Positioned on the alluring French Riviera, Saint-Tropez made its name as a resort for international jet-setters during the post-World War II years. Today it combines the charm of a provincial town with world-renowned nightlife and beaches.

Things to do

Get lost in the cobblestone streets of La Ponche, where designer fashion shops stand alongside local grocers and a historic church housing the bust of St. Tropez. Explore the Old Port where you can watch luxury yachts from the alfresco cafes.

Art enthusiasts should visit the Musee de l’Annonciade, which boasts an impressive collection of post-Impressionist and early-20th-century works within a converted church. Admire pieces by Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy and marvel at paintings belonging to the Pointillist, Nabis and Fauvist movements.

Look out across the red-roofed town from the 17th-century Citadel that’s perched on a wooded hill overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Its dungeons house the Musée de l’Histoire Maritime, where interactive exhibits explore the local seafaring history.

Be seen on the trend-setting sands of Saint-Tropez’ beaches, such as the Plage de Tahiti that was made famous in the 1960s by Brigitte Bardot. If you don’t want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, opt for the laid-back beach at La Glaye that’s surrounded by charming buildings in one of the oldest parts of town.

Getting around

Toulon Hyères Airport is a one-hour drive west of Saint-Tropez, which is a 1.5-hour drive from Nice. Ferries depart from both Nice and Cannes to Saint-Tropez during the summer months and the city is easy to explore on foot.