Saint-Tropez: Beyond the Glamour, a Real Riviera Gem

Lucía Torres · 2026-07-02

Over the past few months, we've explored the eastern side of the French Riviera—from Monaco and its neighboring towns to the elegance of Cap d'Ail, Eze, Beausoleil, and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Now it's time to journey west, where the Riviera takes on a completely different character. Our next stop is the legendary Saint-Tropez and the beautiful Gulf that surrounds it—a place where Provencal charm, sandy beaches, vineyards, and an unmistakable art of living have captivated visitors and residents for generations. In the coming editions, we'll continue our journey back along the coast, discovering the remarkable towns and villages that connect Saint-Tropez to Cannes. Each has its own history, personality, and lifestyle. Together, they tell the story of one of the world's most extraordinary coastlines. I hope you'll join me as we continue exploring the French Riviera—one destination at a time. ### Saint-Tropez: Where the Riviera Changes Pace Having lived on the French Riviera for more than forty years, I've always felt a distinct difference between the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var. The Alpes-Maritimes is refined, cosmopolitan, and energetic. It's home to Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Monaco—where business, culture, and international influences meet against a Mediterranean backdrop. The Var tells a different story. The landscapes become wilder. Vineyards replace city streets. Umbrella pines stretch toward sandy beaches. Life slows down and feels more connected to nature and tradition. For me, one of the most charming ways to arrive in Saint-Tropez has always been to leave the car in Sainte-Maxime and take the ferry across the Gulf. As the boat approaches the harbor, the pastel-colored facades, fishing boats, and iconic bell tower gradually come into view. There's something magical about arriving by sea—just as visitors have done for centuries. In fact, this very route is part of the daily landscape surrounding Carlton International's Saint-Tropez office, ideally located in the heart of the port.  ### The Heart of the Village: Place des Lices Long before the yachts and international acclaim, Saint-Tropez was a working fishing village. Yet despite its fame, traces of that authentic spirit remain remarkably intact. Nowhere is this more evident than on the famous Place des Lices. Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, one of Provence's most celebrated markets transforms the square into a vibrant gathering place filled with local produce, flowers, antiques, and artisan goods. Beneath the shade of the century-old plane trees, the tradition of petanque continues much as it always has. It's one of the rare places where lifelong residents, fishermen, artists, entrepreneurs, and international visitors naturally mingle together.  ### From Bardot to Today: A Storied Past Saint-Tropez entered popular culture in the 1950s when Brigitte Bardot arrived to film "And God Created Woman," forever changing the destiny of the village. Soon afterward, Saint-Tropez became a favorite gathering place for personalities including Jean-Paul Belmondo, Louis de Funes, Eddy Mitchell, and Eddie Barclay. Their presence helped create the mythology that still surrounds the village today. Yet Saint-Tropez is far more than celebrity glamour. Residents are drawn by an exceptional lifestyle. The legendary beaches of Pampelonne, hidden coastal paths, world-class sailing, renowned vineyards, and spectacular natural landscapes offer a quality of life that few destinations can rival. ### Lifestyle and Leisure: What You Can Do **Sailing:** Each autumn, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez transforms the bay into one of the most beautiful sailing spectacles in the Mediterranean. It brings together magnificent classic and modern yachts from around the world. **Golf:** For enthusiasts, several prestigious courses are located throughout the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The fairways wind through pine forests and offer stunning sea views. **Wine:** Wine lovers can explore some of Provence's most respected estates. The region is famous for its rosé, but reds and whites from local appellations are equally impressive. **Dining:** Food lovers enjoy everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to simple beachside cafes serving fresh seafood. > "Saint-Tropez is not just a destination; it's a feeling that stays with you long after you leave." ### Practical Tips for Your Visit - **Best time to visit:** Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer temperatures often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. - **Getting there:** The nearest major airport is Nice Cote d'Azur, about 60 miles away. From there, you can rent a car or take a helicopter for a scenic 20-minute flight. - **Where to stay:** The port area offers luxury hotels with harbor views. For a quieter experience, consider villas in the hills surrounding the Gulf. Saint-Tropez may be famous for its glamour, but its true charm lies in the simple pleasures—a glass of local wine at sunset, a game of petanque under the plane trees, or a swim in the clear Mediterranean waters. So whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, I invite you to discover the Saint-Tropez that locals love. It's a place where the Riviera changes pace, and where you can truly slow down and savor life.