The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Saint Tropez

Brigitte Bardo in Saint Tropez, 1958 by Helmut Newton

So you’ve heard of Saint-Tropez. You’ve seen the images of the yachts and the beautiful people. You’re somewhat aware of the legend of Brigitte Bardot and other icons of the past cavorting around this sun-drenched fishing village. You’re ready to book a trip and you want to do it right. This is the guide for the woman who wants to fully immerse herself in the atmosphere of the place. It answers all the questions that maybe you’re afraid to ask: where exactly should you go, what do you wear, where to stay and what to do.

I hope you’ve been saving up babe. Saint Tropez is a pricey place. In terms of vibe, it hosts a mix of the ostentatious big spenders, the singletons looking to meet and mate, and the families who’ve been coming for generations. Saint Tropez is in essence, what you make of it. It’s nice to pop in and out of the social scene, giving yourself time to also enjoy what the town has to offer outside of the flash. In other words, it doesn’t have to be annoying. It can be a relaxing trip, a meat-market, a wonderful girls trip or a romantic get-away. Just pick and choose wisely. The longer you’re here, you’ll start to see some of the same people over and over again, so look good and be nice. You never know whose yacht you may be invited on the next day.

Getting Here

By Car

Your hotel or villa should have parking but if you’re driving in for the day there is always plenty of parking in Parking du Nouveau Port.

By Boat

A few of the hotels, Cheval Blanc for example, and most of the best beach clubs have a port.

Where to Stay

If you’re coming all the way to Saint Tropez, I would recommend staying in Saint Tropez. You want to walk as much as possible, popping in and out of the little streets, cafes, and shops. If that’s not entirely possible or you want more space, a larger villa with a pool and/or views, I recommend staying in Gassin or Ramatuelle. Between the two, Ramatuelle is a better bet as it is really looked at as the beach side of Saint-Tropez, even though it’s technically a different town. In fact, when we get to dining, beach clubs, and nightlife, we’ll discuss Ramatuelle and Saint-Tropez interchangeably; they’re so closely linked.

Saint-Maxime

Saint-Maxime has wonderful villa options and is relatively close by (20-minute drive from Saint-Tropez, without traffic). But in the high summer, there will be traffic. If your intention is to spend as much time in Saint Tropez, it’s not ideal to be driving back and forth from your day adventures and back again for the nightlife. You’ll spend too much time commuting. If you only plan to pop into Saint Tropez once or twice, then sure Saint-Maxime could be right for you.

Gassin

This is just next door to Saint Tropez. You can rent villas with great sea views or stay at one of a few lovely hotels. You will have to drive or be driven (by car or hotel shuttles) into Saint Tropez proper. If you choose Gassin and want a hotel over an Air BnB, I recommend two:

Althoff Villa Belrose

Pricey 5-star hotel with gorgeous grounds and views.

Kube Hotel

This hotel is less pricey than Belrose but still a pretty penny. Very modern design and large grounds.

Ramatuelle

My recommendation for Ramatuelle is to book a villa, preferably in the Boulevard de Patch area. All the important beach clubs are in Ramatuelle so you will be very close to a key part of the Saint-Tropez experience. The drive from Ramatuelle to Saint-Tropez proper is a scenic ten minute trip where you may get stuck behind the occasional tractor. It’s a charming reminder that this glitzy area is also made up of farmers and other workers that keep it alive. If you want to splurge:

La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas

This exclusive, 5-star resort boasts fantastic views, a 2 Michelin star restaurant and a “bohemian” beach club a few minutes drive, but we’ll get to La Réserve à la Plage later.

Saint-Tropez

You can book villas in Saint-Tropez proper but they will cost you. It may also be a bit more difficult to find a villa with a swimming pool if that’s important to you. But don’t worry your pretty little mind, there are plenty of hotel options in town. The beauty of staying in town is the proximity to everything, especially the nightlife. The beaches are still a short drive away but, hey, you can’t have everything.

Hotel Byblos

In addition to a luxe and chic stay, Byblos offers great restaurants, sunset views, and a chic vibe. It’s nice to stay in a place where everything seems to be happening. The famous club Les Caves du Roy is located below the hotel.

Cheval Blanc

This 33-room hotel is part of the LVMH collection of hotels, all of which share the same name. It is excellence personified. It boasts a private beach and the three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Vague d’Or, if that is your thing. It is situated right at the entrance of Saint Tropez proper.

Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière

The remodeled Château de La Messardière is a stunningly beautiful and family friendly hotel that boasts three restaurants and a private beach club - in a seperate location - that’s accessible via Rolls Royce.

La Croix Valmer

If you’re looking for a respite from the at times overwhelming energy and glitz of Saint Tropez, but still want to be pampered and just close enough to the action, you may want to consider the new 44 room, Phillipe Starck designed hotel Lilly of the Valley. The hotel puts a large focus on wellness and was built to blend seamlessly into the surrounding area but is only a 3 minute drive from Saint Tropez. Picture panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, unspoiled landscape, a state of the art spa and the modern, luxe playfulness of Phillipe Stark design. I’ll say less.

