Tropézienne, delighting gourmets since 1952. This succulent tart owes its name to Brigitte Bardot, who loved savouring it on the set of “And God Created Woman”.
Musée de l’Annonciade: an artistic interlude at a novel venue
Set inside the ancient Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade chapel, erected in the 16th century, the Musée de l’Annonciade opened its doors in 1950. Another must on your tour of Saint-Tropez, it exhibits late 19th and early 20th century avant-garde paintings from the Pointillist, Nabi and Fauvist movements.
Plunge into the Med!
What to do in the evening in Saint-Tropez? Wind up your day tour of Saint-Tropez in style, with a dip in the crystal-clear waters lapping the village shores. The little sandy beach of La Ponche, immortalized in Roger Vadim’s films, unveils itself around the corner of a stone porch. A genuine paradise at sunset or in the moonlight, this is where Brigitte Bardot and Jean-Louis Trintignant shot the legendary love scene in “And God Created Woman”.
If you would like additional ideas during your stay at the Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez, our concierge team will be delighted to curate a tailored tour programme.
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