If you’re after long, lazy days in the sun, sipping on rosé, leisurely weaving through the laneways of La Ponche, plus a whole lot of glam and celebrity spotting, Saint-Tropez might be the place for you. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France, this coastal town has long allured creative and intellectual minds like Pablo Picasso, Jacques Prévert and, of course, Brigitte Bardot, who famously lived at her waterfront villa, La Madrague, for many decades.
Once full of fishing boats, nowadays yachts moor in the Port de Saint-Tropez—the harbour right in the middle of the village. You can sit in one of the many cafés that dot the cobblestones, such as hotspot Sénéquier, which is perfect for people-watching, or seek out a quieter find around the corner: Café Josette, a cute little brasserie.
If pristine beaches are more your thing, Plage de Pampelonne is the most iconic. Crystal-blue waters continue on for five kilometres, with beach clubs like Le Club 55, Tahiti Plage, Shellona or Nikki Beach nestled in the dunes. Small pebble harbour beaches like Plage de la Ponche and Plage de la Glaye are found near the heart of the Old Town, where you can dip your toes in the water. For a serene day in the sun, try Plage des Salines, a favourite of local Tropéziens and Tropéziennes.
Looking for a holiday wardrobe? You won’t be disappointed here. From luxury maisons to the marché, and brand pop-ups to independent boutiques in between, there’s something for everyone. While perusing the shops, stop and savour the famous tarte Tropézienne—an indulgent brioche treat filled with a mix of two creams.
With an atmosphere so aspirational, quaint and buzzy all at once, it is little wonder that this is the next destination for The White Lotus, season four. The French art de vivre is truly captured here.
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Do: Le Club 55
Set on the famous Pampelonne Beach, Le Club 55 is an institution with a storied history. It was the location for the 1956 film And God Created Woman (Et Dieu… créa la femme) starring Brigitte Bardot, and is now the go-to for modern day celebrities. With your feet in the sand and an aperitif in hand, it’s the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. Serving classic Provençal dishes, you can’t miss the Pampelonne salad or the panier de crudités. If you’re after a cooling swim, you can also lounge on the beach beds either before or after your restaurant seating. Pro tip: whether you have a 12:30pm or 3:30pm lunch reservation, you will need to secure your beach bed by noon. Notoriously difficult to book, we suggest having your hotel concierge make the calls on your behalf.
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Drink: Le Bar at Cheval Blanc
Set on the shores of Bouillabaisse Beach, Cheval Blanc is a five-star hotel—the only one with its own private beach club in St-Tropez. Just a short stroll from the centre of town, you can enjoy a tipple or a snack at Le Bar alongside a gentle Riviera breeze. The mixologists work their magic behind the bar from morning until late. If you’re after premier wines and champagnes, this is the spot. Alternatively, try one of the curated haute-mixology cocktails made from fine liquors, fresh garnishes and interesting infusions. If you’re coming with an appetite (and possess a sophisticated palate), you can book the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, La Vague d’Or by Chef Arnaud Donckele.
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Eat: Beauvallon Sur Mer at COMO Le Beauvallon
Craving Asian cuisine? You’ll find Beauvallon Sur Mer on a waterfront terrace perched over the shimmering Gulf, part of the property of the restored, iconic 1914 Belle Époque palace. Just a short eight-minute boat ride from Saint-Tropez port, a delicious menu from multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno awaits. You cannot look past the royal sea bream ceviche with black mushrooms and coriander, the blue lobster California roll, or the spicy Thai beef salad. For the main course, the whole sea bass is a must. Every dish is bursting with flavour. Plus, it offers a unique vista for a meal, looking back towards Saint-Tropez. Boasting a real lounge mood, the ambiance is wonderful; our top tip is to make sure you’re there to enjoy the sunset.
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Do: Marché de St. Tropez
Open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Place des Lices, the local market, or marché, offers everything from linens, jewellery and vintage finds to decorative interior items, fresh produce, blooms and an array of foods like cheeses and olives. The stall by Kitch and Chic has exceptional eyewear, ceramics and ornate accessories. Heading there early is recommended, as the hustle and bustle starts to ramp up from mid-morning. Traffic on the roads leading into the square can also back up on market days; if you can ride in on a bicycle (many hotels provide this), that is the transport of choice. Whilst most booths don’t take card, a cash machine is located nearby.
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Drink: Le Bar 1904 at Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière
A castle nestled in the lush hinterlands, perched over the shimmering waters of Pampelonne Bay, the breathtaking hotel Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière is quite simply staggering in its grandeur. The hilltop estate’s signature cocktail lounge is Le Bar 1904. In the spirit of socialite Madame de La Messardière—who would host her guests with sophisticated beverages and opened one of the very first bars on the Riviera—Le Bar 1904 is all about the Roaring Twenties. During the day, the vibe is extremely relaxed, but as the sun goes down, a speakeasy mood takes over. With a shaded terrace, this spot offers everything from Château d’Estoublon Roseblood 1489 to refreshing signature cocktails like the Airelles Paloma, made with Tequila Celosa rosé, fresh grapefruit juice and yuzu puree.
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Eat: Loulou Ramatuelle
If you’re a fan of Loulou in Paris, famously situated opposite the Louvre gardens, you’re bound to be enchanted by its coastal counterpart as well. Chef Benoît Dargère’s Mediterranean menu tantalises the tastebuds with delectable starters, such as the thinly sliced red tuna with garlic, tomatoes, spicy pepper, capers, olives and anchovies, or the fresh sea bass fillet with artichoke. The mood is incredibly fun and vibrant, and if you stick around long enough after lunch, your table can become your dancefloor. Cue the DJ and champagne!
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Do: Retail shopping in Old Town
Those who seek chic on the Côte d’Azur will find it in Saint-Tropez. The shopping is surprisingly varied—from European luxury houses like Chanel, Fendi and Louis Vuitton, to brands like Jimmy Fairly, Farm Rio, Zimmermann and Kujten, alongside seasonal pop-ups like Call It By Your Name. There are also beautifully curated vintage stores like Le Dépôt, which is a treasure trove of Hermès scarves, colourful Pucci and dazzling pre-loved designer bags. For Tropézienne sandals, Rondini and K.Jacques are the places to go—they are the inventors of these quintessential Saint-Tropez leather sandals, after all.
Tressé also has some incredible ‘suitcase’ collections which are imbued with a sense of escapism. For interiors and bric-a-brac, you can’t look past Damonte & Lacarrieu. Pencil in streets like Rue Gambetta, Rue François Sibilli and Rue Général Allard for your shopping spree, and don’t forget that non-EU travellers can get a VAT refund on qualifying purchases.
