Destinations, Europe, France

A Guide to Saint-Tropez: Things to Do + How to Plan the Perfect Visit

Saint-Tropez is the epitome of luxury and glamour. This sun-soaked destination on the French Riviera is known as a playground for the rich and famous…but don’t worry, it still has plenty to offer for all visitors!  

In this Saint-Tropez travel guide, I’m covering everything you need to know to plan a perfect visit to this iconic destination on the French Riviera. I’ll go over the best things to do in Saint-Tropez, how to find the best accommodations for your travel style, restaurant recommendations, and key information you should know before you go. 

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Pastel-colored buildings in Saint-Tropez, with a string of flags over the walkway
A light silver moped in front of an orange wall
Pink and periwinkle flowers growing over a stone wall in Saint-Tropez

Where to Stay in Saint-Tropez

There are plenty of amazing resorts and hotels in Saint-Tropez. As you might expect, they tend to be on the pricier side…but you can still find options for all budgets and travel preferences!

Staying in the heart of town is ideal if you’d like to minimize your time in the car (just note that you’ll still need to drive or take some form of transportation to get to the beach clubs!). If you’d like to stay right in town, some top options to consider include:

  • Airelles Saint-Tropez, Pan Deï Palais – a stunning and very intimate 5-star resort with a pool, wellness spa, and access to a nearby beach club
  • Hotel Villa Cosy – a gorgeous, modern 5-star hotel on the outer edges of town with an on-site pool and spa
  • Hôtel des Lices – a chic 4-star hotel that is just a quick walk to the heart of town with an on-site pool 
  • Hôtel Le Y – a beautiful and eclectically decorated 4-star hotel on the edge of Saint-Tropez’s old town with a pool on-site

There are also some stunning, splurge-worthy options in the greater Saint-Tropez area that are just a short drive from town. Some hotels to consider are: 

I also recommend looking at vacation rentals in Saint-Tropez, especially if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly (at least by Saint-Tropez standards!) option. There are plenty of choices right in town and in the greater Saint-Tropez area, and you’ll find accommodations at different price levels. 

If you’re open to staying just outside of Saint-Tropez, I highly recommend Hotel Lily of the Valley – particularly if you’re interested in a relaxing, high-end resort experience. It is situated south of Saint-Tropez in La Croix-Valmer, about a 25 to 30-minute drive from town. While it may not be right by town, the stunning property was perfect for a peaceful escape – and the service is incredible. Read my Lily of the Valley review for more details.

How to Get Around Saint-Tropez

The town of Saint-Tropez is very walkable, so you can easily explore by foot. That said, you still may need to rely on some form of transportation if you are staying a bit outside of town, or if you want to access Pampelonne Beach (where the majority of the beach clubs are located), Port Grimaud, or other spots in the greater area. 

Many hotels provide some sort of shuttle and/or car service, either paid or free. It’s smart to check with your accommodation to see what they offer as you’re putting together your itinerary. There are also a few different bus lines in Saint-Tropez that you can use to get around. 

Uber operates in Saint-Tropez, but it can be hard to get a ride in the area (particularly in peak season when they are in high demand). With that in mind, I wouldn’t rely heavily on Ubers. 

After spending a few days in Nice, I chose to rent a car (in Nice) to drive to Saint-Tropez and to have while visiting the region. Since I stayed in the greater Saint-Tropez area, I opted to drive my rental car into town (parking at the local garages is easy!) and to the beach clubs when needed. I did also hire a car service through Lily of the Valley for one night out in St. Tropez. 

Tip: if you plan on renting a car and are used to driving automatic, ensure you’re renting an automatic vehicle (as opposed to manual!). 

The Best Things to do in Saint-Tropez, France

Here’s a look at the activities and attractions worth adding to your Saint-Tropez itinerary. 

Short on time? Some of the must-do activities include strolling through Old Town Saint-Tropez, checking out the port, and relaxing at a local beach club on Pampelonne Beach.   

Stroll the Port of Saint-Tropez

Get up close to superyachts and other luxury boats at Saint-Tropez’s bustling port, which is situated right next to the old town. 

In addition to eyeing these impressive boats, you can check out some of the eateries that line the port. This is where you’ll find the famous Cafe Senequier (just look for the red awning!), which is a fun spot to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while doing some people watching. If you need a sweet treat, stop for some ice cream at Barbarac. 

A red awning that reads "Senequier" with people dining at tables underneath. There is a light orange building behind it.
A yacht in the port of Saint-Tropez
Restaurants along the port of Saint-Tropez. There are orange and yellow buildings behind the restaurants.

Explore Old Town Saint-Tropez

It’s definitely worth spending some of your time in Saint-Tropez strolling through the incredibly charming old town, known as La Ponche. It is complete with pastel-colored buildings and narrow, cobblestone passageways.  

As you walk around, you’ll see plenty of shops and eateries. If you need a coffee or a bite to eat, I recommend stopping by Gaby. If you’re craving something sweet, stop by Laudurée or the very popular Cedric Grolet & Airelles. 

This is also a great place to stop for a tarte tropézienne, an iconic Saint-Tropez dessert made of brioche and cream. I recommend ordering one from Boulangerie Aux Deux Fréres, 

A narrow passageway surrounded by pastel orange buildings that leads down to an archway. You can see the ocean through the arch.
Flags hanging across a passageway between two pastel-colored buildings
Two people walking down a street in Saint-Tropez. The narrow path is surrounded by pastel colored buildings.