If these hotels feel more suited to someone with the budget of a Saudi prince and less like you, renting a villa with a group of friends or for your family is really the way to go. These hotels can be enjoyed for their restaurants and spas. You’ll get the full experience just the same.

Lilly of the Valley Wellness Luxury Hotel

Beach Clubs

The daytime vibe of Saint Tropez rivals the nightlife. I dare say it’s better... The beach clubs are an über important part of the social scene and overall experience. They are also drop-dead gorgeous and so much fun. Something about it being daytime makes everyone a bit friendlier and more open. Beach clubs are defined as places where you can book day beds and have a meal, and Saint-Tropez has turned them into an art form. You can lunch on the beach at your bed or at a table in the restaurant. Note: you must reserve (beds and restaurants) in advance. If you are going in the busy months of July and August, I recommend you reserve well in advance. Most clubs book lunch reservations for their restaurants in shifts, meaning you can only book for 13h30 or 15h30. I recommend taking the earlier shift because people linger at their tables for hours, and the restaurant never rushes their guests (one of the beautiful things about France). Some places have started enforcing a two-hour time limit per table. It’s more convenient but a bit less chic, no?

Le Club 55

Le Club Cinquante-Cinq. “Here, the customer is not the king… because he is a friend.’ They embody this philosophy. This legendary spot on Pampellone Beach in Ramatuelle is a must. With beds that sit very low to the ground and music that is never too loud, Club 55 has the most laid-back yet upscale vibe of all the beach clubs. 55 is where you get the young, the old, the singles, couples, and families. Everyone comes here and has been coming since the 50s. Watching people arrive by boat and take the long boardwalk to lunch is a sport. The gift shop has clothing of all price points for men and women, home goods, children’s toys, and wonderful gifts. The white and blue decor of the restaurant is therapeutic, the staff is nice, and a band plays live music at the tableside. It’s not really the place for dancing on tables and spraying champagne, though it occasionally happens. If you don’t like it, you can brag about that fact, but you have to be able to say you have been here.

Loulou Plage & Restaurant

A relative newcomer to Plage de Pampelonne, the beach-side cousin to the LouLou in Paris is a design and decor dream.’ dream. Artist and designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s touch is seen and felt throughout the place. It is elegant yet playful. The bright yellows blend with the blue of the sea to create a visually intoxicating result. It simply doesn’t feel like anywhere else you’ve probably ever been.

Gigi Ramatuelle

Gigi is another interesting and hot newcomer. It’s a “beach house” with a swimming pool, restaurant, epic kids' area, wellness area, and beach access. The idea is that you can spend your entire day with them and not suffer from a lack of luxe things to do.

La Réserve à la Plage

This is the sort of place you come to Saint Tropez to experience.

Indie beach

The vibe here is mellow, almost bohemian, but still chic. The restaurant is wonderful, and the food is delicious.

Verde Plage

Elegant bohemian. You might bump into Max Verstappen on your way to the bathroom. Turns into a very lively party after lunch.

Club Les Palmiers

Very refined. There will be no champagne showers at this establishment. The sensibility is decidedly adult compared to Bagatelle, who is right next door.

Byblos Beach

Hotel Byblos’ stunning beach outpost in Ramatuelle. Lots of families.

Bagatelle

This is the place for you if you want the stereotypical beach club vibe where people break the bank on champagne showers.

Cabane Bambou

Family friendly. The ambiance is relaxed. Come for a break from the glitz.

Playamigos

New. From the same owners as Indie Beach

Les Graniers

Small and rustic chic vibe. It is a nice break from the bigger spots on Plage de Pampellone as this is within walking distance from the center of town

Restaurants

The restaurant you choose will depend on the type of dining experience you want and how spendy you’re feeling. There are the places that focus on food and the places that give you a high-energy vibe and show. Aim to experience both.

Drinks/Sunset Cocktails

Arcadia

This is the roof-top restaurant of Hotel Byblos situated pool-side, right next to the live music. Great for sunset.

Le Tigrr:

Located in the Hermitage Hotel. Situated on a large terrace that is wonderful for sunset. Features karaoke and live music.

Les Toits Lounge

Rooftop lounge and bar of the Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez

Dinner and Dancing

Pablo

New Mexican restaurant on Places de Lices that turns into a club.

Notto

Sister restaurant to the Paris location situated on the famous Place des Lices. The food is Italian but come for the atmosphere, as Notto turns into a party with loud music and dancing at the table. It’s perfect if you want an energetic vibe without going to an actual club.

La Gioia

Features Italian food and famous DJs or shows. Turns into club VIP room afterward so its perfect if you want to go to just one location for all your evening’s plans.

