The village, which is nestled in the sheltered Golfe de Saint-Tropez sea, was discovered in the late 1800s by Impressionist painter Paul Signac, who later attracted artists like Matisse and Marquet. Then, in 1955, Brigitte Bardot’s film Et Dieu Créa la Femme (And God Created Woman) transformed this little port town into a famed coastal resort, glistening amid the glamor of the Côte d’Azur.
Saint-Tropez is one of the best destinations in France to visit if you want to immerse yourself in the glitz and glam of the French Riviera. This sun-drenched vacation town boasts beautiful sandy beaches, upscale beach clubs, and a charming old hamlet.
The charming pastel-colored buildings, narrow cobblestone lanes, and shady squares of Saint-Tropez exude an old-world atmosphere. With its stunning deep-blue waters and Mediterranean landscape boasting pine trees, olive gardens, and cypresses, the seashore panorama adds to the charm.
With our list of top attractions and things to do in Saint-Tropez, you may explore the natural beauty and charm of this famous seaside town.
Vieux Port (Old Port)
The evocative Vieux Port is the beating heart of Saint-Tropez, and it is here that the old fishing community initially arose. Small fishing boats and stylish yachts parked in the harbor, which is bordered by pastel-colored Mediterranean villas and bustling cafés with outdoor terraces, enchant visitors. Artists sell bright paintings representing scenes of Saint-Tropez on the wide walkway along the water’s edge.
La Ponche: The Old Town
The Old Town of Saint-Tropez, also known as “La Ponche,” is located below the citadel and borders the Vieux Port harbor basin. The most scenic neighborhood of Saint Tropez is La Ponche, which is the historic hub of the fishing community. A pedestrian zone has been established, with tiny passageways and charming cobblestone lanes lined with modest stores, premium boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
Plage de Pampelonne
The sophisticated beach scene of Saint-Tropez is defined by sunbathing at opulent private clubs, stunning villas to gaze at, gourmet seaside eating, and a trendy see-and-be-seen atmosphere. The Plage de Pampelonne is the most famous beach in Saint-Tropez, and it fits this description perfectly.
Musée de l’Annonciade
The art museum at Saint-Tropez, which is housed in the former Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade (Chapel of the Annunciation), is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The Church of the White Penitents for the Confrérie des Pénitents Blancs, a Catholic brotherhood founded during the Middle Ages, was previously housed in this church, which dates from 1510.
La Citadelle: Musée d’Histoire Maritime
La Citadelle, built in the early 1600s and overlooking the sea, stands high above the village of Saint-Tropez. In the chamber that was once the citadel’s dungeons, this ominous hexagonal stronghold today houses the Musée d’Histoire Maritime (Maritime History Museum).
Public Beaches
Saint-Tropez is famous for its exclusive private beach clubs along Pampelonne Beach. However, there are many public beaches with excellent facilities.
Place des Lices
The Old Port and the Annonciade Museum are both within walking distance of this lovely, shady town square (also known as Place Carnot). The elderly men of Saint-Tropez still congregate in this picturesque square beneath the plane trees to play the ancient game of pétanque (the Provençal variant of bocce ball).
La Maison des Papillons (Butterfly Museum)
A visit to La Maison des Papillons (Butterfly Museum) is a welcome diversion from Saint-sunbathing, Tropez’s sightseeing, and shopping. The museum has about 35,000 pieces on display, allowing visitors to see a vast variety of butterflies.
Sentier du Littoral: Scenic Seaside Path
This stunning seaside path begins just outside of La Ponche’s old town and runs the length of the Saint-Tropez peninsula. The Sentier du Littoral is a relaxing way to take in the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coastline and environment. Rugged beachfront walks, steps through the hills, and more pleasant seashore trails are all part of the journey.
Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema
This one-of-a-kind museum explores the history of Saint-gendarmes Tropez’s (police force) as well as the town’s film past. The former gendarmerie (police department) building, which dates from the 18th century, now houses the museum.
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