The French Riviera might have a reputation for glitz and glamour, but St. Tropez and its nearby gems—Grimaud, Ramatuelle, and tucked-away Provençal vineyards—offer a perfect mix of sophistication, coastal charm, and sun-soaked indulgence. Whether you’re sipping rosé at a beach club, strolling through medieval streets with a pistachio gelato in hand, shopping the open-air market for breezy linen dresses, or dining on bouillabaisse by the sea, this is the kind of trip that’s meant to be savored.
We’ve been lucky enough to visit multiple times, and even luckier to have a close French friend—who summers here—show us the very best spots. From secret pétanque gardens to the most scenic rosé tastings, this guide combines our personal experiences with truly local insight.
How many days should you stay?
We recommend spending 4–5 days in the St. Tropez area to fully soak up the atmosphere and explore the surrounding villages. While you can do a whirlwind weekend, you’ll want extra time for long lunches, market mornings, beach club lounging, and winery visits. It’s the kind of place where slowing down is the point.
Best time to visit
The sweet spot for visiting St. Tropez is late May to early July or September, when the weather is warm, the rosé is flowing, and the crowds are manageable. August is the busiest (and hottest) time, when the town swells with visitors and prices peak. June and September offer the best of both worlds: sunshine, beach time, and space to breathe.
Pro tip: Many beach clubs and seasonal boutiques operate April through October, with July and August being peak season for nightlife and celebrity sightings.
How to get there
Getting to St. Tropez can be part of the fun. You can take the TGV from Paris to Toulon, Saint-Raphaël, or Les Arcs-Draguignan, and from there rent a car or take a ferry into town. You can also fly into Nice or Marseille. Either way—you’ll want to rent a car. Having one gives you the flexibility to explore vineyards, coastal towns, and hilltop villages at your own pace.
Where to stay
Whether you want to stay in the heart of St. Tropez or tucked into a hillside village, there’s something for every style.
In town:
- Hôtel Byblos is an institution with a celebrity following.
- Pan Dei Palais is an elegant hideaway with boutique charm.
- Cheval Blanc offers modern luxury with beach access.
- Château de la Messardière is a stunning hilltop retreat with incredible views, restaurants, and gardens. Even if you don’t stay here, consider booking dinner one night.
Prefer a slower pace?
- Grimaud is a fairytale town with boutique Airbnbs and a peaceful vibe—ideal for sunset walks, castle visits, and wine on the terrace.
- Ramatuelle is our pick for that rustic-chic countryside feel, complete with cobblestone lanes, hidden shops, and vineyards all around.
Take me to the beach
No St. Tropez trip is complete without at least one beach club day. Pampelonne Beach is home to some of the most iconic spots on the Riviera—perfect for long lunches, people-watching, and soaking up that Côte d’Azur sun.
We’ve created a full standalone blog with detailed reviews, but here are a few favorites worth calling out:
- Club 55 – The OG. Order the crudité platter and rosé, and soak up the scene. It’s effortlessly chic and steeped in history.
- Cabane Bambou – Laid-back and bohemian with fresh, seasonal fare and a calm vibe.
- Loulou – Trendy, social, and full of energy. Great food, music, and a design-forward space.
Pro Tip: Always book ahead for both lunch and loungers, especially during peak season.
📍 Check out our St. Tropez Beach Club Guide for more options, vibe breakdowns, and booking tips.
Where to eat
There’s so much more to the food scene here than beach club crudités. From Michelin-worthy seaside meals to rustic Provençal kitchens and iconic pastry shops, St. Tropez serves up unforgettable flavors.
A few personal favorites:
- Chez Camille (Ramatuelle) – Our pick for best bouillabaisse by the sea. Grilled fish, garlic toasts, and a view that can’t be beat.
- Les Joies (Gassin) – Go for sunset. The terrace views are breathtaking and the menu leans elegant Provençal.
- La Tarte Tropézienne – Don’t skip the namesake tart. Sweet, creamy, and sold in full and mini versions. We always grab a box to go.
- Cyril Lignac (just outside St. Tropez) – Worth a detour for next-level pastries. Flaky, buttery, and beautifully crafted.
📍 Coming Soon! Our full St. Tropez Restaurant Guide for all the best places to eat.
Shop in style
St. Tropez knows how to shop. The village is packed with a mix of global designer boutiques and charming local shops that feel curated and coastal. You’ll find everything from breezy linen sets to handmade sandals, woven bags, and embroidered pieces as you wander the cobbled streets—half the fun is discovering hidden gems as you go.
Hit the big names like Louis Vuitton (with a hidden garden), Hermès, and Dior, then explore tucked-away boutiques for fashion, accessories, and gifts. Don’t miss Boggi Milano—Mark’s go-to—for men’s summer staples with a tailored edge.
🛍️ More on the markets just below—trust us, they deserve their own spotlight.
Market Hopping
One of the best parts of the St. Tropez lifestyle? The markets. Beyond the aesthetic overload (linen, lavender, woven baskets galore), they’re also the perfect spot to stock up on picnic supplies, fresh produce, and local treasures.
- St. Tropez Market at Place des Lices – Held every Tuesday and Saturday, this is the most famous. Come early (opens at 8 AM) to beat the crowds and grab parking. Expect handmade sandals, breezy dresses, cured meats, rotisserie chicken, and mountains of olives.
- Ramatuelle Market – Smaller, more local, and just as charming. Held Wednesdays and Sundays in the village square. The pace is slower and the scene is pure Provence.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying more than one thing (especially dresses or accessories), polite negotiation is often welcome.
Wine Tasting
Rosé is practically a lifestyle here—and there’s no better place to sip than right at the source. The St. Tropez area is part of the Côtes de Provence AOC, known for its crisp, mineral-driven rosés that pair perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine and long summer days. Whether you prefer sleek tasting rooms or rustic cellars tucked into vineyards, the region has a wine experience to match.
Some of our favorite stops include Château Minuty, a well-known name producing elegant, balanced wines with sweeping views over the Gulf. Domaine de la Croix in La Croix-Valmer offers guided tastings and cellar tours you can book ahead. Château des Marres, located near Pampelonne Beach, is ideal for pairing with a beach club day. And for a quieter, more intimate tasting, Château Volterra offers artisanal wines and peaceful grounds overlooking the coast.
Most vineyards are open for tastings and many offer shipping—so you don’t have to decide between bringing home a bottle or another linen outfit.
Villages, Castles & Day Trips
Exploring the villages around St. Tropez is one of the most rewarding parts of a trip here. Each one has its own rhythm and personality, and the drives between them offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in the South of France.
Grimaud is one of our favorites—an enchanting medieval village with castle ruins, winding cobblestone alleys, and pastel homes that feel frozen in time. Ramatuelle, just a short drive away, is equally charming, surrounded by vineyards and pine forests, perfect for strolling and lingering in the village square over a glass of rosé. Gassin, perched high above the coastline, offers incredible panoramic views, and is a perfect stop for lunch at Escale à Gassin.
For those willing to venture further: Bargème (about an hour’s drive) is one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Châteaudouble is another hidden gem that rewards the curious traveler. If you’re up for an island escape, hop on the ferry to Porquerolles for a car-free day of biking, swimming, and beach hopping.
Whether you’re looking for barefoot luxury, artistic inspiration, or just a really good glass of wine with a sea view, the St. Tropez region delivers. From long lunches under the sun to strolls through medieval villages, every moment here feels a little cinematic.
Bon voyage!🌊🍷
Leave a comment