Ultimate Guide to Visiting Saint Tropez like a Local
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Saint Tropez like a Local
If I say "Saint Tropez", you probably think yachts, bimbos and VIP Room, while I see childhood kayaking trips, summers spent playing beach volley and strolls down the old streets.
Jeff had never seen the south of France before, so I took a personal challenge in making him visit Saint Tropez and around, and showing him the beauties of my native region in no longer than 6 days, family and friends visits included. Our trip was way too short and there are many more things to do and see, but if you have a short holiday or manage to escape for a short week to the beautiful French Riviera, here is what you can't miss in the Gulf of Saint Tropez.
Citatelle de Saint Tropez
A classic, and very touristy, but the view is absolutely breathtaking and definitely worth it. The Citadelle was built in the XVIIe Century and is classified Historic monument since 1921.
You start walking upwards for about 15 minutes and arrive to top of the Citadelle, from which you have a view on the whole Gulf of Saint Tropez, Sainte Maxime, Ramatuelle and Pampelonne beaches (including all the famous private beaches). Go to the top - take a selfie, we won't judge you- then start walking down and stop to admire the beautiful and iconic bell!
Plage de la Ponche
Coming down from the Citadelle de Saint Tropez, you will arrive at the Ponche beach. Far from Nikki Beach and the like, la plage de la Ponche is the smallest portion of sand you’ll ever see… making it (in theory) tourist free and really cute and authentic. Have a stroll on the rocks, chill on the sand or admire the architecture, this mini spot is a perfect little hidden gem.
Old Streets
Have a stroll in the beautiful old street, go up, down, get lost! Just know that you will have to go down to go back to the Harbour. Appreciate the old doors and the traditional Vespa, the pavements and the colors of the walls... Sigh. Jeff thought all of St. Tropez looked like a movie set, and while it is very beautiful, thats just because he is an poor uncultured American.
Saint Tropez Harbor
Even though Jeff makes fun of me every time I say “harbor” (think “Arboor”), I have to mention it! Very touristy, but if you escape the harbour itself and keep walking straight after you exit the Ponche beach, you will reach the best spot to admire the iconic harbour facade and the small local fishing boats. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream at Barbarac when you come down as they’re delish!
Place des Lices
If you want to see the most cliche French old couple, then you have to head Place des Lices, where Petanque is the national sport and Pastis the indispensable drink! Any time, any day, Saint Tropez locals come to this central place and play a game of more of less friendly holy Petanque. Careful not to walk on the path of their Boule… You never know what a Petanque player can do!
Instead, sit down on a bench or grab a drink if you really want to enjoy this 10 euro Coke, and watch how peaceful yet brutal Petanque can be. Truly fascinating.
Around Saint Tropez
Because it’s not JUST about the Byblos city and expensive ice creams, you might as well have a look around! Annoyingly the transportation system is pretty poor, but there is a boat connexion from Les Bateaux Verts to Sainte Maxime and Port Grimaud. You can also bike your way around if you fancy!
Ramatuelle
Ramatuelle is what most people consider “Saint Tropez” in the way that it’s way bigger than the small village known all around the world. The city centre of Ramatuelle is very authentic, but the city is not just that! Ramatuelle is home to the Pampelonne beach strip, which includes for example the Nikki Beach, Bora Bora Beach, the former Voile Rouge, Bagatelle, and many more beach clubs alive day and night in summer.
L'Escalet
This beach is part of Ramatuelle, but I think it deserves it's own bullet point! L'Escalet brings many memories for me as I used to go hiking with my grandparents and brother when I was a kid, and I even saw it under a thick layer of snow (YES it's cool!). Make sure you go at sunrise for a particularly breahtaking view above the Gulf of Saint Tropez. Then, obviously, you can go grab some fresh croissants and eat them in a vineyard as we did this summer. Videos to come!
Port Grimaud
Port Grimaud is the cutest city you’ve ever seen. Nicknamed “The Little Venice”, the city is surrounded by water and it’s common practice to have your own (small!) boat attached in front of your house. Have a stroll around, the city is very small and gorgeous!
Have a drink at the Monroes if you feel like a British pub with pool tables in the middle of the Little Venice!
If you have more time on the French Riviera, why not visit Monaco, Nice or Cannes… But this is for a new article!
Have you been to Saint Tropez? Let us know your thoughts, favourites places and less favourites below!
