Saint-Tropez, on the French Riviera, has been one of the most exclusive beach destinations in the Mediterranean since the 1960s and a magnet for the elite of cinema, fashion, and sport
In a love affair that continues to this day, the world of cinema put Saint-Tropez on the map in the 1960s – when it was just a small but charming fishing village. Summer here is a whirlwind of activity when the stunning turquoise waters in its harbour are dotted with a fleet of luxury yachts. Visitors strolling around town or sipping a cool glass of sparkling liquid refreshment are bound to cross paths with members of European royalty, supermodels, elite athletes, actors and even Hollywood legends.
Celebrity A-listers feel right at home here. They blend in with the locals, free to explore the town’s many hidden gems like the cobbled streets and pastel buildings of the old town (Le Vieux Port) and the narrow alleys of La Ponche which exude the undeniable charm of the south of France.
History buffs will find plenty to explore in Saint-Tropez. The Maritime History Museum, the Police and Cinema Museum, which is housed in a former police station and showcases the town’s cinematic roots, and the Butterfly Museum, which boasts a staggering collection of 35,000 butterflies, are all well worth a visit. Don’t miss Les Tours, remnants of Saint-Tropez’s past when pirates were a threat. These are three of the four remaining towers built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Two of them, Tour du Portalet and Tour la Vieille stand guard on the harbour, a reminder of the town’s defensive walls.
The real heartbeat of Saint-Tropez lies in its lively cafes and restaurants serving fresh fish, seafood and rice dishes, as well as its bustling markets and beautiful beaches. Nestled in a sandy bay is Pampelonne Beach, a favourite with members of the jet set who relish its exclusive clubs and facilities.
Fear not, there’s plenty of space for everyone, humble towel et al, on its four kilometres of white sand. For somewhere quieter, head to Bouillabaisse or Salines beaches.
If you’re interested in buying local products in Saint-Tropez, look no further than the market at Place des Lices. Renowned foodies consider Provence the culinary crown jewel of France, maybe even the whole of Europe. The Place des Lices market doesn’t disappoint. It offers the very best of the best in cheeses, wines, meats, breads, pastries, and all sorts of delicacies.
Saint-Tropez isn’t exactly budget-friendly, but no visit would be complete without treating yourself to a (window)shopping spree in its high-end boutiques, á la Pretty Woman. Mingle with the crowds at the iconic Café Senequier, open until the early hours, or sip a refreshing cocktail on the terrace of Bar du Port. And for night owls, there are elegant nightclubs where you can dance the night away.
The spotlight was first shone on this pretty part of the French Riviera in 1956 when French actress and sex symbol Brigitte Bardot starred in ‘And God Created Woman’ filmed in Saint-Tropez. She lent the town her stardust, and to this day, it remains as glamorous as ever, a haven for celebrities from the silver screen, television, and the world of magazine publications.
Regular visitors include top models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss; actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Sylvester Stallone, Tobey Maguire (Spiderman), Adrien Brody, Vanessa Paradis, Joan Collins, and Jared Leto; singers like Elton John, Bono (U2), Beyoncé, and Jay-Z; high fashion icons like Giorgio Armani; Formula One drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, and David Coulthard; the quirky fighter Conor McGregor, rapper ‘The Notorious’; as well as sporting legends like Magic Johnson.