Friday, 29 January 2016

Guide to Saint Tropez

St Tropez is, quite simply, the most famous resort in Europe. In the 1940/50s in became the summertime haven for artists, philosophers and poets such as Satre and Picasso. Then Bridget Bardot appeared in the film 'And God Created Woman', transforming this local escape into and overnight transformed the peaceful fishing village into a sizzling jet-set favourite and hasn’t looked back since. St Tropez is a thriving tourist town with up to 60,000 visitors a day in the summer including an array famous face and some of the World’s wealthiest people.

Vieux Harbour


The atmospheric Vieux Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez, where the old fishing village first sprung to life. Visitors are charmed by the idyllic scene of small fishing boats and vast array of superyachts docked in the harbour, with some of the world’s wealthiest and most famous visitors on board.  The old harbour is lined by pastel-coloured Mediterranean houses and lively cafés with outdoor terraces. As you stroll along the sidewalk at the water's edge you will see local artists sell colourful artwork depicting scenes of Saint-Tropez. 

Duck beneath the archway, next to the tourist office, to uncover St-Tropez’ daily morning fish market , on place aux Herbes - the ancient market square that is filled with colourful fruit, vegetable, and flower stalls in the early morning. 

Places de Lices


St-Tropez’ legendary and very charming central square is studded with plane trees, cafes and pétanque players. Simply sitting on a cafe terrace watching the world go by or jostling with the crowds at its extravaganza of a twice-weekly market, jam-packed with everything from fruit and veg to antique mirrors and sandals, is an integral part of the St-Tropez experience. Aspiring pétanque players can borrow a set of boules from  Le Café bar where locals tend to hang on the other side of the square.


Where To Eat

La Tarte Tropézienne – bakery


Tarte Tropezienne is not only a famous type of cake, especially reknowned in Saint Tropez, but it also very busy and beautiful bakery. Many bakers and market stall owners try to recreate the simple yet delicious recipe but none of the taste like the ‘original’.
In 1955 a Polish baker, Alexandre Micka, opened a pâtisserie on the Place de la Mairie in the sleepy fishing village St Tropez.  
In it he proposed a brioche with cream based on his grandmother's recipe. Now it just so happened that the mythic film And God created Woman’ was being shot nearby and Micka provided the catering.  A certain young rising star fell in love with his cake and suggested its name.  This star was none other than Brigitte Bardot and it was the success of this film that launched her career and established St Tropez as the place to be for the rich and famous.


La Vague d’Or, La Terrace, La Résidence de la Pinède


When is there a better opportunity to over-indulge in gastronomie than on holiday in St Tropez? The most exquisite cuisine is conjured up by France’s 2013 Chef Of The Year, Arnaud Donckele, at this three star Michelin restaurant. Customers are served in world class style and elegance, as would not only be expected at a Michelin starred restaurant, but at one of the region’s most exclusive hotels,

La Résidence de la Pinède. Renowned for his refreshing use of the best Mediterranean ingredients, Arnaud Donckele provides a fine dining experience for, arguably, St Tropez’s top tables to be seen at. Main courses start at €94 in the Vague d’Or restaurant, with extravagant sandwiches also served on La Terrace starting at €34.

Beaches

Pampelonne beach


This is the beach that has fuelled St Tropez’s fame since 1955. In high summer, it might welcome some 30,000 people a day. The mythic Pampelonne beach is St-Tropez's crown jewel of beaches, even if the actual location is Ramatuelle. Nearly five kilometres of fine, white sand separate the Mediterranean sea from acres of scrub-covered dunes. It's a site of remarkable natural beauty that offers a rural backdrop to the world's most glamorous beach party scene. At the same time, there's a bohemian side to St-Tropez that dates back to the 1950s.


Club 55


Probably the classiest and most discreet, with the choicest clientele of world politicians, Russian and Middle Eastern businessmen and, of course, Kate Moss. Sir Elton also shows up amidst the tamarisk trees. Elle MacPherson and Paris Hilton were among those spotted here in summer 2014.
The simplest possible cabin in the early 1950s, Club 55 was adopted as their canteen by the people making And God Created Woman - the Bardot movie that put St Tropez on the world stage in 1955, whence the club's name. It has never lost its appeal among the beautiful, the powerful and the clever. To have any chance of a summer table, book ahead.

Where To Stay
That’s where we come in. We are the UKs largest independent villa rental specialists for the Cote d’Azur and South of France. We pride ourselves in having unrivalled knowledge of all areas on the French Riviera, with over 10 years experience of building exceptional private portfolios of luxury villas, seafront villas and some of the most exclusive rental and sales properties in the South of France. 

Here are our favourite places to stay in St Tropez: 
7 Bedrooms
Beautiful gardens 
Walking distance to the beach 
Two heated swimming pools 
5 minute drive from St Tropez centre 

View more details on this villa here: http://goo.gl/34gKa7


6 bedrooms
Panoramic view
Situated within walking distance of Pampelonne beach and Club 55 
Boasts a 15m swimming pool and Jacuzzi
Fantastic outside ares with summer kitchen, bar and pool house

View more details on this villa here: http://goo.gl/aiY9Xk


400sqm Living Space 2000sqm Land Size
8 Bedrooms
8 Bathrooms
Panoramic Sea Views
Swimming Pool
Waterfront

View more on details on this villa here: http://goo.gl/QNVsQZ 

Browse all of our properties in St Tropez here, or contact our South of France award-winning specialists today to access our private portfolio and start your bespoke holiday rental search.


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