L'Opéra Saint-Tropez Restaurant

The food is not great and the party may have gotten a bit too wild but it is a Saint Tropez staple. If you want loud music, champagne spraying and dancing on tables, you should still go. Just as long as you know what you’re getting into.

Mory Sacko at Louis Vuitton at Hotel 1921

Gaïo Restaurant and Nightclub

They’re doing L’Opera better than L’Opera.

Les Caves du Roy

Famous. Very fun. Quite small. Difficult door.

Light Bites and Treats

La Tarte Tropezienne Patisserie

A Saint Tropez institution with multiple locations. They' created the Tarte Tropezienne but offer a wide range of treats.

Restaurant Le Goustado Tropezien

Pop in for a drink and fast service after a long walk.

Zetta

Stop in for a pizza or gelato in this relaxed Italian place between the port and the Place des Lices.

The Strand

Try to get a table on their patio and order their french appetizers. Turns into a loung after 10pm during the high season.

Lunch and Dinner

La Vague d'Or

Hotel Cheval Blanc’s three Michelin-starred restaurant is perfect for a special occasion.

L'Auberge des Maures

Dine on provençal cuisine on their leafy terrace at Hotel Airelles.

Restaurant Colette at Hôtel Sezz

Poolside, al fresco dining, and authentic French food.

Cucina Byblos:

Located in the Hotel Byblos, Cucina is an Alain Ducasse restaurant serving Italian food. It offers al fresco dining and lovely decor, including lanterns and greenery.

Dior de Lices

It's just so stupidly beautiful. I recommend you book for lunch so you can really take in the surroundings. Look nice.

Le Salama

Moroccan food with drop dead decor. The group tables are quite large and the music is very loud so you may feel a bit far away from other people in your group. Don’t be shocked if there is a model walking up and down the aisles wearing clothes that they sell at their boutique in town. The wait staff gets into the energy with you but if you request shots, be sure to ask them the price first.

Riviera Nights at Cheval Blanc

Go for a refined lunch with a sea view.

Jardin Tropezina:

Hotel Airelles’ stunningly beautiful beach side restaurant. The beach beds are exclusively for hotel guests but you won’t mind with that bay view.

Mory Sacko at Louis Vuitton

A white dream set in the center of the village right on the famous Place de Lices, Hotel 1921 is a former mansion turned hotel that houses the Mory Sacko at Louis Vuitton restaurant.

Kinugawa

The Saint Tropez outpost of the already popular Japanese restaurant chain that boasts location in Paris, St Barth’s and Megève.

Cherry

Brand new Italian restaurant with a self-professed New York vibe, on the Port.

Nao

Festive new restaurant offering an interesting combo of Japanese and Mediterranean food and a lot of vibes.

Les Moulins de Ramatuelle

Five minutes from the beach. Dine on provençal cuisine in a pretty setting.

L’Olive

Simple inner street restaurant serving rustic French and Italian dishes.

Chez madeleine

Very good seafood.

Au Caprice des Deux

Dine al fresco on Provençal country cooking.

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At the Port

Le Quai

Chic restaurant with yacht views. They host live shows.

La Petite Plage

Beautiful decor, lovely staff. Brings a beachy vibe to the port location with sand-filled floors.

Senequier

A classic. Come for light bites, cocktails and to people watch.

Le Girelier
Elegant seafood restaurant.

The Saint Tropez Lounge Club

Members only.

Shopping

While every important name in luxury is here, allow yourself to be surprised by the offerings from local boutiques and galleries offering fashion, furniture, home décor and art.

Rue Gambetta is a cute cobblestone street on which you can find the Dior boutique and café, among other familiar names.

Rue François Sibilli is a palm-tree-lined street where all the big brands are located, such as Dolce and Gabanna, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Zimermann, and many more.

Rue Henri Seillon, you will find K Jacques, one of St Tropez's most famous shoe shops. Passage du Port has a lot of boutiques.

How to Dress

Dress to impress. The one thing to guarantee you great service in Saint Tropez is knowing the right people. The second best is looking good. In terms of style, you will see it all here. From understated elegance to the va-va-va-voom. Don’t shy away from color. Think linen and other natural, breathable fibers to beat the heat. In terms of the sensibility, you can’t go wrong with Dolce and Gabanna, Zimmermann, Charo Ruiz Ibiza, Ralph Lauren.

Other Things to Do

Rosé and Wines

Arrange a wine tour and tasting rosé tasting

Château Barbeyrolles, Chateau Minuty and Torpez. To name a few.

Place des Lices Marché

Every Tuesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., a huge open-air market is held on the Place des Lices. Here, you can buy everything from fresh food to vintage Louis Vuitton trunks. You can also find good-quality gifts, baby clothes, and souvenirs. It is truly special and adds to the experience.

Hike up to the Citadel Museum