St-Tropez: The Playground of the Rich and Famous – and a Delightful Holiday Spot

St-Tropez has been the symbol of Riviera glamour since the 1950s, when Brigitte Bardot and the film "And God Created Woman" made the little fishing port famous. Superyachts line the harbour and beach clubs pop champagne – but behind the glitz is a pretty Provençal village with a market, a castle and beautiful coastal walks. Here's how to enjoy St-Tropez, whatever your budget.

In town

1. The Old Port

Watch the yachts and people from a café on the harbour, and browse the painters' easels along the quay. Early morning is calm and lovely.

Superyachts line the quay, painters set up their easels and people watch the world go by from the cafés – Sénéquier's red chairs are the place to be seen.

2. La Ponche and the old town

Behind the port, the old fishermen's quarter of La Ponche has narrow lanes, ochre houses and a small beach. Climb to the Citadel, a 17th-century fortress with views over the gulf and a maritime history museum.

Narrow lanes, pastel houses and the small beach of La Ponche, where fishermen still pull up their boats.

3. Place des Lices market

On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the plane-tree-shaded square hosts a Provençal market with produce, cheese, linens and antiques. In the afternoon, locals play pétanque.

On market days, under the plane trees, stalls sell Provençal fabrics, cheeses, olives and lavender, and old men play pétanque nearby.

4. Musée de l'Annonciade

A small museum in a former chapel with works by painters drawn to St-Tropez's light, including Signac and Matisse.

In a former chapel, the light falls on paintings of Saint-Tropez by Signac, Matisse and Bonnard – the colours of the town, captured over a century ago.

Beaches

5. Pampelonne

Five kilometres of sand in neighbouring Ramatuelle, lined with famous beach clubs but also public sections where you can lay your towel for free.

Five kilometres of golden sand, with chic beach clubs, champagne and celebrities – and quieter public stretches for a cheaper day.

6. Smaller coves

Plage des Graniers near the citadel and Plage de la Bouillabaisse are within walking distance of town; the coastal path leads to quieter coves.

Along the coast, small coves of clear water and rocks hide among the pines – perfect for a quiet swim.

Beyond St-Tropez

7. The coastal path

The Sentier du Littoral follows the coast past pine-fringed coves and villas – walk a section from the town to Les Graniers and beyond.

The path follows the coast, past villas, coves and pine trees, with the sea sparkling below – bring water and swimwear.

8. Hilltop villages

The perched villages of Gassin and Ramatuelle have lanes of flowers and terraces with views over the vineyards and the sea. Grimaud has a castle ruin, and Port Grimaud is a picturesque lagoon village of canals.

Gassin and Ramatuelle perch on the hills above vineyards, with narrow lanes, flowers and views to the sea.

Tips

• Beat the traffic: in summer, take the boat from Sainte-Maxime or park outside town.
• Budget: picnic from the market, swim at public beaches and dine in the villages.
• Events: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, a classic yacht regatta, usually takes place in late September or early October.
• Love sailing? See our guide to yachting in Croatia's Istria.