When we hear about Saint Tropez in the South of France, we all think about yachts, expensive cars, celebrities, actors, singers, brands and exclusive hotels. Well, Saint Tropez is all these, but it is also more. It is also a picturesque fishing village, preserved perfectly, where everyone could have a great time according to the money he is willing to spend. Let’s see how you can spend a memorable summer morning in this famous village at Cote ‘D’Azur.
The most common way to arrive in Saint Tropez is by car. Park your car in the enormous Parking du Nouveau Port (no way you won’t find a spot). Then follow Rue General Allard, which leads directly to the Old Harbour. On your way you come across numerous shops, most of them selling beachwear.
The artistic tradition of Saint Tropez
At the end of the road, on your left hand, you will see the small but famous Musée de l’Annonciade, which certainly deserves a visit. The museum was created in 1922 and presents art from 1890 to 1950. Its collection includes some of the French masters, such as Matisse, Derain and Marquet. The building was a 16th-century chapel, and it is a great example of how Saint Tropez was an important avant-garde centre in the beginning of the 20th century. Paul Signac discovered this village in 1892, set his workshop here and started inviting other artists to work here. This artistic tradition is still vivid in Saint Tropez, from the street painters at the Old Harbour to the many painters’ ateliers and exhibitions you find in the streets of the village. For more information about the museum, visit the official St Tropez site.
The Old Harbour and La Glaye
After your visit to the museum, you are now in the heart of the Old Harbour, the heart of the village. Stroll around the docks, admire the works of the numerous street painters and stare at the various famous cafes and restaurants. In the world-famous Cafe De Paris, Le Gorille, and Senequier, you might recognise a celebrity, a politician, or an actor drinking his/her morning coffee. If you are not willing to have a coffee at one of these quite pricy cafes, you could just grab a delicious ice cream cone from Barbarac on Quai Gabriel Péri.
From this point walk along Quai Jean-Jaurès with the pretty pastel-painted houses. After turning right at Place ‘D’Hotel De Ville, where the Hotel De Ville with its pink facade is located. Just next to the entrance of the building, turn left at the narrow passage that leads you to the much-photographed beach La Glaye. The beach is located between the two towers, Tour du Portalet and Tour Vieille, which defended the village from sea invaders. Sit down on this scenic small beach and take a break from the buzz and hassle.
La Ponche and Citadelle
After the small break, return back to Place D’Hotel De Ville and follow, on your left, Rue De La Ponche that leads to the beach La Ponche and Port De Peche. From this point, continue along Rue Des Remparts, which is home to Valerie Pons’ workshop. Pons is a French painter of naive art, who in 1991 created a workshop in Saint-Tropez. Her works are unique and certainly deserve a visit. From Rue Des Remparts turn right to Rue De La Citadelle and follow the narrow streets of the old fishing neighbourhood, trying to find your way back to the Old Harbour.
From this point on Rue De La Citadelle, it is easy to reach Citadelle. The old fortress, located on the top of a small hill, offers spectacular views over the rooftops of the town and beyond.
Saint Torpes
In the complex of the narrow alleys, you come across Eglise Notre Dame De ‘L’Assomption with its colourful bell tower that dominates the skyline of the village. Inside the church, you can see the torso of Saint Torpes, the patron saint of the area. He is venerated as an early Christian martyr, and the town of Saint-Tropez is named after him.
His legend states that he was martyred during the persecutions of Nero. According to the most famous story, he was executed by Nero after Torpes declared himself a Christian. His body was placed in a boat with a cock and a dog. The two animals had been put there in order to nourish themselves on the saint’s body. A woman named Celerina dreamed of the saint’s body arriving, and indeed, the boat reached Saint Tropez, where Celerina resided. The body was untouched by both the cock and the dog.
Rue Sibilli and Place Des Lices
From the church walk down towards the harbour and turn left at Rue Francois Sibilli. On this street the shops of the most famous fashion brands are located (Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and many more). This is the perfect place for window shopping and checking on the new trends in fashion. The street ends at Place des Lices, the biggest square of Saint Tropez. Here every Tuesday and Saturday, a big street market takes place. It is recommended to avoid these mornings because the whole area becomes very crowded. After a stop for coffee at one of the many cafes around the square, start your return to the car.
Where to eat in Saint Tropez
If during this long morning stroll around Saint Tropez you feel hungry, the choices are many. Here are three of our favourites:
- La Tarte Tropezienne (Traverse Des Lices, Place De Lices): Come here to taste the famous tarte, which is a dessert pastry consisting of a filled brioche. It was created in 1955 by Alexandre Micka, a patisserie owner in Saint Tropez. The pastry was named by actress Brigitte Bardot the first time she tasted it, during the filming of “And God created woman”.
- Basilic Burger (Place Des Ramparts): Tasty and quality burgers, very good prices and excellent service. The menu has a significant variety of choices.
- L’ Aroma (2 Rue Joseph Quaranta): Authentic Italian pizza with quality ingredients in many combinations.
Everyone is welcome at Saint Tropez
The last picture you are going to take with you is that of the Gendarmerie Nationale (above, painted by Valerie Pons). It is a characteristic icon of this village, near Nouveau Port.
Saint Tropez is a place where everyone could find a way to have a good time. This village does not exclude anyone, and everyone feels welcome. If you are visiting the south of France, a morning in Saint Tropez is a highly recommended stop.
