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