Go Shopping in Town

Of course, Saint-Tropez is known for its shopping – particularly when it comes to luxury brands. You’ll find designer stores like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and plenty more. 

Even if luxury shopping isn’t your thing, you can find plenty of more reasonably-priced boutiques throughout town. There are also a few different open air markets in Saint-Tropez. This includes the popular Marché de la Place des Lices, where you’ll find everything from food to clothes. 

The front of the Dior store in Saint-Tropez. The building is light pink and has blue shutters on the windows.
A road in Saint-Tropez lined by light colored buildings, with flags hanging over the road
A row of luxury shops in Saint-Tropez

Hang Out at a Local Beach Club

The Saint-Tropez beach club culture can’t be beat. You’ll find a string of beach clubs along Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle, which is south of Saint-Tropez.  

Le Club 55 is easily one of the most popular (and famous) beach clubs. Some other top choices include Nikki Beach, Gigi Ramatuelle, Verde Beach, and Bagatelle.   

I particularly loved visiting Indie Beach – the food was great, and the vibe was fun and relaxed. I also had a more laid-back lunch at Le 1051 that I really enjoyed.   

Keep in mind that beach clubs often require reservations, and they do book up (especially when it comes to the more popular spots!). Call or book online in advance to secure your spot! Your hotel may also be able to help you with beach club reservations. 

Tables in sand at Indie Beach Club. There is netting hanging over the dining area, and a DJ at a DJ booth.
The wooden plank pathway to the entrance of Le 1051 beach restaurant.
Two sun loungers set behind some plants and a wooden fence, with the view of the ocean in the background

Indie Beach Club | Le 1051 Entrance | Le 1051 Sun Loungers

Experience the Famous Saint-Tropez Nightlife 

Saint-Tropez has a vibrant nightlife scene. One of the most iconic clubs is Le Caves du Roy (located in the famous Hotel Byblos). Two other popular options are Gaïo Restaurant & Club and Pablo (a restaurant that also has late-night dancing).

Even if you aren’t into clubbing, you can still enjoy a night out grabbing a drink at one of the restaurants or bars along the port or in town. 

Explore the Citadel 

The Citadel is perched just above St. Tropez, and is within walking distance of the old town. The 17th century fortress was once part of the town’s defense system, and today, visitors can explore the grounds and take in the view of the city and the sea. You can also explore the Musee d’Histoire Maritime and learn more about the history of Saint-Tropez. 

Check Out the Local Museums

In addition to the history museum in the Citadel, there are a few other museums in Saint-Tropez. This includes the Musee de l’Annonciade, a modern art museum situated inside a former chapel that displays works by artists like Matisse, Signac, Serat, Bonnard, and Gauguin. 

Film buffs will love the Musee de la Gendarmerie et du Cinema, a cinema history museum situated in a building that housed the gendarmerie from 1789 until 2003. 

Go on a Boat Excursion

One of the best ways to enjoy Saint-Tropez is by getting out on the water! Consider chartering a private yacht or booking a private boat tour for a fun, sun-soaked day on the Mediterranean Sea. 

Visit Local Wineries

If you love wine, it’s worth visiting one of the local wineries. The region is particularly known for producing high-quality rosé!

There are numerous vineyards in and around St. Tropez that are open for tastings, with top options including Château Minuty, Château de Pampelonne, and Domaine La Rouillère.  

If you really want to dive into the Saint-Tropez wine scene, consider booking a private guided wine tour, where you’ll get a chance to check out three vineyards in the region!

Saint-Tropez Restaurants: Cafes & Eateries Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

There are so many incredible patisseries, cafes, and restaurants in Saint-Tropez. A few worth highlighting include:

  • Kinugawa – a Japanese restaurant just outside of town serving amazing food and really excellent cocktails (set in an insanely gorgeous outdoor space!)
  • Salama – a stunning restaurant serving Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine (I also loved their cocktails)
  • L’Opera – a popular French restaurant known for its elaborate shows, quirky artwork, and party vibes
  • Senequier – an iconic all-day restaurant on the port
  • La Petite Plage – another popular port restaurant (that’s open for lunch and dinner) serving Mediterranean food in a charming, beachy space
  • Dior Des Lices Cafe – a popular, Instagram-worthy cafe with a beautiful garden
  • La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac – a patisserie serving artful pastries with two locations in Saint-Tropez

Keep in mind that many restaurants require advanced reservations!

Empty tables at the indoor dining space of Salama in Saint-Tropez. There are cutouts in the walls with different vases and sculptures.
A table of food and drinks at Kinugawa Ramatuelle.
The outdoor dining space at Kinugawa. There are rust-colored tables and velvet rust-colored chairs, and a pergola with plants draping over it.

Salama Dining Space | Kinugawa Dinner | Kinugawa Dining Space

Enjoy exploring beautiful Saint-Tropez! Here are some additional South of France travel guides to help you plan your trip:

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Kyra is the founder of Sea to Sequoia, a site she launched in 2020. As a type A traveler who loves to extensively research destinations to create the perfect vacation itinerary, she’s here to help readers so that their travel planning process is as easy as possible. In addition to running this site, she is a professional content writer in the wellness and skincare spaces, and also works as an actress.

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