St Tropez is one of the worlds most glamorous locations in Europe, and perhaps the most famous seaside village in the world.
From the world’s best beach clubs to celebrity spotting, designer shopping and Michelin star dining, there is much to indulge in.
It’s an A-List town in every sense of the word, and the most luxurious locations along The French Riviera. Everyone from the world’s absolute richest and most glamorous to the worst in hanger-oners come here every summer.
St Tropez does have a genuine back bone though; traditionally it is a genuine Provencal coastal town, with an entertaining French Provincial past that includes fighting, fishing and drama.
But upon arrival in St Tropez town for the first time, it is more low key than you might think, and it is not immediately obvious what to fill your time with and where to go.
In terms of transport, the beaches are a 30 minute drive away, and there are many shuttles around, as well as hotel cars. Plus a few ubers and taxis as well.
These are some of my favourite experiences you must not miss.
Beach Clubs:
Beach Clubs are the place to see and be seen, and in St Tropez, you can see some of the world’s most famous faces there. Kate Moss, Bono, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Leonardo Di Caprio are just a few who are seen there almost every summer.
Located about 30 minutes from the town, many hotels have shuttles going to and from the beaches all day and night.
The newest has opened this season, and is La Reserve A La Plage on Pampelonne Beach, part of La Reserve Ramatuelle Hotel Spa And Villas. Designed by Philippe Starck, this chic, bohemian club is elegant, fun, refined and classy. A place the whole family can enjoy, with food that is as modern as it is fresh.
There is a gorgeous open bar, elegant restaurant, all day beach cabanas and a shop filled with beachwear you will love. This is my current favourite.
Club 55 is the oldest and most classic beach club that was created in 1955. Some of the world’s most famous people visit every year, and the menu stays exactly the same. It’s also a must-see, but the food is nothing to rave about, and the prices are as scorching as the summer sun.
And there are a myriad of other beach clubs in-between, many that stay open all night with girls dancing on tables and too much fun to mention.
Restaurants:
There is not shortage of incredible restaurants in St Tropez with every cuisine and setting you can dream of. From the elegant Le Pationata at Hotel De Paris, to the classic Au Caprice des Deux restaurant in a little laneway and La Vague d’Or opposite the ocean.
You should definitely have a drink overlooking the port, and if you are looking for a traditional English breakfast, this is a late town so you may have to go to a hotel.
Dance Until Dawn
St Tropez is famous for all night parties, as many visitors step off the boats and into the town to party hard.
The number one spot for decades has been Les Caves Du Roy at Byblos Spa Hotel. Refurbished two years ago, this is the number one place to spot celebrities, from P Diddy to Beyonce, and have the night of your life.
But the beach clubs also have fabulous parties, but you need transport there and back.
Shopping:
The cobbled lanes and elegant boutiques provide hours of shopping pleasure.
But two of Europe’s most intimate and luxurious shopping experiences sit right in the heart of the town of St Tropez. One is the Chanel store, which is actually a villa converted for the summer into a store. This takes retail shopping to a whole new level.
Christian Dior’s House of Dior is equally as spectacular and was renovated this year. As well as an extra ordinary place to soak up all that is French Fashion, there’s even a restaurant – The Dior des Lices Restaurant, where you can happily spend an afternoon indulging in every sense of the word.
The store even has its own swimming pool, tailored backyard and separate display store at the back of the yard full of goodies you will want to have.
Get Local:
There area number of spots where locals hang out, but nothing is more local than a game of Boules at Place des Lices. This dusty square is where locals spend hours indulging in this classic French game, and watching it can be just as entertaining as playing, particularly with a glass of rose in hand.
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