French Resorts: Saint-Tropez — an oasis of luxury and culture on the Côte d'Azur

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From historic landmarks and picturesque beaches to luxurious restaurants and nightclubs, Saint-Tropez offers everything for an unforgettable vacation on the Côte d'Azur

Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous and prestigious resort cities in the world, located on the southern coast of France, which is called the Côte d'Azur. This town with a population of about 5 thousand people becomes the center of glamorous life and a real capital of luxury recreation during the summer season.

History

Saint-Tropez has a rich history, starting from the times of the ancient Romans. The name of the city comes from Saint Trophimus (Saint-Tropez), who, according to legend, suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith. In the Middle Ages, the town became an important trading and military port.

Photo: From the author's personal archive

Since the early 20th century, Saint-Tropez has been a destination for artists and writers such as Paul Signac and Henri Matisse. However, the town gained real fame in the 1950s when it was visited by Brigitte Bardot and other French movie stars. The movie "And God Created Woman" (1956), starring Brigitte Bardot, made Saint-Tropez synonymous with glamorous life. Here they still sell swimsuits like the main character of the film.

Beaches

St. Tropez
Photo: From the author's personal archive

Saint-Tropez is famous for its magnificent beaches  with white sand and crystal clear water. The most famous of them:

Pampelonne Beach (Plage de Pampelonne ): One of the longest beaches in the region, stretching for 5 kilometers. It is home to famous beach clubs such as Club 55, where celebrities and rich people from all over the world gather.

Tahiti Beach (Plage de Tahiti ): This beach is known for its scenic beauty and atmosphere of luxury.

Salis Beach (Plage des Salins ): Big, calm and cozy beach, ideal for those looking for a relaxing vacation.

Secret beach from me: Plage des Graniers, located near the restaurant Les Graniers, democratic place and calmness around you are guaranteed.

A secret beach in Saint-Tropez
Photo: From the author's personal archive

Besides the beaches, it is worth visiting the local woodland Massif des Maures, which offers spectacular views and opportunities for hiking and cycling.

Architecture

Saint-Tropez retains its medieval charm with narrow streets, picturesque houses and historic sites.

Citadelle of Saint-Tropez: Built in the 17th century for protection against pirates, the citadel is now a museum of maritime history.

The Old Port Tower (La Tour du Portalet): overlooks the harbor and is a symbol of the city.

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption: known for its baroque architecture and iconic chime.

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Art

Saint-Tropez is home to numerous art galleries and cultural events. The Musée de l'Annonciade  presents a large collection of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists such as Signac, Matisse and Bonnard.

Photo: Pinterest

Sailing Regattas Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

One of the highlights of Saint-Tropez is the International Sailing Regatta, which will take place from September 28 to October 6, 2024 — now in its 25th year. This event attracts sailors from all over the world. Just imagine, for one week the port of Saint-Tropez is filled with sailing yachts of different eras and styles, gathering more than two hundred sailors from all over the world. This event is not only a celebration for maritime adventurers, but also a real show for spectators who enjoy the beauty and grace of the sailing vessels.

Gastronomy

The cuisine of Saint-Tropez reflects the traditions of Provence with an emphasis on fresh seafood, olive oil and aromatic herbs. Local specialties worth trying include:

Bouillabaisse: Traditional fish soup with various types of fish and seafood.

Soup Bouillabaisse
Photo: Pinterest

Salade Niçoise: A light and fresh salad with vegetables, tuna, anchovies and eggs.

Salade Nicoise
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Tarte Tropézienne: A sweet tart created in the 1950s that has become a culinary symbol of Saint-Tropez and is a favorite dessert of Salma Hayek !

Salma Hayek in St. Tropez with a traditional Tropezienne tarte in hand
Photo: instagram.com

Tarte Tropezienne
Photo: Pinterest

The town is also known for its high-end restaurants and Café, such as La Vague d'Or, which has a two-star Michelin rating, and L'Opéra, which offers fine dining overlooking the sea.

Photo: Pinterest

Shopping

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Saint-Tropez offers a wide range of luxury boutiques where you can find the latest collections of famous designers. Rue de la Citadelle is known for its high-end stores. At 300 meters from which is the famous throughout Saint-Tropez and all of France Boutique Atelier , where since 1927, for three generations have been making the world-recognizable traditional sandals Tropeziennes Sandals , so do not deny yourself the pleasure purchase  a pair created especially for you in such a legendary place.

Photo: tweezers

Jacquemus

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One of the famous fashion brands that choose Saint-Tropez to open their boutiques is Jacquemus. The French designer, known for his bright and unconventional collections, decided to please fashion fans by opening his pop-up  boutique in this prestigious resort town.

Photo: https://dopedispatch.com

This event caused quite a stir among fashionistas and aesthetics fans. The boutique is located in the popular café and brasserie La Renaissance, which is near Place des Lices. Jacquemus completely redesigned the space, adding yellow stripes to restaurant chairs and decorating umbrellas, surfboards and lounge chairs at the Indie Beach  club with a green theme. In addition to the fashion collections, you can enjoy a new restaurant menu from chef Ella Affalo and a café menu from chef Ana Maria Cadena.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Saint-Tropez is as luxurious as anything else. Famous nightclubs such as Les Caves du Roy attract famous DJs and celebrities from around the world.

Alternative

Road sign
Photo: From the author's personal archive

If Saint-Tropez seems too flashy and you're looking for a less pretentious vacation option, resort towns like Frejus and Saint Raphael are worth considering. These places combine the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline with a more relaxed atmosphere, offering gorgeous beaches, cultural attractions and authentic French hospitality.

The beach in the town of Frejus
Photo: From the author's personal archive

Frejus is known for its Roman ruins and historical monuments such as the amphitheater and aqueduct.

St. Raphael
Photo: From the author's personal archive

Saint Raphael, on the other hand, attracts tourists with its picturesque coves, charming old town and water sports opportunities. Both towns are ideal for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Côte d'Azur without the excessive noise and luxury of Saint-Tropez.

St. Raphael
Photo: From the author's personal archive

And yet, Saint-Tropez is special. It is more than just a resort town. It is a symbol of luxury, history and culture that attracts visitors from all over the world with its beaches, historical monuments and unique atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation on the beach or want to dive into the world of glamorous life, you should still visit Saint-Tropez and give it your own assessment, these impressions will stay with you for a lifetime.

Photo: Pinterest


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